PET scanner for Sudbury? $2M now needed from community

It was an early Christmas present for the family of Sam Bruno, a man who spent the final years of his life trying to bring a PET scanner to Sudbury.

A PET scan is a nuclearimaging test that uses a form of radioactive sugar to create images of body functions and metabolism and can detecteverything from cancers to Alzheimers.

Since his death five years ago, Bruno's family has spent years raising money for a PET scanner in Sudbury and onTuesdaywere one big step closer to realizing their dream.

The province has agreed to spend $1.6 million each year to operate the machine.

"I'm happy. This is the best day I've had in a long time, said Bruno's mother, Rosina.

"I'm happy. I'm proud. Proud of my family. To everybody. All of Sudbury."

Bruno's brother was also elated by the news.

"I feel like justice has been served to the citizens of this community who have been requesting it for years and years and years," FrankBruno said.

Health and Long Term Care Minister Eric Hoskins told CBC News he was blown away by what the community has accomplished.

"The strength of the community here and the generosity already expressed on a hope and a prayer? Nobody knew if this would happen or not."

The community needs to raise $2 million more to make it a reality. A total of $1 million has been raised so far.

Hoskins said he hopes his ministry's funding commitmentwill be a shot in the arm to fundraising efforts.

Having a PET scanner in Sudbury to service northeastern Ontario patients means people like Bruno will no longer have to travel to Toronto for tests.

Hoskins said there were discussions about creating a mobile PET scanner that could travel from community to community.

But, it was ultimately decided that a permanent one should exist at the Sudbury hospital.

"I felt that Sudbury and the northeast deserves to have a permanent one," he said.

"I didn't want to provide a temporary solution. I didn't want to provide you know, a PET scan in a trailer in the parking lot."

The PET scanner operating money is expected to be available in April.