Volume 1 2010
www.marybird.org
Cancer and Genetics…Page 4 Fast Track to a Cure…Page 6 MBP Center of Excellence…Page 7 Duane W. Superneau, M.D., geneticist with the Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins, and colorectal cancer patient Lisa Graves
What Our
In This Issue
Patients Say Patients completing treatment at the Baton Rouge, Covington, Gonzales, Hammond and Houma facilities are given an anonymous quality of care questionnaire. Below are some thoughts patients at each Mary Bird Perkins location wrote down after completion of their treatment.
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I thank God this facility exists and for the people who work here. To be greeted with a smile from everyone set the tone for my entire day. Staying positive throughout this ordeal was important. Your people made it possible. Baton Rouge
3 My Perspective
The MBP team should be a model for how patient care should be delivered. My whole experience has been perfect. Covington
7 Named Center of Excellence
I have been involved with several hospitals for treatment and surgeries since 2005. MBP is definitely the best in all aspects. Gonzales The staff went above and beyond their duty to ensure I received the best care possible. The doctor and nutritionist have called me at home to inform me of results and to see how I was doing. I have never experienced such care and devotion regardless of the type of insurance we have. Hammond I got very good care here from the staff. Everyone was friendly and knowledgeable. I appreciate the caring attitude from everyone. Houma
4 Cancer and Genetics 6 Fast Track to a Cure
Features 8 On Stage Again 14 Supporting Komen’s Race for the Cure 15 3rd Annual Minority Cancer Awareness Event 22 Curet and Moore Awards 23 Welcome Dr. Bermudez 24 Year of the Women
The Mary Bird Perkins Perspective is published by the Center’s Communications Department to provide information about news and programs of interest to the medical community, cancer patients and their families, donors and friends of the Center. Communications Department (225) 215-1225 2
MARY BIRD PERKINS perspective
Hundreds Screened in One Day
My Perspective A message from Todd D. Stevens, president and CEO
n the pages ahead you’ll read about the remarkable strides Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center (MBP) and our many partners are making in the fight against cancer and the many different ways we are doing it.
I
outreach team touched the lives of hundreds of people who were screened for cancer on a single Saturday in April. It indeed took a village to make this event a resounding success. Be sure and check out the stats and photos from this event in the pages ahead.
A service of the Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins, genetic counseling is a term you may have heard of, but you probably didn’t realize how important it is in the early detection of cancers. Reading “Cancer and Genetics” on the following page will help you understand why knowing your family’s cancer history is so important. Your reading this article may save a life.
The Office of Development is very excited and for good reason. This is the first year new donors to the Annual Fight Cancer Campaign (FCC) can communicate online. Volunteers involved in the campaign are learning how to expand support for the Center’s Mission via an e-mailed personal fundraising page to their networks of family and friends. MBP will virtually go worldwide!
On the patient care front, our treatment team is using new technology that came with the recently installed Elekta Infinity treatment system to reduce treatment time by up to 90 percent. See what Dr. King and the first patient at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center treated with Elekta Infinity’s VMAT technology have to say about it. Additionally, Nucletron, a leading company in the field of radiation therapy patient care solutions, selected Mary Bird Perkins as a Center of Excellence and one of only two centers globally to find a new way to treat certain patients. The partnership with Nucletron is a direct example of how the Mary Bird Perkins/LSU Medical Physics program is resulting in better care for patients we serve.
And last but not least, learn how the Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins will use its $2 million award from the National Cancer Institute’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to benefit cancer patients. These are just a few of the topics you’ll find within this issue. No single group can win the battle against cancer. We continue to develop and expand almost everything we do to encourage collaboration and build relationships – all to leverage resources and attract support that will increase survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer. The community has always embraced Mary Bird Perkins, enabling us to serve thousands of people, and we are tremendously grateful for your continued support. Sincerely,
In a story titled “On Stage Again,” learn how enrolling in a national clinical research trial allowed a local actor to beat throat cancer and live to play the role of his dreams. In observance of National Minority Cancer Awareness Week, the Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins’
Mission
Our promise
To improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer through expert treatment, compassionate care, early detection, research and education.
Core Values Collaboration • Compassion • Innovation • Integrity • Respect www.marybird.org • Volume 1 2010
Cancer and Genetics L
isa Graves was 50 years old when she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer last year. Even though she leads a busy life, she makes time to have an annual gynecological exam – a practice that probably saved her life. “Because of the results from a test my doctor did during my last visit, he told me I should have a colonoscopy,” Graves said. The colonoscopy found polyps that turned out to be malignant. “The surgeon had to remove a part of my rectum, but because they caught the cancer early, I didn’t need any other treatment. People should know that early detection really is a lifesaver,” she said.
