Auxiliary members raised the $58,000 needed over a three-year period with a variety of money making projects.

The bone densitometer is useful in screening for and diagnosing osteoporosis, a bone-weakening disease that causes bones to break easily, and affects women and men. Now that treatments are proving increasingly effective in replacing lost bone, the densitometer is helpful in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment.

Mayo's bone densitometry service gives a precise measurement of bone mineral density by concentrating on the hip and spine. It is estimated that 25 million Americans have osteoporosis, yet many do not know their bones have become weak or fragile until they suffer a fracture. A bone density test is the best way to diagnose whether someone is at risk from osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.