Sizable contribution made to hospital’s new 3D mammography machine following annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk


Second Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk... Ness Pumping and Porta Potty Rentals hosted its second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk Saturday, October 6 in the Waukon City Park to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and detection. The Ness family recently awarded the nearly $1,600 in proceeds raised from this second annual walk to the hospital to be used towards the 3D mammography machine. Pictured in the front row in the hospital’s mammography room, left to right, is 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. Back row, left to right, Carter Ness, Wyatt Kiley, Sigurd Ness, Evan Ness, Colin Ness and Kayla Ness. Submitted photo.

Ness Pumping and Porta Potty Rentals hosted its second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk Saturday, October 6 in the Waukon City Park to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and detection. An even larger crowd turned out for this event than in its inaugural year last fall. Breast Cancer survivors were asked to sign a pink porta-potty sporting the breast cancer ribbon, t-shirts were distributed and refreshments served.

The Ness family awarded the proceeds raised from that walk to the hospital to be used towards the 3D mammography machine recently installed at the hospital. The nearly $1,600 donation helps Veterans Memorial Hospital finance this 3D mammography machine. This was the first 3D mammography machine in northeast Iowa when it was installed last fall. 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,” 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 last year at Veterans Memorial Hospital and wanted to contribute again 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 shared their appreciation, “We’d like to thank all of those who participated in any way this year. We appreciate your continued support!”

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