Graves recalls her surgeon talking to her after her surgery about genetic counseling, a service of the Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins. Genetic counseling for colon and rectal cancer is part of the Cancer Program’s multidisciplinary colorectal cancer approach. When initially discussing the consideration of having genetic counseling, “I was too distracted to pay attention,” Graves admitted. But when approached about it later, Graves said she was more prepared to listen. “The counseling was very educational. When I found out there are colon cancer
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MARY BIRD PERKINS perspective
genes, I wanted to be tested. I was concerned that if I was a carrier, I could have passed the gene on to my 34-year-old son.” This is where geneticist Duane W. Superneau, M.D., Our Lady of the Lake Genetic Services, comes in. Dr. Superneau offers genetic counseling for individuals or families at risk for various hereditary cancers. During genetic counseling, Superneau and his staff simplify complex scientific concepts to provide clear and clinically relevant information about genetic risk factors. This information is a key component in the early detection of cancers in high-risk patients and in the decision of those considering whether or not to have genetic testing. Superneau explained that all cancer has a genetic basis, but not all cancer is hereditary. In fact, he said, only a small portion of all cancers – maybe 5 or 10 percent – can be
“People should know really is a lifesaver.”
attributed to heredity. Colon and rectal cancer inherited through a parent’s genes, which can be documented by genetic testing, falls into the 5 percent group. The other 95 percent of colon and rectal cancers are due to local changes in the colon tissue. When asked if he’s noticed an increased interest in the role genetics plays in cancer, Superneau replied, “We’re seeing more people because they’re more aware of the subject, but we’re not necessarily seeing the right people.” He explained that not enough people are getting screened who should be screened due to a family history. “The majority of people we see already have cancer. Sometimes we see individuals concerned about their family history, but they might not be the candidate who should be tested.” He said that he is a resource for genetic counseling whose role is to determine which family member is the appropriate one to be tested, if the family decides to take it that far. “The big take-away from all of this,” Superneau emphasized, “is to know your family history and obtain appropriate screening studies for cancer when indicated.” Graves said she knew colorectal cancer could be hereditary, and it scared her. Her children would benefit from Graves knowing if she had the gene because they could be more diligent about early detection practices. “Moms are universally concerned about their kids,” shared Dr. Superneau. “Through genetic counseling they learn that if they have the gene, they got it from their parents, and in similar fashion, it could be in their children.” He explained, however, that medically his first priority is to the patient. “If Lisa has the colon cancer gene mutation, that means all the cells in her body have the mutation. Colon cancer gene mutations also cause uterine and ovarian cancers, putting her at a greater risk for both.” Superneau said there would be two options to lower the odds of her contracting either cancer – removal of the uterus and ovaries or more frequent imaging of the same. “Genetic counseling then becomes a medical education about your own health concerns,” Superneau said. “Lisa would, of course, have to have more frequent colonoscopies, for instance, which insurance then covers. But, we would also have more information about her chances for a recurrence.” Thankfully, Graves’ test proved to be negative. “Now I feel relief,” she said. “If it would have been positive, I would have been in a worried state for myself and my son the rest of my life.” She added, however, that she would have been better prepared to take the necessary steps for her health care. She believes the genetic counseling resource being offered as an option for cancer patients is a good thing. “I recommend it. I didn’t know anything, and I found it very helpful. Being that my test was negative, it was also very reassuring.”
that early detection – Lisa Graves
“The counseling was very educational. When I found out there’s a colon cancer gene, I wanted to be tested for it. I was concerned that if I was a carrier, I could have passed it on to my 34-year-old son.” Lisa Graves
Genetic Counseling Session Preparation The best way to prepare for a genetic counseling session for adult cancer is to find out as much as you can about your family medical history. Talk to your family members and try to find out medical information about your siblings, parents, aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents, children and grandchildren. At minimum, this information should include: • Your relation to each family member, including whether family members are adopted or half-relatives • Major health conditions that affect each family member, such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease • The age of onset for each condition • Age and cause of death (where relevant) Try to confirm each health condition that affects family members. In many cases, your risk may be different depending on exactly what condition your family member had. For example, if you think that a relative had lung cancer when in fact they had breast cancer, it could seriously affect the accuracy of your risk assessment.
