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Dear Friends, As we near the end of 2015, I can say with tremendous gratitude that this was the most generous year ever! So far, more than $10 million has been committed towards an aggressive goal aimed at elevating and truly transforming cancer care today and for generations to come. Once again, thank you for helping Take the Fight FORWARD. A five-year strategic fundraising initiative has launched focused on strengthening and securing our position as the destination cancer center for the Gulf South. This initiative, and opening the most advanced facility in the region, has positioned our medical staff and team members to serve the needs of more patients and families than any other program in the state of Louisiana! For that, we’re so grateful. If you’ve yet to commit to an annual gift, I invite you to consider making one today by visiting www.takethefightforward.org/online-giving or (225) 215-1248. Thanks again and the very best to you and yours this holiday season,
Ethan J. Bush
Vice President & Chief Development Officer
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To improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer through collaboration
“Being able to receive the best care in the world at home meant everything to me and my family.” JOY LONIBOS
Wife, Mother, Pre-K Teacher and Cancer Survivor
JOY’S HEART Cancer Center Team Develops New Breath Hold Technique and Protects the Heart After losing her grandmother to breast cancer, Joy Lonibos always had a thought in the back of her mind that she would have breast cancer too, but the phone call to return for a diagnostic mammogram still came as a shock. Wife, mother of three and Pre-K teacher, Joy was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer a year ago. While preparing to begin radiation therapy at the Cancer Center, Joy was asked to participate in the Deep Breath Hold Therapy Program. “I told my radiation oncologist, Dr. Renee Levine, that I would participate in the study and 10 minutes later the clinical medical physicist, Chu Connel, was in the room explaining and practicing the technique with me.” The medical physics team developed a process using Google glasses to make it easier for patients to use a breath hold technique to prevent damage to the heart during radiation treatment. This technique requires extensive collaboration between radiation oncologists, medical physicists and other treatment team members to manage the process safely and effectively. Typically, only academic cancer centers are able to offer such complex and specialized treatments. However, the large, academic medical physics team at the Cancer Center provides the support making it possible to offer this sophisticated technique, right here in our community. “We know the technique can reduce heart doses by 50 percent or more in some patients,” chief of physics, Jonas Fontenot, PhD, said. “And we know the technique is well tolerated by most patients (80 percent or more) when proper coaching is provided.” As a result, the technique has been well received and is gaining national attention. Currently M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Beaumont Cancer Institute, University of Michigan, the University of North Carolina, and Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, Canada, are implementing our newly developed technique.
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BE ON THE LOOKOUT We are waiting for 2015 legislation that would allow you to transfer a gift up to $100,000 directly
Bound together by our shared resolve in the fight against cancer, Mary Bird
from your IRA to the Cancer
Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center serves the needs of more patients
Center without incurring tax
than any other cancer program in Louisiana. While a new facility, national
consequences while qualifying for
recognition and recent treatment advancements are testaments to progress, our
the minimum distribution.
unrelenting commitment to overcome the disease demands we do more.
Look for the passage of the
Take the Fight Forward is the Cancer Center’s strategic initiative that will secure
legislation to take advantage of
$25 million dedicated to furthering our position as the destination cancer
this giving option before year
center for the Gulf South.
end. For more information and to ensure the future of cancer care
A gift today will transform cancer care now and for generations to come. Every
in our community, contact Ethan
gift – annual, major and planned – will support the full continuum of care and
Bush at ebush@marybird.com or
positively impact the lives of cancer patients and their families.
by calling (225) 215-1229.
COATES FAMILY RAISES THE FLAG The beautiful flagpole near the renovated Cancer Center’s entrance was chosen by Cathy, Holly, and Camille Coates as a naming opportunity gift to Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center in honor of their parents, Beverly and Dudley Coates. The inaugural Cancer Center flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol on August 3, 2015 before being raised here on October 13, 2015.
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NORA’S STORY
A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
Nora Taylor was walking through her den. “Get ready,” she heard an inner voice tell her. She immediately knew “get ready” meant one of two things: get your affairs in order or get ready to fight. Again. When Nora joined the Mind-Body Support Program at the Cancer Center,
SIBLEY FAMILY REUNION UNITES “We have been with Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins from the very beginning” said Maxie Sibley Thompson. The Sibley family has deep roots in Livingston Parish and holds a reunion in October. Each year, family members contribute money for the reunion, and leftover funds are given to a local charity. Last year, they
the effects of her second battle with acute myeloid leukemia left her weak
chose the Cancer Center as the recipient.
