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Dear Friends, Every day, we hear stories of lives touched by cancer — patients and family members alike. In this edition of the FORWARD report, you’ll read about some of these courageous individuals and how the fight against cancer brings people from diverse backgrounds and ages together for a common purpose — to defeat this disease. From middle school students at Episcopal School of Baton Rouge who supported our Fostering Hope program (page 1) to five decades of community leaders recently honored for their vision and dedication to providing the highest quality cancer care here at home (page 4), the fight against cancer impacts us all. It is a true commitment by so many that helps unite our entire community to overcome the diagnosis of cancer and to continue to take the fight forward. Cancer Center leadership, medical staff, team members and patients are encouraged and humbled by the outpouring of community support we received this spring at The Taste and the Merrill Lynch Open, raising over $350,000, collectively. Through this generosity, the Cancer Center will provide more patients and families access to comprehensive cancer services including prevention and early detection services, survivorship programs and groundbreaking clinical trials to name a few. Community support will continue to ensure our patients receive the most innovative and unparalleled cancer care and help strengthen our position as the destination cancer center for the Gulf South! Regardless of age or background, cancer impacts us all and calls us to do more. We are making significant progress; cancer mortality rates are dropping and new discoveries are being made each day. We can’t stop now. Thank you and let’s keep Taking the Fight Forward,
Ethan J. Bush
Vice President & Chief Development Officer
IN THIS ISSUE
TOGETHER, WE ARE HAVE FUN & SAVE LIVES
A FAMILY UNITED IN THE FIGHT
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FOSTERING HOPE
A FURRY BEST FRIEND TO FIGHT BY YOUR SIDE
Fur-filled, unconditional love is being prescribed at Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center through the new Fostering Hope program for cancer survivors. Research has shown that the human-animal bond benefits are far-reaching, especially for individuals who have been through a traumatic experience such as cancer. As part of the Cancer Center’s patient-centered survivorship program, THRIVE, Fostering Hope brings the healing effects of pet companionship to cancer survivors and family members while supporting local pet fostering and adoption. In partnership with the Companion Animal Alliance (CAA), the program identifies and places animals with cancer survivors to lessen their anxiety and improve their mood and energy levels. There is no cost to survivors, thanks to a donation by the Charles Lamar Family Foundation that covers food, veterinary and other expenses. In addition, the eighth grade class of Episcopal School of Baton Rouge selected Fostering Hope as a servicelearning project and raised funds to sponsor families participating in the program. “Fostering is a win-win for both the animal and the cancer survivor,” said Lily Yap, foster and rescue coordinator at CAA. “When brought into a home environment, shelter animals receive love and training that helps them find their forever families faster. It also benefits the survivor because they can enjoy the benefits of a companion pet relationship without a long-term commitment.” For more information on Fostering Hope, visit mbpolol.org/thrive.
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TOGETHER, WE HAVE FUN & SAVE LIVES Residents from around Greater Baton Rouge had a taste of the best food the Capital City has to offer while helping cancer patients during The Taste, held April 14. Award winning cuisine from more than 25 local restaurants and caterers as well as the second annual Celebrity Chef Cook-Off were the highlights of this year’s event. Congratulations to Chef Cody Carroll and Col. Mike Edmonson who won this year’s Cook-Off by stealing the show with their spicy rendition of crawfish etouffee. The night also featured a lively silent auction using mobile bidding technology and extraordinary live auction packages. More than $175,000 was raised, which will provide thousands of cancer patients access to comprehensive cancer care.
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TOGETHER WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE A look back at the moments to remember
More than 50 teams participated in the Merrill Lynch Open, Hillar C. Moore, Jr. Memorial Pro-Am four-person shamble held at The Bluffs Golf Resort, April 28. Teams of three “amateurs” and one pro from the Adams Pro Tour competed to stake their claim as the best golfers around. The tournament raised $175,000 to further the Cancer Center’s mission of improving survivorship and lessening the burden of cancer.
The Cancer Center hosted the 9th annual Fest for Life on April 16 at the Bon Carre Business Center. Fest for Life is a one-day screening event that focuses on detecting cancers earlier within minority populations who face disparities in cancer outcomes. It is a fun event for the entire family with free food, entertainment and activities. The one-day event provided free cancer screenings for more than 600 community members. A special thank you to the presenting sponsor, Karnival Krewe de Louisiane, volunteers, steering committee and other community supporters for making this event a success.
