Hospital Auxiliary Raises $1,000 for Digital Mammography

Murphy Medical Center Auxiliary raised $1,000 to benefit digital mammography equipment during its “Chillin’ in Paradise” fundraiser at the hospital on July 29. 

All proceeds from the fundraiser were donated to the non-profit hospital’s digital mammography system which was installed in November 2010 and which cost $374,800.

Foundation Director Kathi Osborne said, “Our auxiliary is so important to us, both in terms of their generous hours of service within our organization and in their fundraising efforts such as this.  We’re very grateful to them for their support.”  

The luau theme was carried out in decorations and each guest was greeted with a colorful lei.  Grilled hotdogs, hamburgers and bratwurst were served with homemade side dishes and desserts prepared by the auxiliary.   

A hula hoop contest was held among Murphy Medical Center departments with Nursing Home Activities Director Amy Jones winning the grand prize.

“We are so fortunate to have this state-of-the-art mammography system in western North Carolina,” stated Vickie Ledford, one of Murphy Medical Center’s Registered Mammographers, and Chief Radiologic Technologist.   

“The system provides a quicker, more detailed examination, and has certainly been well received by our patients.  The addition of the soft MammoPad on the detector makes the overall mammography experience much more comfortable by providing a warmer feel and the impression of less compression on the breast,” said Ledford.

Paul Brown, Radiology Manager, said, “The equipment is the newest, most state-of-the-art mammography equipment on the market today.  It allows us to view digital images within seconds of acquisition and we’re able to compare the new images to digitized prior examinations from Murphy Medical Center or any other facility where a patient may have had a prior mammogram.”

To make a tax-deductible donation for digital mammography, contact Osborne at 835-7506.