Ness family makes sizable contribution to hospital’s new 3D mammography machine thanks to successful 7th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk

Ness Pumping and Porta Potty Rentals hosted its seventh annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk Saturday, October 21 in the Waukon City Park to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and detection. Breast Cancer survivors were asked to sign a pink porta potty displaying the breast cancer ribbon, sweatshirts were distributed and refreshments served.

The family awarded the proceeds raised from that walk to Veterans Memorial Hospital to be used towards the new 3D mammography machine at the hospital that was just installed a year ago in October. The $3,310 donation helps Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) finance this 3D mammography machine. This 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,” states the Ness family. “We always attended the walks in La Crosse and decided we wanted to help more locally. We are so thankful for the help and support we received from our local businesses and community. Although it is sad to see new names on the port-potty each year, we enjoy seeing our community come together to support and honor the survivors. We also added a spot on the porta-potty for members of the community to write the names of those we have lost to breast cancer. We had an amazing turnout this year!  After watching Mom (Barb Ness) and several other family and friends go through it, we knew this was a way that we can help.”

Once again this year, the Ness family spent many hours planning and preparing for this event and adds, “We’d like to thank all of those who participated in any way this year. We hope our event grows every year! We appreciate your continued support and feel blessed to live in such a great community!

We are still selling sweatshirts to go towards next year’s donation. If you’d like to purchase one, message Ness Pumping Service on Facebook or call Leslie at 563-794-0592.”

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.