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BOARD MEMBER REUNION Celebrating more than 40 years of volunteer leadership Past and present members of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s board of directors recently gathered to reunite and celebrate their legacy of volunteer leadership. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center hosted a reunion and reception April 7 for current and former board members, spanning the organization’s more than 40 years of service to the community. In addressing attendees, Todd Stevens, president and chief executive officer for Mary Bird Perkins, said, “As I look out across the room, I am overwhelmed and humbled by the leadership we have been blessed with over the years. And it all began with you. We are here today because of you. The Cancer Center was built by the community to fight cancer for the community, and the legacy
“...we are here today because of you.” - Todd Stevens
continues.”
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“Your gift will support the full continuum of care and positively impact the lives of cancer patients and their families for generations to come.”
CANCER INCIDENCE IS RISING. Anticipating the needs of a growing community, Mary Bird Perkins – Our
Lady of the Lake Cancer Center is driving the future of care in Louisiana. The Cancer Center offers robust inpatient and outpatient cancer care, comprehensive and innovative in scope. But with your support, there is even more that we can do. A gift to Take the Fight Forward will fully integrate and enhance services, making the Cancer Center a place where patients from across the region can receive care on par with the most respected and well-known academic cancer centers. Your gift will support the full continuum of care and positively impact the lives of cancer patients and their families for generations to come.
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A FAMILY UNITED IN THE FIGHT Martha Angelloz was shocked to discover that she had chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma. But 18 months later, there was more devastating news when Martha’s son, Derrick, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Both Martha and Derrick were fortunate to receive treatment from Dr. Judd Patten and Dr. Kellie Schmeeckle at the Cancer Center. Now, Martha and Derrick have made full recoveries and are grateful for the treatment they received. “The Center and its staff have been an integral part of our recovery. In terms of expertise, technology and a holistic approach to each person, the Cancer Center has few peers. Our lives are testaments to Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center’s excellence,” said Derrick.
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SIMPLE STEPS TO A HEALTHIER YOU Nutritional advice from Cancer Center dietician, Vadel Shivers What are your recommendations for a cancer prevention diet? I recommend including at least five servings of a variety of non-starchy vegetables and three servings of fruit daily. Limit your intake of added salt, avoid processed meats, include at least two servings or more per week of fish or seafood that is high in omega-3 fats. Limit refined, starchy foods and include whole grains in your diet. How can individuals stay motivated to maintain a healthy diet? I suggest individuals stay motivated by making a lifestyle change with the whole family. Make sure that any positive change you make is considered a priority in your life. If it is a priority to you, your goal will encourage you to continue toward a healthy lifestyle. What is the best piece of nutritional advice you can give us? I have four of them: eat a variety of foods, control food portions, drink plenty of water and eat more foods containing fiber.
IN THE KITCHEN WITH VADEL Try one of her favorite cancer fighting recipes CARIBBEAN CHICKEN SALAD
Directions: 1. Place chicken in heavy-duty resealable plastic food-storage bag. Sprinkle seasoning blend over chicken, seal bag and shake until chicken is evenly coated.
4 Servings | Prep: 10 min. Cook: 12 min. Ingredients:
2. Heat oil in 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in oil 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently, until no longer pink in center. Remove chicken from skillet, drain on paper towels.
·· 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch strips ·· 2 tablespoons blackened seasonings blend ·· 1 tablespoon vegetable oil ·· 1 package (5 ounces) mixed baby salad greens (4 cups)
3. Toss salad greens, mango, onion and bell pepper in large bowl, divide among 4 plates. Top with chicken. Drizzle with vinaigrette.
·· 1 medium mango, peeled, pitted and diced (1 cup) ·· 1/2 medium red onion, sliced (3/4 cup)
Nutrition Facts:
High in vitamins A and C, good source of fiber
·· 1 small red bell pepper, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 serving: Calories 240 (Calories from Fat 70), Fat 8g (Saturated 2g), Cholesterol 70mg, Sodium 550mg
·· 2/3 cup fruit-flavored vinaigrette
FROM: BETTY CROCKER’S LIVING WITH CANCER COOKBOOK
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PREVENTION & EARLY DETECTION PROGRAM EXCELS Cancer Center wins ACCC Innovator Award Albemarle Foundation makes transformational gift As a partner of the Cancer Center’s Early Detection program since 2002, the Albemarle Foundation has been instrumental in reducing cancer mortality in our community. This program, recognized by the Association of Community Cancer Centers as a 2016 Innovator Award winner, has provided thousands of free screenings and prevention education to those most in need. Recognizing how essential these services are to building healthier communities, the Albemarle Foundation and its employees made a significant gift to Take the Fight Forward to expand this award-winning program. We are thrilled to publicly announce this contribution and are so grateful to Albemarle. It is the first leadership gift to the 5-year, $25 million Take the Fight Forward initiative. This transformational donation will help fund a dynamic expansion of our prevention and early detection efforts with the goal of preventing cancer and saving more lives.
