COMMUNITY REPORT JULY 1, 2016 – JUNE 30, 2017
DO YOU KNOW HOW EXTRAORDINARY YOU ARE? WE DO.
In fact, recognizing the uniqueness of every single person we interact
with is exactly what makes our approach so different. You make us different. Each patient, community member, volunteer, physician and team member comes together to make the Cancer Center a truly exceptional place that offers unparalleled, highlypersonalized care. And we all share a passion for conquering this disease, forever. We are deeply grateful for generous donor funding t hat carries this passion forward in the most powerful and inspired ways, through prevention, education and early detection, patient assistance, teamwork, survivorship, innovation and research.
No one’s fight is the same. Join us as we conquer differently. www.marybirdlake.org/different
LINDA LEE Cancer Center Administrator
Every patient who enters our door has walked a different path. Cancer brings them to us, but we understand that each patient is much more than their diagnosis. They come to us with their own life experiences and perceptions and strengths. We acknowledge this individuality in our patients with respect and awe. Our patients inspire us. They teach us. Keeping our patients at the center of our thoughts and actions drives our commitment to offer the most advanced cancer care possible. Our commitment extends in many ways. This includes offering breakthrough technology, targeting radiation to the unique shape of an individual’s brain tumor, eliminating it without harming healthy tissue. Our commitment can be recognized when an outreach team member listens closely to a screening participant who is scared because of her family history.
Or, when a medical physicist designs a new device to more effectively and safely deliver a specialized treatment for an individual patient. Our navigators join families in developing resources and support to meet special needs. And our physician teams meet regularly to implement advanced practice standards to optimally treat many types of cancers. Every day, in so many ways, each patient’s needs and preferences are present with us, and honored. Please join in our experiences as you view this community report. See the faces of just some of our patients and staff. I hope you will be inspired by what you read. Thank you for supporting our efforts as we strive to provide the best individualized cancer care possible.
MILE STONES MILESTONES We’re driven by the desire to do more for our patients and community. Thank you to everyone we serve for inspiring these major milestones over the last year.
Multidisciplinary Cancer Care Team members hosted a
RENOWNED SARCOMA EXPERT SHAUN ACCARDO, MD, joined the Skin and Soft Tissue Multidisciplinary Care Team, adding a wealth of experience in caring for patients with sarcomas.
Selected as ONE OF ONLY FIVE FACILITIES IN THE COUNTRY to participate in an Association of Community Cancer Centers’ project to address DISPARITIES IN LUNG CANCER CARE FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS.
MANY CANCER CENTER AREAS TRANSITIONED TO EPIC, a top-rated electronic health record software system, to provide an enhanced, patient-centered approach to care.
symposium for primary care physicians and other healthcare practitioners to share BEST PRACTICES IN EARLY DETECTION, SCREENING AND PREVENTION.
Louisiana Hematology Oncology Associates, an outpatient hematology-oncology practice, received THREE-YEAR REACCREDITATION BY THE QUALITY ONCOLOGY PRACTICE INITIATIVE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM, demonstrating the highest standards for quality cancer care. Awarded THREE-YEAR TERM OF REACCREDITATION IN RADIATION ONCOLOGY AND IMAGING BY THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY, which represents the highest level of quality and patient safety. THE NATIONALLY-RECOGNIZED MARY BIRD PERKINS – LSU MEDICAL PHYSICS GRADUATE PROGRAM, the only program of its kind in Louisiana, received reaccreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Medical Physics Educational Programs, Inc. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY, LLC, an outpatient hematologyoncology practice, RELOCATED TO THE MAIN CANCER CENTER BUILDING.
Physicians led community conversations on emerging cancer issues such as HPV VACCINATIONS, THE RISE OF COLORECTAL CANCER IN YOUNG ADULTS AND GENETIC MUTATIONS AND THEIR ROLE IN CANCER. THE CANCER CENTER AND WOMAN’S HOSPITAL PARTNERED to bring unprecedented breast and gynecological cancer care to women throughout the region. Learn more at sisterhoodstrong.org.
With incredible donor support, MORE THAN $2 MILLION was raised to advance the mission. And 100% WAS INVESTED LOCALLY to fight cancer through prevention, education and early detection, patient assistance, teamwork, survivorship, innovation and research.
