TRENTON — Karen Colina Wilson Smithbauer announced a $1 million challenge to spark increased giving to women’s initiatives at Oakwood. Smithbauer’s commitment provides a dollar for dollar match for any donation received by Oakwood until Dec. 31 of $1,000 or more, up to $1 million — allowing donors to double the impact of their gift to support women’s health.
Oakwood’s goal is to raise $8 million for women’s health initiatives over the next five years. Planned investments in women’s health include the purchase of new technology and equipment that allows for earlier detection and less invasive treatments for breast cancer, as well as, the expansion of targeted clinics and programs including breast care and breast surgery, menopause, mental health, and osteoporosis.
“We want to transform the way we care for women,” says Nancy Gray, administrator for women’s health at Oakwood. “A woman’s healthcare needs change over time and we want to empower and support women throughout all seasons of their lives.”
Over the years, Smithbauer has provided over $7 million in charitable support for a number of projects and services at Oakwood. The donations gathered during this challenge will be used to double the size of the Karen Colina Wilson Smithbauer Breast Care Center at Oakwood Southshore in Trenton, fund a new pavilion named for Smithbauer at the Southshore location, and create a new women’s health center at Oakwood Hospital-Dearborn Medical Park. Funds will also be used for equipment, technology, and community outreach.
For more information on how to contribute to the Karen Colina Wilson Smithbauer Challenge, visit oakwood.org/foundation.