www.marybird.org • Volume 1 2010
Fast Track to a Cure
W
hile a prostate cancer diagnosis is never good news, 65-year-old Darrell Tate was the first patient at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center to benefit from an advanced arc-based radiotherapy delivery system made possible by Elekta’s new VMAT (Volumetric Intensity Modulated Arc Therapy) technology. “Elekta’s VMAT offers patients dramatically shorter treatment times – in some cases as fast as two minutes,” said Dr. Maurice King, medical director, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “Faster treatments improve patient comfort by reducing the time spent on the treatment table. Since treatment times are so short, the risk of patient movement is greatly reduced, enhancing accuracy.” King said the time savings over successive Elekta VMAT cases per day also allows for the treatment of additional patients. For patients with prostate cancer, short treatments are critical to patient comfort; a full bladder is needed to push the colon upward and away from the radiation field to minimize its exposure. Tate took the first 20 of his 38 treatments with standard planning prior to VMAT becoming available. For his particular treatment plan, the gantry – the source of the radiation – stopped nine times to make static computerized changes that changed the shape and intensity of the radiation beam during its 360 degree circumnavigation of the prostate. This took about 15 minutes. “By the 10th treatment, I wasn’t sure I could control my bladder that long anymore, and I wasn’t even halfway through,” Tate said. “When Dr. King told me I could take my last 18 treatments on a new system that would make one continuous sweep around my body in a minute and a half and I’d be done, I said, ‘Let’s do it.’” “Elekta’s VMAT is an exciting new treatment option that promises to significantly improve our patients’ experience and quality of
care,” King said. “The patient gets the same amount of radiation in about 80 to 90 percent less time. To further ensure accuracy, 3-D imaging at ultra-low doses verifies tumor position prior to every treatment.” This means the patient is set up in the exact same position every time. “After my first treatment with VMAT I remember saying, ‘This is it?’” Tate said. “It was so much quicker. It allows the next person to come right behind you.” Elekta’s VMAT technology can be used to treat a variety of tumors while giving clinicians the ability to treat targets more aggressively than ever before. Only VMAT has the ability to perform treatments with single or multiple arcs depending on a patient’s unique treatment requirements.
Center Volunteers Recognized Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center volunteers Lou Fitzmorris and Chuck Stanton received the Anna B. Lipsey Memorial Volunteer of the Year award for 2010. Fitzmorris has been a volunteer at the Center’s Hammond location for 22 years, since the doors first opened in 1988. “I’m there every Tuesday morning, and I love it. I just love it,” Fitzmorris said enthusiastically. Stanton, who volunteers at the Baton Rouge location, said, “To work with the staff at Mary Bird Perkins is an honor in itself.” Pictured from left: Richard Lipsey, Lou Fitzmorris, Chuck Stanton and Susan Lipsey.
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MARY BIRD PERKINS perspective
The award, named for the late community activist and one of the Center’s original co-founders, was presented by Anna Lipsey’s son, Richard Lipsey, and his wife Susan at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Friday, May 7, at the Baton Rouge Country Club. The Anna B. Lipsey Memorial Volunteer Service Award, established in 1986, is given each year to the volunteer(s) who best exemplifies the volunteer spirit and dedication for which Mrs. Lipsey was known.
Selected as Center of Excellence One of two cancer centers globally partnering on IGABT technology
M
ary Bird Perkins Cancer Center (MBP) has been selected as a Center of Excellence by Nucletron, a Holland-based global innovator of radiotherapy solutions. The prestigious designation is bestowed on only 5 percent of the centers supported by Nucletron and provides continued opportunities for collaboration among the country’s top experts in the field of radiation therapy.
Presently, MBP and Nucletron are collaborating to expand the new Image Guided Adaptive Brachytherapy (IGABT) program at MBP that deploys shields to protect organs at risk, such as the bladder and rectum, while utilizing computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) guidance during treatment. Mary Bird Perkins is one of two cancer centers in the world selected by Nucletron to work with IGABT technology. “The newly formed Center of Excellence collaboration with Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center establishes this brachytherapy program as a leader in the quest to integrate advanced image guidance with high precision delivery of adaptive brachytherapy,” said Grant Geigler, director, Strategic Alliances, Nucletron. Brachytherapy is a cancer treatment modality that has been used worldwide for more than a century. It was first used to treat cancer by implanting radium into tumors. Advances in imaging and computing technology over the past 30 years have bolstered the planning and treatment process. Dosing flexibility with High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy provides greater opportunities to personalize treatment plans for patients, allowing for precise treatment in less time and with fewer side effects. In most cases, treatment duration is dramatically shortened, often with treatment being completed in days versus weeks or months with other forms of radiation therapy. Patient comfort is greater during and after treatment, and most side effects associated with other treatment options are minimized. Further, recovery time is minimal because the treatment is well tolerated and patients are able to return to normal activities immediately. Brachytherapy can be used alone or
as an adjunct to other forms of cancer treatment such as external beam radiotherapy or surgery. Used most commonly for treatment of prostate, breast, endo-rectal and gynecologic cancers, delivering HDR brachytherapy treatment involves the placement of a radioactive source directly into or adjacent to the tumor to precisely treat the tumor site without exposing surrounding organs and tissues to unnecessary radiation. “The problem has been that the lead shields inside the cylinders containing the radioactive source have made it difficult to image the patient,” explained John Gibbons, Ph.D., chief of clinical physics, MBP. “Not only are we using MR/CT imaging to surmount that problem, but we are the only ones in the region doing it.” Additionally, said Gibbons, academic medical physicist Mich Price, Ph.D., has researched and designed a prototype of an adaptive applicator to move the shields out of position during treatment, something that Nucletron has great interest in backing. “Mary Bird Perkins likes to push. That’s what I love about working here,” stated Dr. Price. “Doing MR/CT image-based brachytherapy has really pushed us ahead, and being a Center of Excellence for Nucletron gives us a direct pipeline to research and development for the next generation of technology.” “Nucletron represents a new partnership, a new and different planning system, and a new method of delivery,” said Gibbons. “It has the latest and greatest software, and we had input into the design. We are moving toward GEC-ESTRO standards, a whole new way of prescribing dose for brachytherapy. It is something radiation oncologists Drs. Johnson and Wood are very interested in, and Dr. Price is going to take us there.”
