Community generosity propels innovation: $1 million contributed to robotic surgical system at Providence St. Mary Medical Center

A spectacular display of wide-ranging community support has resulted in more than $1,000,000 in donations toward the first da Vinci Surgical System for Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla.

The system will enhance the standard of local surgical care and allow more people to be treated close to home with a less invasive surgical option.

An extraordinary gift of $250,000 from Susan Monahan and Mark Brucks set the stage for fundraising success, inspiring many generous individuals to step up to this challenge and surpass the $1 million goal.

“Our community’s unwavering commitment to advancing exceptional care has fueled this incredible initiative and marked a new era for surgical precision and patient care in Walla Walla,” said Lacey Perry, CFRE, chief philanthropy officer for Providence St. Mary Foundation. “This ensures Providence St. Mary Medical Center remains at the forefront of medical technology and innovation.”

Once installed, Providence St. Mary surgeons will use the robotic surgical system to perform complex procedures with added precision, all while reducing a patient’s recovery time. The da Vinci system could eventually be used for surgeries of the kidney, bladder, prostate, and uterus, as well as numerous procedures performed by our general surgeons. Partnering with Providence St. Mary Regional Cancer Center, surgeons may also treat more cancer patients close to home.

“I am both thrilled and deeply grateful for the support from our community,” said Pat Reay, president of the board of directors for Providence St. Mary Foundation. “Contributions amounting to $1 million are more than just donations, they’re a testament to the collective dedication and vision of the Walla Walla Valley to transform exceptional care, embrace innovation and prioritize the wellbeing of patients.”

In addition, contemporary training of today’s surgeons typically includes robotic surgical systems, which would make Walla Walla more attractive to the next generation of providers.

Providence St. Mary Medical Center chief medical officer, Dr. Joel Wassermann shared, “The purchase of the da Vinci Surgical System is evidence of what can be achieved when a group of dedicated stakeholders work together. I am grateful to the Medical Staff for guiding us through the decision-making process, securing approval, and implementing a robotic surgery program here at Providence St. Mary. The remarkable support from the Walla Walla community through Providence St. Mary Foundation was crucial to our success and is deeply appreciated.

"Additionally, the leadership teams at Providence and Providence St. Mary were instrumental in gaining approval and securing the additional capital funds necessary for this project. Bringing a robotic surgery program to Walla Walla will expand our ability to perform needed procedures locally, so that our community members can receive the care they need close to home.”

The da Vinci project was publicly announced on October 24, 2024, at the annual Providence St. Mary Foundation Celebration of Philanthropy. Other recent capital campaigns coordinated by Providence St. Mary Foundation include renovation of Providence St. Mary’s cardiac catheterization laboratory and Family Birth Center.

Gifts can always be made at Providence.org/PSMF or Providence St. Mary Foundation, 401 W. Poplar Ave., Walla Walla, WA 99362.