December 2, 2016
Auxiliary Presents Check for 3-D Mammography
Updates
On December 1, 2016, the St. John’s Medical Center Auxiliary presented a check for $250,000 to St. John’s Medical Center, completing its pledge to support the purchase of a new 3-D mammography system. The Auxiliary partnered with the Teton Pines Women’s Golf Association and St. John’s Health Foundation to bring this equipment to St. John’s.
“Thanks to the efforts of our members and the overwhelming support of our fundraising efforts by the community, we are proud to be able to help the Medical Center accelerate the purchase of this equipment and provide the women of our community access to this life-saving state-of-the-art diagnostic tool,” said Sue Critzer, president of the Auxiliary.
3-D mammography allows doctors to examine breast tissue one layer at a time by using high-powered computing to convert digital breast images into a stack of very thin “slices.” 3-D mammography increases the detection of invasive breast cancer and reduces the number of unnecessary biopsies.
“With 3-D mammography, we are able to find invasive cancers earlier, when they are smaller and easier to treat,” says St. John’s radiologist Dr. Sean Haling. “In addition, there are fewer false negatives. A negative 3-D result is much more reassuring, especially for women with denser breast tissue.”
The Auxiliary is an all-volunteer group whose purpose is to promote and advance the welfare of St John’s Medical Center in these ways: by educating members so they may serve as community ambassadors for the Medical Center, through fundraising activities, and by service to the hospital and its patients. Funds raised by the Auxiliary, through annual events such as the Spring Fling Gala and the Annual Charity Golf Tournament, go directly toward the fulfillment of pledges to the Medical Center for specific equipment or services.
The Auxiliary holds monthly educational lunch meetings as well as occasional social events for members and guests. For more information about the Auxiliary, please contact Rachel Merrell at 307.739.7517.