MONTHLY E-NEWS
Mary Bird Perkins is interested in sharing timely and interesting cancer news with you. Sign up to receive the latest cancer news at www.marybird.org www.marybird.org • Volume 1 2010
On Stage Again Local actor overcomes cancer and lands his dream role in ‘Camelot’ The Advocate - Baton Rouge, La. Monday, March 8, 2010
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ocal actor Jack Wilson has wanted to play the role of King Arthur in the musical “Camelot” for more than 20 years, ever since he saw a broadcast of Richard Harris in the role. Wilson's turn comes this Friday, when he takes the stage as King Arthur in the Baton Rouge Little Theater's production of the play. He auditioned for the role, both despite of and because of his fight with cancer two years ago. “If I can do even a decent job at this, then it (the cancer) hasn't beaten me,” Wilson said in the days prior to the show's opening.
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MARY BIRD PERKINS perspective
Wilson is a survivor of head and neck cancer that threatened to take his voice. Instead, he was able to participate in a new, national clinical trial protocol of an intense regimen of radiation and chemotherapy that added a second drug to his chemotherapy. In the months following the end of treatment in August 2008, Wilson learned he was cancer-free. “He actually achieved a complete response. He has no sign of cancer,” said Stephen Hebert, clinical research network coordinator for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, who helped enroll Wilson in the clinical trial. While still suffering the after-effects of the treatment, which include dry mouth and trouble swallowing, Wilson decided to go ahead and audition this winter for the part of King Arthur.
Wilson missed the first audition - he wasn't feeling well enough and was severely disappointed, he said. “As fate would have it, for some reason there was a very thin turnout for the first audition,” Wilson said. With his family and friends encouraging him, Wilson won the part at the second round of auditions. “I think it's a once-in-a-lifetime role for someone like Jack,” said Keith Dixon, managing artistic director of the Baton Rouge Little Theater and director of “Camelot.” “Some people are born to play certain roles. He's born to play Arthur,” Dixon said of Wilson. In the play, Arthur is king of Camelot, husband of Guenevere, guiding light for the knight Lancelot and student of the wizard Merlyn. But all is not perfect in the kingdom, and Arthur feels it all. Before he was cast in “Camelot,“ Wilson had his own, very real trials. In the early summer of 2008, Wilson, then 52, was diagnosed with a stage IV squamous cell carcinoma at the base of his tongue. Wilson, who had no health insurance at that time, was referred to the local public hospital, Earl K. Long Medical Center, and found the doctors who would help him become cancer free. His primary doctors are Dr. Charles Wood, radiation oncologist with Mary Bird Perkins, which provides radiation treatment for Earl K. Long patients, and Dr. Bryan Bienvenu, with Louisiana Hematology-Oncology Associates. Bienvenu, with other of his partners, operates the outpatient oncology clinic at Earl K. Long, where Wilson would receive chemotherapy treatments. The recommended treatment options were radiation and chemotherapy. If that didn't work, the treatment would be surgery that would remove “most if not all of the tongue,“ Wilson said. But Wilson also learned from Bienvenu of a new clinical trial protocol that was available. “I didn't hesitate at all in choosing to try for the trial option,” Wilson said. “As far as I was concerned, the surgery option wasn’t an option,“ he said. “Both these men seemed to feel confident that what they were going to do was going to fix this. Because they were confident, I was confident,“ Wilson said. “Jack looked like an ideal client for the national trial,“ Wood said. “He was young, healthy and motivated.“ Wilson was enrolled in the trial, which was “extremely intense,“ Wood said. Seven weeks of treatment were scheduled into six weeks, and radiation was given six days a week, instead of five, as is the norm, Wood said. The drug Erbitux was added to the regimen. “It's not normally given in combination of chemotherapy and radiation,“ Bienvenu said.