No two patients are exactly alike. No two brain conditions are the same. Over the past year, more than 170 patients were treated for their unique brain conditions
CONQUER Differently “Gamma Knife Icon gave me
with the help of the world’s most precise radiosurgery device, the Leksell Gamma Knife® Icon™ - the first of its kind in the Gulf South. The technology offers another
my life back. It’s like going from
option for those suffering from even
total darkness to light. This has
the most complex brain tumors
changed my life, and today I feel empowered.” ANA KRISTOF,
PATIENT, GAMMA KNIFE ICON
and neurological disorders. It’s a noninvasive, frameless treatment requiring no cutting or incisions – helping patients to conquer their conditions differently.
conquerdifferently.org SUPPORTED BY Art Favre Family and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation
CON QUER DIF FER ENT LY
FEATURE 1 of 7 (conquer differently?)
THE RIGHT PLACE is Right Here “When I was diagnosed, I didn’t know what to do or where to turn. But from the moment I met Dr. Cassidy, I had all the confidence in the world that I was in the right place.” KENNETH GRANIER, MESOTHELIOMA PATIENT
COL LAB OR ATION
Physicians working together ensures the highest standard of care for every patient. This innovative, integrative approach is seen through seven different disease-specific multidisciplinary care teams, including one of the region’s few mesothelioma programs, led by Emily Cassidy, M.D., thoracic surgeon. The Cancer Center’s
Mesothelioma Specialty Treatment Team offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment strategy and consists of surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, patient navigators and other specialists who collaborate to design a comprehensive treatment plan for patients fighting this rare and highly-complex disease.
Convenient, mobile, lifesaving—these words best describe Prevention on the
GIVING PEOPLE
Go. Through this program, the Cancer
What They Want Where They Want It
a comfortable and easily-accessible
“We signed up for Prevention on the Go to provide an extra preventative health benefit to our employees. It was 100
Center’s mobile clinic travels throughout the Greater Baton Rouge area, providing environment for prevention and early detection services. The long-standing community program, which screened more than 3,500 people last year, goes to locations such as shopping centers and churches providing screenings and education for breast, colorectal, skin,
percent the right thing to do
prostate and oral cancers.
for our team, and they were
The newly-launched workplace program
incredibly appreciative that we brought this potentially lifesaving resource to them.” TEE BROWN,
PRESIDENT AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, GMFS MORTGAGE
is available to companies who want to provide enhanced healthcare services to their employees on the job. In its first year, the mobile clinic traveled to multiple companies and provided educational programs tailored to participating organizations, and screened more than 500 employees.
POWERED BY The Albermarle Foundation Commitment to Prevention
BRINGING CANCER PREVEN TION TO YOU
FEST FOR LIFE 10TH ANNIVERSARY A decade ago, Fest for Life, a
community cancer screening event was launched. Today, it has grown
into a city-wide health fair that has screened more than 5,000 people for cancer and other diseases. In
celebration of its 10th anniversary, this year’s Fest for Life kicked off
with a second-line parade led by East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome.
BREAST & GYN CANCERS The Cancer Center and Woman’s Hospital
partnered on what we each know best — caring for cancer patients and women — to provide the most advanced breast and gynecologic
cancer care in the region. This support system, which we call the Sisterhood, encircles women
with highly-specialized, compassionate services available at multiple locations.
sisterhoodstrong.org
CLINICAL TRIALS The Gulf South Minority/Underserved NCI
Community Oncology Research Program, of
which the Cancer Center is a member, enrolled more cancer patients (352 participants) in a
key clinical trial than any other site. The trial
compared cancer treatments and side effects for
patients with and without specific viral infections.
The Cancer Center was again nationally honored by Commission on Cancer, a quality program of the American College of Surgeons. The Cancer
THANK YOU
Center was reaccredited with Gold-level
for Inspiring Success
the Outstanding Achievement Award –
“Great outcomes are a result of clinical excellence, but the inspiration to be great comes from every patient who walks through the Cancer Center’s doors.”
Commendation, and was also granted
achieved by only seven percent of facilities. · Only one in the region to receive this award three times in a row · Only one in Louisiana to receive this award to date as part of the 2017 survey process · Only one in a handful in the Gulf South awarded this designation
Extraordinary community support and JOHN LYONS, M.D.,
engagement has helped make the Cancer
CHAIR OF THE CANCER CENTER’S
Center a premier destination in the Gulf
CANCER COMMITTEE
South for those seeking the highest level of cancer care. We share this accolade with every patient, donor, volunteer, team member and physician who embody the Cancer Center family.
A HEALTHY SERVING of Generosity “The Cancer Center was an incredibly supportive team for me. I couldn’t have asked for better. I’m thankful that
The Taste 2017 rocked a totally rad 80s flashback theme and shattered previous records raising more than $350,000. Many attendees donned outfits straight out of the decade known for fun and flamboyance and enjoyed live music from the 80s cover band, Werewolf. The event, which served up delicious food from
the funds raised by the Taste
local restaurants, also included a
will allow others to receive the
memorable moment for survivor
same excellent care that I did.”