and emotional. She wanted enough time to get her affairs in order, make
Maxie’s son, Lester Thompson, has been
sure her youngest granddaughter and husband would be okay without
cataloging the family’s history of cancer through
her and see her oldest granddaughter get married. She began attending the group regularly. “Each week, I learn and practice something new that will continue to promote my healing,” Nora said. Meditation, journaling, yoga, healthy eating and breathing techniques are a few of the ways survivorship team members teach patients to reduce stress, which in turn boosts the immune system. “My weekly meetings helped me heal,” she said. “When my check-ups were not always positive, Dr. Schmeeckle always reassured me. The Cancer Center team was always researching how to help me heal and
ancestry.com. The Sibley family’s medical history is peppered with thyroid, colon, lung, bladder, pancreatic, breast and skin cancer. “Many of our family members have been diagnosed with more than one type of cancer and were treated here,” said Deborah, Maxie’s daughter, who is currently a patient at the Cancer Center. The family has most recently rallied around Deborah in her battle against breast and brain cancer. Thank you to Maxie, Lester, Deborah (pictured below) and the entire Sibley family for their support of the Cancer Center and for helping us Take the Fight Forward.
feel better.” Nora not only attended her granddaughter’s wedding, but with the support of family and friends, was able to help plan the heartwarming occasion - a day Nora was undoubtedly ready for. Nora is currently planning a trip to New York with her grandson.
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GEAUX PINK
RUN CANCER OUT OF LOUISIANA
EVERY GIFT MAKES A BIG IMPACT
Geaux Pink is a signature fundraising program that encourages individuals,
Are you training for the Louisiana
schools, businesses and sports teams to join in the fight against cancer
Marathon’s 5K, 10K, half mile, or
during October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All funds raised
full marathon on January 16–17? Give yourself an extra boost of
from these events directly support cancer education, prevention, early
motivation by choosing to run for
detection and screening programs in our local community.
a reason! Join the Cancer Center team to raise funds to fight cancer
A special thank you to all of our community partners in the Greater Baton
in the local community. Not a
Rouge area that participated in Geaux Pink this year to support the fight
runner? That’s okay! Volunteers
against breast cancer. More than 100 schools, restaurants, businesses and
who sign up on behalf of the
individuals helped Take the Fight Forward, raising more than $100,000.
Cancer Center can help raise funds too!
For more information about Geaux Pink and other community partnership
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Visit crowdrise.com/mbpcc2016
opportunities, contact Kaitlyn Guerin at kguerin@marybird.com or by
to learn how you can sign up and
calling (225) 215-1221.
help Take the Fight Forward.
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“It was a long road, and ringing the bell with my family and Cancer Center Team was a great day!” BLAKE LEBRAN
Cancer Survivor
CELEBRATING COURAGE On Sunday, September 13, Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center celebrated the completion of its multi-year renovation project. But something else just as important was commemorated that day. In front of a crowd of friends at the Cancer Center, Blake Lebran, rang the Celebration Bell, marking his last treatment. The bell represents a patient’s transition from active treatment to the next phase of their journey.
RING THIS BELL, THREE TIMES WELL,
IT’S TOLL TO CLEARLY SAY, MY TREATMENT’S DONE,
THIS COURSE IS RUN, AND I AM ON MY WAY
The Open House Celebration signified a milestone along the Cancer Center’s path to furthering its position as the destination cancer center for the Gulf South. After years of planning and construction, the Cancer Center unveiled its renovated and expanded facility. Through a more than $23 million investment, the approximately 3,000 newly diagnosed patients that turn to the Cancer Center each year now have access to one of the most advanced cancer programs in the region with next-generation technology, a significantly larger, specialized medical team and key support services, along with many other vital resources required to fight cancer. The renovation and expansion increased the total outpatient area of the Cancer Center from 120,000 square feet to 140,000 square feet with 90 percent of the building dedicated to patient care activities. In determining the services, programs, building design and aesthetics, the Cancer Center team worked with oncology consultants, architects, construction personnel, art and wayfinding professionals and more. Patients’ needs and preferences drove every aspect of the all-encompassing initiative. For patients like Blake, Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center is delivering tomorrow’s cancer care, today.