“At some point Jack and I made a deal. If he got the part, I’d be there to see him.” Dr. Charles Wood then have shown him to be cancer-free, and he'll continue to be monitored, he said. A sister, Jimmie Murvin, who lives here, helped Wilson through the treatment, as did several of his friends from the theater, including his Guenevere in the play, Jennifer Ellis. His first return to the stage following his cancer treatment came after he was invited to participate in a night of one-act plays for Ascension Community Theater this past fall. A business graduate with an MBA, Wilson discovered his love of theater in his college years at the University of Louisiana at Monroe (then Northeastern), when a girlfriend encouraged him to try out for some plays, going beyond his experience on the university's speech and debate team. He took her up on it, loved it and did a semester in theater before graduating. Since then, Wilson has performed in more than 30 shows in the area and directed another 26. He's also the lighting designer for Ascension Community Theater. His most recent performance for Baton Rouge Little Theater was as Professor Higgins in “My Fair Lady,” in 2006. Wilson, who is an instructor of public speaking and oral interpretation at Southern University, continues to deal with aftereffects of the treatment, such as dry mouth, difficulty in swallowing and tiredness. He said, in fact, that rehearsal has been the second hardest thing he's ever done, after the radiation treatment. But, he said, “When I’m out there doing a scene, singing a song you’re somebody else. I’m not unaware of the symptoms,” he said, “but they don’t get in the way,” he said. There’s ego involved in doing theater, Wilson admitted, but he said “the real reason we want to (act), is to make you laugh, cry, think. That's why we do this stuff,” he said. At one point, when Wilson doubted himself, Wood, his radiation oncologist, encouraged him. “I was trying to back-pedal on it. He wasn’t listening to any of that,” Wilson said. “At some point Jack and I made a deal,” Wood said. “If he got the part, I’d be there to see him.” Wood and others on Wilson’s medical team plan to be there on opening night this Friday. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction or distribution is prohibited without permission.
Wilson began the treatment on July 1, 2008. “He never had a bad reaction to the chemotherapy, he said.” The radiation, though, he said, “was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.” He completed the treatment in August 2008. Several scans since
www.marybird.org • Volume 1 2010
Thank You, Coke! I
n 1990, a group of visionaries set out to make a difference in the lives of local cancer patients. Headed by Hillar Moore, Jr., who had lost both his wife and daughter to the disease, the group took on the challenge of organizing a golf tournament to raise money to fund the local fight against cancer. Gary Sligar, then president of Baton Rouge Coca-Cola United, was part of that original group. Today Sligar is retired, but Baton Rouge Coca-Cola Bottling Company remains steadfast in its corporate support of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in whatever way it can, as it has for the past 20 years.
“This is a great place to work,” said the company’s Vice President, John Miller, who’s been with Coke for eight years. “The local corporate culture encourages employees to get involved in the community, just like Coca-Cola worldwide. It’s part of the legacy of those who came before us, and we see it as a challenge to do
even more. Coca-Cola has always had strong support from the Baton Rouge community, and we are always looking for opportunities to give back.” Over the two decades of Mary Bird Perkins’ golf tournament, five people from Coca-Cola have chaired the event – Darian Chustz, president; Bob Elliott, regional marketing director; Jim Martin, vice president marketing, two years (retired); John Miller, vice president, two years; and Gary Sligar, president (retired). To date, the tournament has raised more than $1.2 million, making it the largest annual fundraising event for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “Not many golf tournaments in Baton Rouge have been around 20 years,” Miller said. “You have to reinvent. That’s why we added the Tight Lies (now Adams Golf ) professional component several years ago. Now, Mary Bird Perkins has the only premier professional golf tournament in Baton Rouge.” Miller said of all the organizations his company helps, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is among those it consistently supports with time, energy and money. “It seems like everyone has personal ties to Mary Bird Perkins, and you can see the positive results of getting treated there. So many people need care, and so many can’t afford it. Baton Rouge is a better community because of Mary Bird Perkins.” Mary Bird Perkins couldn’t do what we do without community partners like Baton Rouge Coca-Cola Bottling Company. For 20 years, the company has generously leveraged its resources to do as much as it can to support us. On behalf of the patients we serve, thank you, Baton Rouge Coca-Cola!
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Houma Helping Research
M
ary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC continues to impact cancer care by providing cancer patients and their physicians access to clinically relevant research trials. The outcomes of these clinical trials will lead to advances in evidencebased disease management, specifically National Cancer Institute (NCI)-sponsored clinical trials. “By increasing accessibility, patients in southeast Louisiana now have the ability to choose to participate in a clinical trial,” Donna M. Bryant, executive director of clinical research at Mary Bird Perkins, said.
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s Clinical Trial Office has increased the number of collaborations and other formal linkages it has with NCI-designated cancer centers and other academic biomedical institutions. These collaborations allow patients greater access to the latest advances in medical sciences. “Our participation with the National Cancer Institute’s Community Cancer Centers
Program (NCCCP) pilot for the past three years has allowed us to discover better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. This relationship has opened the doors for additional trial participation. We are privileged to work so closely with the NCI,” Bryant said. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC continues to screen prospective patients for the 20+ national clinical trials available for patients with breast, colorectal, head and neck, lung and prostate cancers and renal cell carcinomas. This location currently has two patients enrolled. The Center is looking to run 32 clinical trials for breast, lung, melanoma and gynecological cancers in the near future. For more information regarding specific clinical trials, please contact the Clinical Trials Coordinator for Drs. Doria, Gamble and McGaw at (985) 850-6329 or e-mail clinicalresearch@marybird.com.