Beth Alford, as she rang a special bell on stage celebrating the end of her treatment. Every dollar raised
BETH ALFORD, SURVIVOR AND THE TASTE BELL RINGER
benefits patients fighting cancer in the community.
HAVE FUN SAVE LIVES
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS
KKDL 30TH Karnival Krewe de Louisiane, which was formed with the purpose of raising funds for cancer patients in the community, celebrated its 30th anniversary by raising $215,000 during its 2017 season—an all-time high for the longtime group of supporters.
A FLOOD of Support “My home was turned upside down in a matter of minutes as the flood waters rose. Many co-workers immediately asked how they could help and they did; my family felt
In the aftermath of the historic flood of August 2016, South Louisiana banded together in an unprecedented way. Compassion and resilience were in full force at the Cancer Center as well, as team members responded to the needs of patients and co-workers alike. More than $30,000 was raised through the team member assistance fund
overwhelming support and
to support employees affected by
kindness from everyone.�
the flooding. This outpouring of love and support was a testament to the dedicated team that makes the
NICOLE MAGEE,
Cancer Center, and this region,
CANCER CENTER TEAM MEMBER
a special place.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those still rebuilding following the 2016 flood. And we extend a heartfelt thank you to the amazing team members who immediately wanted to lend a helping hand to our neighbors in Southwest Louisiana and Houston, Texas through Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in 2017.
COM PAS SION AND RESIL IENCE
COMMUNITY ART WALL A new component of the Healing Arts program, the Community
Art Wall, was created to exhibit artwork created by patients,
family members, friends and team
members. The first Community Art Wall project was inspired by the iconic Meditation Art Wall.
TREATMENT ENDS and It’s Just the Beginning “The After the Bell Survivorship Clinic empowered me. I learned that I am in control of my life. I gained so much and I received support that I didn’t even know that I needed.”
ELLEN SESSIONS, SURVIVOR AND PARTICIPANT, AFTER THE BELL SURVIVORSHIP CLINIC
AFTER THE BELL
The one-of-a-kind After the Bell Survivorship Clinic is the only known survivorship program of its type in the nation. The program offers patients a comforting environment that fosters healing and help for survivors as they cope with changes in the mind and body following cancer treatment. Free, weekly small-group sessions held at the serene Burden Museum & Gardens are designed to reduce stress, boost the immune system
and inspire an overall sense of well-being. Sessions include mindful living techniques, health and wellness coaching, yoga, nature walks, nutrition and art. After the Bell offers a unique combination of resources that add an extra layer of support for those adjusting to their new normal, so they can live the best life possible today, tomorrow and into the future.
STAND OUT HONORS AND AWARDS Many physicians, team members, volunteers and other supporters contribute to the Cancer Center’s ability to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer. We’d like to acknowledge some of those who received special recognition for their dedication to enhancing cancer care.
CONNEL CHU MEDICAL PHYSICIST FAVRE FAMILY
AWARD FOR INNOVATION
DAVID HANSON, M.D. was recognized by the GULF SOUTH MINORITY/UNDERSERVED NCI COMMUNITY ONCOLOGY
RESEARCH PROGRAM for ENROLLING THE MOST PATIENTS IN CLINICAL TRIALS LOCALLY.
SHELDON JOHNSON, M.D.
HILLAR C. MOORE, JR. MEMORIAL OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AWARD
BOB AND BEV JONES 2017 ANNA B. LIPSEY
VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD
BOB AND JANET LESLIE
JENSEN HOLIDAY MEMORIAL COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
MERRILL LYNCH
LOUIS D. CURET MEMORIAL VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISING AWARD
TOM J. MEEK, M.D., former board chair, and CARTER STONE,
the director of annual and major gifts, were named the 2016 NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY AWARD RECIPIENTS for Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser and Outstanding Professional Fundraiser, respectively, by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
KOREN SMITH was elected as a BOARD MEMBER-AT-LARGE for the AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICISTS IN MEDICINE.
JAMIE WILSON, guest services, received the 2016
SISTER LINDA CONSTANTIN COURAGE AND COMPASSION AWARD.
THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM
was awarded the inaugural INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR TEAM AWARD by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CANCER CENTER DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS.
ONLY LOUISIANA CANCER CENTER TO RECEIVE THE
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT ONLY IN THE REGION
AWARDED 3X IN A ROW marybirdlake.org/outstanding
Mary Bird Perkins - Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center has been accredited since 1992 by The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, the gold standard for community-based cancer care.
Conquer Differently
MARYBIRDLAKE.ORG