IN 2015:
7.2 TIMES HIGHER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE
LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULER Karnival Krewe de Louisiane is one of the Cancer Center’s largest supporters, with more than $1.3 million raised over the past 29 years. Generousity of the Krewe supports cancer research, cancer education and assistance to those most in need in the Baton Rouge area. In 2017, Karnival Krewe de Louisiane has high aspirations and hopes to celebrate its 30th anniversary, contributing more than ever before to Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center. Become part of the Krewe that gives back to the community by becoming a corporate or individual member. Visit www.karnivalkrewe.com to join the Krewe today or call Kaitlyn Guerin at 225-215-1221.
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A STORY OF GRATITUDE & GRACE Ann’s Inspiring Pledge to Give Back When Ann Cheek received news that she needed radiation therapy to treat her stage 1 breast cancer, she knew it would be difficult to pay 33 co-pays back-toback. Ann spoke with a financial counselor at the Cancer Center and applied for and received assistance. Ann resolved that when she was back on her feet physically and financially, she would contribute to the Cancer Center so other patients could benefit from the same help. Looking back on her treatment, Ann said, “From Roxanne at the reception desk to the therapists and my doctor, the entire staff worked to make this the best experience possible. “I do not want to face cancer again, but the Cancer Center team members surrounded me with exceptional care and compassion beyond my expectations, and I want to help others receive the same care I received.” Today, Ann donates to the Center regularly to help others who are in need of financial assistance.
Mike VI, LSU’s live mascot who was diagnosed with a rare cancer in late May, joins a family of cancer patients who fight like a tiger every single day. These patients inspire our team to provide the most compassionate and innovative treatment possible, and our ability to do so relies on your generosity and committment to take the fight against cancer forward. For our more than 3,000 patients each year, your donations advance research and comprehensive treatments that save lives right here at home. To donate, visit mbpolol.org/give. For and update on Mike’s health visit lsu.edu/miketiger.
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MAKE A DIFFERENCE Join Us! Your contribution will make a positive impact in the lives of our neighbors who are waging personal battles against cancer, giving us the means to help save and extend the lives of cancer patients in the communities we serve. Help us take the fight against cancer forward by becoming a member of one of our giving societies or by becoming friend of the Cancer Center:
RATHBONE SOCIETY $20,000 | Benefactor
$10,000 | Philanthropist
$5,000 | Patron
PAUL D. PERKINS SOCIETY $2,500 | Guardian
$1,000 | Sustainer
SAMARITAN’S CIRCLE $1,000 | Supporter
$500 | Ambassador
All other gifts | Friend
FIGHTING CANCER IS A TEAM EFFORT!
To learn more about how you can make a gift to Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center, visit mbpolol.org/give or contact Laurie Adams at lwadams@marybird.com or (225) 215-1248.
of your gift supports our pillars of comprehensive support: prevention, research, survivorship, innovation, teamwork and patient assistance.
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4950 ESSEN LANE BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA 70809
UPCOMING EVENTS | JOIN THE FIGHT IN 2016
SUITS&SNEAKERS THE ESPYS® AWARDS VIEWING PARTY GEAUX PINK October 1–31
We invite you to Geaux Pink with us! Visit www.takethefightforward.org/geauxpink or contact Kaitlyn Guerin at kguerin@marybird.com for more information.
STADIUM SPORTS BAR & GRILL AT L’AUBERGE BATON ROUGE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2016 Featuring live commentary and appearances by Sports Radio and TV Host Ronnie Rantz, Guaranty Broadcasting and 104.5/104.9 ESPN Baton Rouge’s Gordy Rush, Charles Hanagriff, Jimmy Ott, Derek Ponamksy, Jordy Culotta and Matt Moscona, WBRZ’s Michael Cauble, and more! Doors/Red Carpet – 7pm • Awards Viewing Party – 8pm
TICKETS ARE $75
Buffet – Cocktails — Auction Items — And More! Proceeds Benefiting Mary Bird Perkins — Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center Tickets are available by visiting Ticketmaster.com. Please call 225-215-1221 for VIP Table booking.