Progress!
Construction is under way for the new Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC. It’s expected to open May 2011.
www.marybird.org • Volume 1 2010
$2 Million Awarded The National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, is using $80 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to expand research benefitting patients at the Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins and the other 15 members of the NCI Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) pilot. In addition, the funds added 14 new sites to the NCCCP network. The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins will use its $2 million to support 14 additional projects over the next two years, furthering its local cancer program development modeled on the priorities of the NCCCP. The NCCCP is a network of community-hospital cancer centers working to provide research-based cancer care spanning the full cancer continuum – from prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship through end-of-life care. “We have made tremendous strides over the past three years as an initial NCCCP pilot site and look forward to the advances to come through these additional ARRA funds,” said Mitchell Z. Berger, MD, MMM, CPE, FACP, Medical Director, Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins and Principal Investigator – NCCCP Pilot Project. NCCCP began in 2007 with 16 hospital-based community cancer centers in 14 states. The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins was selected as an initial pilot site based on its ability and experience in conducting clinical trials and providing leadership and healthcare outreach in the communities it serves. The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins was the only site selected in the Gulf South region. The fouryear pilot focuses on bringing more Americans into a system of high-quality cancer care, increasing participation in clinical trials and reducing cancer healthcare disparities. The NCCCP pilot is designed to create new research opportunities across the cancer continuum, from screening and treatment to follow-up care, with an emphasis on minority and underserved populations. Estimates show that 85 percent of cancer patients in the U.S. are diagnosed at community cancer centers. The other 15 percent are diagnosed at NCI-designated Cancer Centers, a network of 63 academic research institutions located in largely urban areas across the country. Many patients are not treated at the major cancer centers because of the distance from their homes, or for other personal or economic reasons. The goal of the NCCCP pilot is to extend NCI programs into local communities, giving patients easier access to clinical research and advanced care. The pilot includes giving patients access to the very latest cancer prevention and treatment advances through NCIsponsored clinical trials. Evidence from a wide range of studies suggests that cancer patients diagnosed and treated in such a setting of multi-specialty care and clinical research may live longer and have a better quality of life. NCCCP pilot sites are currently addressing ways to reduce health care disparities, improve access to clinical trials, improve overall quality of care, promote an infrastructure to collect high-quality biospecimens such as blood and tissue samples for research, and to link with national computer networks that support research. The sites also work to improve survivorship, palliative care services and patient advocacy. For more information about the program and a map of the NCCCP network, visit http://ncccp.cancer.gov.
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New Northshore Leadership
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ary Bird Perkins’ (MBP) Greater Northshore President’s Council recently selected new leadership for 2010-2011. Cindy Harlan, formerly Vice Chair, will now serve as Chair. “Mary Bird Perkins offers patients the most advanced continuum of cancer care available,” said Harlan. “Our combined resources allow local residents to seek treatment close to home where innovative, world-class treatment is right in our own backyard. And our combined support will enable Mary Bird Perkins to continue to treat every patient who walks through its doors.” Randy Kinchen, a long-standing volunteer for Mary Bird Perkins, Northshore council member and former MBP patient, has accepted the role of Vice Chair. “Being a survivor of cancer and a patient of Mary Bird Perkins, I had first-hand experience with the beauty of receiving first-class treatment near home and being able to be close to family and to work. The comfort and financial savings of that experience was very healing.” Kinchen is also serving as the Council’s Chair for Mary Bird Perkins’ 2010 annual Fight Cancer Campaign.
Pictured from left: Cindy Harlan, Northshore Council Chair, Jenni O'Neil, MBP Development Officer and Randy Kinchen, Northshore Council Vice Chair. Jenni O’Neil, development officer, MBP. “By providing visibility and credibility to MBP, these individuals serve as a link between the Greater Northshore community and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. We are honored to have Cindy Harlan and Randy Kinchen serve as the leadership for this outstanding group of volunteers; with their help and expertise, we hope to achieve our goal of increasing philanthropic support in our region.”
“The purpose of Mary Bird Perkins’ Greater Northshore President’s Council is to support and enhance the mission of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in the Greater Northshore area,” explained
Ladies Golfing for a Cause
T
he Ladies Golf Association (LGA) of Oak Knoll Country Club in Hammond has donated $7,000 to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center from a tournament the association recently hosted to support the Center's mission.
Pictured from left: Jenni O’Neil, development officer, Mary Bird Perkins, with ladies from Hammond’s LGA – Josie Barnes, Rosetta Anazalone, Sharol Powell and Patsy Trepagnier.