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A LOOK AT OUR PROGRESS Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center continues to provide the most patient-focused, innovative and compassionate care anywhere in the region. An expression of our commitment to quality and excellence is the recently completed $23 million Cancer Center renovation and expansion. Designed with our patients and their families in mind, upgrades include modernized building systems and expanded areas for additional and enhanced services, as well as the latest in advanced cancer-fighting technology. Floor by floor, the Cancer Center’s new amenities include:
·· New patient drop off and pick up, Coates Entrance Pavillion/Atrium and high-speed elevators
·· New public pathway between Mary Bird Perkins and Our Lady of the Lake, allowing patients to move easily between inpatient and outpatient areas
·· Completely renovated and refurbished radiation oncology clinic
1 FLOOR st
–– New private Anna B. Lipsey Waiting Room –– Dedicated suite for treatment simulation and special procedures –– New treatment room for revolutionary Elekta Versa HD §§ Provides highly-targeted treatments 40-50% faster than similar technologies
·· Thomas J. Moran Imaging Center –– Offers the latest in diagnostic technologies: digital x-ray, CT, nuclear medicine, SPEC/CT, PET/CT and MRI
2nd FLOOR
·· New family visitor and hospitality area and Adamek Overlook ·· Meditation room ·· High-tech M.J. Rathbone, M.D. Physician Conference Room –– Supports collaborative work of physician multidisciplinary care teams
·· Riley-Billings Palliative and Supportive Care Clinic
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6th FLOOR
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–– Offers new outpatient access to services such as: §§ Pain and symptom management §§ Psychosocial and emotional support §§ Shared decision-making and advance care planning
·· Completely renovated Louisiana Hematology Oncology Associates Clinic –– Functional and cosmetic upgrades to better facilitate patient care –– Expanded blood draw and laboratory processing suite
·· Gerry Lane Infusion Center –– 14,000-square-foot floor dedicated to infusion services §§ State-of-the-art clinical oncology pharmacy §§ Private and semiprivate infusion bays
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HEALING ARTS PROGRAM
THE UNEXPECTED ROLE ART PLAYS
The therapeutic potential of visual art to stimulate healing is well documented in research, and the elements of the Healing Arts program provide relief from the anxiety and pain of illness, offering hope to courageous patients and their loved ones. The artwork displayed throughout the facility was created by regional artists and is designed to present beauty for patients and other guests visiting the Cancer Center. Healing Arts also complements our comprehensive treatment programs and includes a patient component where survivors participate in art projects to promote healing and well-being. Lord, Hear Our Prayers was created for the Meditation Art Wall by local artist Stephen Wilson. From an early age, Wilson was attracted to the beauty of moving water and currents of creeks and streams that transfigure light into living jewels. Later in life, Wilson discovered a deep appreciation for the amazing, simple gifts of life: rocks, trees, skies and especially color. "Scientists tell us that everything exists at some vibration or wavelength,” said Stephen. “What notes are to music, color is to light." Beautifully intertwined colors bridge the Cancer Center’s legacy of displayed stained glass with Wilson’s inventive vision realized through his own Gemeaux technique. From the outside, the many vibrant and rich colors shine and sparkle as they play off the natural light. Inside the Meditation Room, the colors appear more muted, softly washing the room in a spectacular and relaxing glow. Bringing together the essence of the Cancer Center, each color represents different themes such as health, harmony, nature, tranquility, peace, love, honesty, kindness, happiness, positivity, intuition, innovation and imagination. Lord, Hear our Prayers conveys the deep connection between the physical, spiritual and emotional journey of the healing process, one that resonates with all who enter the Cancer Center. We hope everyone who experiences the Meditation Art Wall will be moved in a special and meaningful way.
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MAKE A DIFFERENCE Join Us! Your contribution will Take the Fight Forward and 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 Forward against cancer 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 $1000 | 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 by calling (225) 215-1248. One hundred percent of your gift supports our pillars of comprehensive support: prevention, research, survivorship, innovation, teamwork and patient assistance.
Save the Date! Join us for our 2016 signature events and Take the Fight Forward. The fight against cancer is a shared endeavor that only works when a community comes together — friends and neighbors partnering to expand possibilities. The funds raised by these events provide the much-needed resources for cancer patient and their caregivers. L’AUBERGE CASINO & HOTEL, BATON ROUGE · THURSDAY, APRIL 14
The Taste is a fun and festive evening featuring delightful cuisine from the region’s top restaurants and caterers, a fabulous silent auction, chef’s cook-off, and other spirited attractions. THE BLUFFS ST. FRANCISVILLE · APRIL 25-30 | PRO-AM DAY · TUESDAY, APRIL 26
The Merrill Lynch Open is a tradition featuring the area’s only professional golf tournament and much-anticipated Pro-Am Day. To learn more about supporting the Cancer Center through a Corporate Sponsorship, please contact Randy Haddad at rhaddad@marybird.com or by calling (225) 215-1208.
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4950 ESSEN LANE BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA 70809
U P C O M I NG
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The Louisiana Marathon January 15th – January 17th
Gonzales Gala Saturday, January 16th Houmas House SOLD OUT
2015
Last day for 2015 tax-deductible donation December 31st
2016
The Taste Thursday, April 14th L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge, LA
Merrill Lynch Open April 25th – April 30th Pro-Am Day Tuesday, April 26th The Bluffs Golf Resort St. Francisville, LA