Dr. Michael Hunter Honored by Puget Sound Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure

KIRKLAND, Wash., May 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- EvergreenHealth is proud to announce that Dr. Michael Hunter – a medical director of the Halvorson Cancer Center – has been honored by Susan G. Komen of Puget Sound with its prestigious Promise of One award.

The Promise of One award is given annually by Komen affiliates and is designed to recognize the power one person can have in ending breast cancer by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find cures.

"Dr. Hunter is being recognized for his exceptional contributions to Komen Puget Sound and our fight against breast cancer," says Cheryl Shaw, executive director for Komen Puget Sound. "With his sharp intellect, wit and humor, Dr. Hunter has substantially furthered the Affiliate's mission through some of its most challenging times."

Over the past four years, Dr. Hunter has dedicated countless hours as Chair of the Komen Puget Sound Grants Committee, Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee and an active Board member. In each capacity, his ability to translate complicated breast cancer topics into simple, easy-to-understand language has been a benefit to the organization and the communities it serves.

"Dr. Hunter's servant leadership is truly exemplary. We're honored to count him among our teams of selfless providers, staff and volunteers who all work together to continually improve the patient experience, outcomes and outlook for those living with cancer. We congratulate Dr. Hunter on this well-deserved award," said Bob Malte, CEO of EvergreenHealth.

As Chair of the Grants Committee, Dr. Hunter has also guided the organization's grant-making process with a laser-like focus on its mission and priorities. Up to 75 percent of Komen Puget Sound's net income goes toward funding grants to local organizations that provide breast cancer prevention, education and treatment services.

In doing so, Komen Puget Sound is the largest private funder of mammograms for low-income, underserved women in Washington state. This year, Komen Puget Sound awarded $1.6 million to local organizations, which will provide vital breast cancer services to over 30,000 individuals.

Dr. Hunter was presented the Promise of One award in May 2013, as part of a ceremony recognizing the dedication of several local Komen Puget Sound volunteers. He has been a part of EvergreenHealth's radiation oncology team 1999.

About EvergreenHealth
EvergreenHealth, a public hospital district and community-based healthcare organization established in 1972, offers a breadth of services and programs that is among the most comprehensive in the region. More than 950 physicians provide clinical excellence within more than 80 specialties, including cardiac, oncology, surgical care, orthopedics, a neuroscience institute, women's and children's services, hospice care, pulmonary care, a sleep disorders center and home care services.  EvergreenHealth serves more than 400,000 residents in its primary service area of northern King and southern Snohomish counties with EvergreenHealth Primary Care, a network of primary and urgent care practices, and its main hospital campus in Kirkland, Wash. EvergreenHealth also provides emergency care at two sites; its main hospital campus and the EvergreenHealth Redmond Medical Center.  In addition to clinical care, EvergreenHealth offers extensive community health outreach and education programs, anchored by EvergreenHealth Nurse Navigators & Healthline, a 24/7 nurse consultation service. For more information, visit www.evergreenhealth.com.

About Susan G. Komen of Puget Sound
The Puget Sound Affiliate was established in 1993 and is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. Over the past 20 years, the Affiliate has invested nearly $25 million to fund local breast health education, screening and treatment support in Western Washington and for research to find the cures for breast cancer. The Puget Sound Affiliate has grown to become the 5th largest Komen Affiliates out of a network of 120 across the country. It focuses its efforts on saving lives by funding education and early detection, as well as patient assistance and patient navigation in 16 counties in Western Washington. To learn more about Komen Puget Sound, please go to www.komenpugetsound.org. Follow us on Twitter (@KomenPugetSound) or Facebook (facebook.com/KomenPugetSound)

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Kay Taylor
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
EvergreenHealth
425.899.2604
[email protected]

Kristi Clough
Firmani + Associates Inc.
206.443.9357
[email protected]

SOURCE EvergreenHealth