“So many women in our area have been affected by breast cancer,” said the LGA’s Josie Barnes. “This tournament was an opportunity for us to raise awareness and funds to help fight this horrible disease.” Barnes extended her thanks to sponsors, Oak Knoll Country Club and Ladies Golf Association and the many volunteers who made the tournament a tremendous success. “Josie and the ladies on her committee did a wonderful job,” said Jenni O'Neil, development officer, Mary Bird Perkins. “We are extremely grateful for such a generous donation.” www.marybird.org • Volume 1 2010
Komen Race for the Cure
. ether for a team photo L and MBP pose tog LO O of m ra og Pr the Cancer Representatives from
Winding through LSU’s campus wearing pink T-shirts, tutus and Mohawks, more than 11,000 people helped make 2010 the most successful year ever for the Baton Rouge Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
Lisa OLOL, and ard e, rc ie P i st ri Ch the aw P, accepted O’Deay, MB am. for largest te
Cancer survivors decked out in pink to have photos taken and mailed to their homes.
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MARY BIRD PERKINS perspective
The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins partnered with the community in its fight against breast cancer, taking home the trophy for largest team at the Race with more than 300 people registered. Employees, family members and friends wore teal “Defeating Cancer Together” T-shirts, and handed out pink backpacks and apples to Race participants. The Cancer Program also sponsored the Race’s Survivor Area, where breast cancer survivors celebrated life by taking fun photos with family and friends – complete with pink boas, tiaras and other fun costume jewelry.
and ing in style Ladies walking a statement. mak
Hundreds Screened – In One Day In observance of National Minority Cancer Awareness Week, the Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins hosted the third annual free health fair on April 20. Held at the Bon Carré Business Center on Florida Boulevard, nearly 500 people took advantage of the free screenings for breast, colorectal, skin, prostate and oral cancer, available to anyone without a physician who had not been screened for cancer in the past 12 months. Nearly 200 people had their blood pressure, glucose level and vision checked.
Honorary Chairman EBR Mayor-President Kip Holden was on hand to present Todd Stevens and Dr. Mitchell Berger of the Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins with a proclamation celebrating National Minority Cancer Awareness Week, recognized April 18-24, 2010. The event served as a forum to increase awareness regarding the importance of early cancer detection among racial-ethnic minority groups. “Don’t be ashamed to get screened,” the Mayor told the crowd. “Be ashamed if you don’t.”
bike. the “Who Dat” Mayor Holden on
The event included free food, a children’s area with supervised activities, a drawing for a child’s bicycle and helmet and a grand prize drawing for a computer including free home installation. In addition, members from the Baton Rouge chapter of the Nubian Kruzers United Motorcycle Club were there selling raffle tickets for a “Who Dat” bike autographed by the New Orleans Saints Super Bowl XLIV players.
Of the screening participants: 67% of the participants had never been screened for cancer* 92% of the participants had never been screened for skin cancer 72% of the participants had never been screened for colorectal cancer 48% of the participants had never been screened for prostate cancer 9% of the participants had never been screened for breast cancer
Military men and women dropped for push-ups each time men had prostate exams and women had mammograms.
*excludes oral cancer participants
www.marybird.org • Volume 1 2010
Cancer Awareness Months
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hroughout the month of March, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center partnered with other organizations to offer six free colorectal screenings in recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer, or cancer of the colon or rectum, is the third most common cancer killer in men and women. It causes no symptoms in its early stages, making screening vitally important.
The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins offered three screenings at various locations in the Greater Baton Rouge area. Screenings are part of the Cancer Program’s Multidisciplinary Colorectal Cancer Team, which is dedicated to colorectal cancer research and the comprehensive delivery of stateof-the-art patient care. The purpose of this team is to address the entire continuum of care for colorectal cancer from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, treatment, recovery and survivorship. As part of this effort, the Cancer Program has developed a resource specifically for the disease – www.ColonCancerTeam.org. The site contains a colorectal cancer risk assessment tool to help determine one’s personal risk for colorectal cancer. It also provides information on the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer and lists free upcoming screenings, such as those offered in March.
innovative partnerships, Mary Bird Perkins offers free, year-round cancer screenings and educational programs to the underserved and uninsured. Mary Bird Perkins also offered free skin cancer screenings throughout the month of May in recognition of National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Skin cancer is the most prevalent of cancers, and it is estimated that more than 1 million Americans develop skin cancer every year, according to national statistics from the American Cancer Society. For information regarding dates, times and locations of other free screenings, please visit www.marybird.org.
A screening was also made available in Covington as part of the comprehensive cancer program of Mary Bird Perkins and St. Tammany Parish Hospital. Together, Mary Bird Perkins and St. Elizabeth Hospital partnered to offer a colorectal screening in Ascension Parish, and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC held a colorectal cancer screening in Houma. Through these
The Colon Cancer Team’s innovative website provides the most up-to-date news, information and resources about colorectal cancer.
2010 Cancer Screenings to Date* Breast Prostate Colorectal Skin Oral Total Participants Participants who have never been screened Diagnosed Cancers *January
778
127
591
468
119
2,083
86
56
352
380
–
874
4
0
0
0
0
4
1- April 30, 2010
# of Screening Events: 68 16
MARY BIRD PERKINS perspective
% never screened: 45%
Best Small Project
M
ary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Gonzales was presented with the “Best Small Project” award by South Central Construction magazine at the end of 2009. The magazine’s annual “Best of” competition recognizes construction and design excellence across Louisiana.
