Ness family makes contribution to new 3D mammography machine at Veterans Memorial Hospital thanks to Breast Cancer Awareness Walk in October


VMH receives donation for 3D mammography machine ... Ness Pumping and Porta Potty Rentals hosted a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk Saturday, October 7 in the Waukon City Park to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and detection. Saturday, November 25, the Ness Family awarded $1,200 in proceeds raised from that walk to Veterans Memorial Hospital to be used towards the purchase of the new 3D mammography machine that was recently installed. Pictured in the front row in the hospital’s mammography room, left to right, are Leslie Ness, breast cancer survivor Barb Ness (seated) holding Liam Ness, with Chad and Diana Ness presenting the donation to hospital X-ray Technologist Siobhan Kurth. In the back row, left to right, are Carter Ness, Wyatt Kiley, Sigurd Ness, Evan Ness, Colin Ness and Kayla Ness. Submitted photo.

Ness Pumping and Porta Potty Rentals of Waukon hosted a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk Saturday, October 7 in the Waukon City Park to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and detection. Despite the cool rainy weather that day, a large number turned out for the event. Breast Cancer survivors were asked to sign a pink porta potty sporting the breast cancer ribbon, t-shirts were distributed and refreshments served.

Saturday, November 25, the Ness family awarded the proceeds raised from that walk to the hospital to be used towards the purchase of the new 3D mammography machine recently installed at the hospital. The $1,200 donation will help Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon finance the newly-installed 3D mammography machine at its facility.

This is the first 3D mammography machine in northeast Iowa. The new machine is clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers, while simultaneously decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing.

The statistical benefits of digital 3D mammography  include the following:

• A 41% increase in the detection of invasive breast cancers.
• A 29% increase in the detection of all breast cancers.
• A 15% decrease in women recalled for additional imaging.

“We wanted to have the walk to raise awareness and money that can be used locally for those with breast cancer,” stated the Ness family. “We always attended the walks in La Crosse and decided we wanted to help more locally. We were excited to hear about the new machine at Veterans Memorial Hospital and wanted to contribute. After watching mom (Barb Ness) and several other family and friends go through it, we knew we wanted to help.”

The Ness family spent many hours planning and preparing for this event and plan to continue it annually.   “We decided to make this an annual event so more people can attend and raise awareness,” they added. “We are hoping to give as much as possible to our community in the years to come. We’d like to thank all of those who participated in any way this year and hope to see you next year!”

To schedule a 3D mammography exam, or for questions about this important breast health procedure, contact the Veterans Memorial Hospital Radiology Department at 563-568-3411.