“We are delighted that this construction project is award-winning, but we are even more delighted to partner with Mary Bird Perkins on this project that makes it possible to provide the community with a broader range of critical services for cancer patients in the greater Ascension area,” said Dee LeJeune, president and CEO of St. Elizabeth Hospital. An independent jury of industry experts judged numerous nominated projects. Criteria included safety, innovation, contribution to the community or industry, construction quality and craftsmanship and function and aesthetic quality of design. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at St. Elizabeth Hospital was designed by Signal Creek Architects and built by MAPP Construction, LLC. “Mary Bird Perkins is honored to have a home in Gonzales,” said Todd Stevens, president and CEO, Mary Bird Perkins. “Building
“Mary Bird Perkins is honored to have a home in Gonzales. Building this facility, together with St. Elizabeth Hospital, is helping to further meet the vital cancer needs of the community – and that is our primary focus and concern.” Todd Stevens, president and CEO Mary Bird Perkins this facility together with St. Elizabeth Hospital is helping to further meet the vital cancer needs of the community – and that is our primary focus and concern.”
Covington Volunteer Renee Galvin has been volunteering at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington for more than 18 months. “After almost two years, Mary Bird Perkins still amazes me with the quality of care that all the nurses and doctors provide; they’re all so compassionate. Everybody gets to know the patients,” Galvin said. “The doctors truly build relationships with their patients instead of just being service providers. Even though I like talking to the patients, it’s sometimes touching to hear their loved ones’ stories. I’ve seen that caring for someone who is sick can be just as hard as actually having cancer. I am impressed by Mary Bird. It’s been an amazing experience, and I can see myself continuing to volunteer in the future. I’ve met countless people that keep me coming back.” www.marybird.org • Volume 1 2010
Fighting Cancer Through Community Events Take advantage of one of the many opportunities to become involved in the fight against cancer! Consider hosting a community event fundraiser benefiting Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. All funds raised help the Center move forward with its mission to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer. We are honored to work with you to develop a wonderful event idea. We are currently seeking applications from organizations and individuals desiring to host a fundraiser. Events may also be held in honor, or in memory, of a loved one affected by cancer. For information on how you can make a difference by hosting a community event, please contact the Office of Development at (225) 215-1248.
Rotary Club of East Ascension Hosts Raffle Benefit For over a decade, the Rotary Club of East Ascension has held an annual fundraiser to celebrate the Mardi Gras season and raise money for a local charitable organization. With a successful new car raffle incorporated into this year’s fundraising efforts, the East Ascension Mardi Gras Ball raised $20,000 to benefit Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Gonzales. Prairieville resident Mike Melancon was the grand prize winner of a new Infinity G37 Sedan. Guests of the Ball enjoyed supporting the cause and danced all night to the festive entertainment provided by the Super T Revue, a charismatic band from Nashville, Tenn. The raffle served as the first community event organized in Gonzales to benefit MBP.
Pictured from left: at the East Ascension Rotary Club meeting in Gonzales are Sherrie Despino, president, Ascension Chamber of Commerce and 2010 Mardi Gras Ball queen; Eric Bascom, president, East Ascension Rotary Club; Marian Walsworth, program manager MBP- Gonzales; Matthew Pryor, chairman, East Ascension Rotary Mardi Gras Ball and Raffle; Carolyn Chassee, CFRE, VP, chief development officer, MBP; and Hickley Waguespack, immediate past chairman St. Elizabeth Hospital board of directors.
Karnival Krewe de Louisiane Ball The 23rd Annual Karnival Krewe de Louisiane Mardi Gras Ball was held on January 29, 2010, at the Baton Rouge River Center. The fun evening, which raised more than $175,000 for the Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins, included dancing and an indoor parade featuring marching bands, dance teams and floats. Photo Courtesy of Eye Wander Photo
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MARY BIRD PERKINS perspective
Schools Can Make a Difference Students, parents, teachers and coaches can get involved in the fight against cancer by organizing a school-based fundraising event to benefit Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center (MBP). From casual dress days to sporting events, schools can make a difference!
St. Peter Catholic School Hosts Denim Day St. Peter Catholic School hosted its annual fundraiser during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. With the help of dedicated students and teachers, more than $1,700 was donated to help fight breast cancer. The check was presented to Michael Miranda, program manager, Mary Bird Perkins, Covington, by Student Council President David Durand on behalf of the St. Peter Catholic School student body. Durand and teachers Jennifer Vaccaro, Sandra English and Liz Mckee were given a tour of the Covington Center by Miranda, who explained the technology involved in cancer treatment and the various services provided by MBP.
Paint the Gym Pink St. Michael the Archangel High School and St. Joseph’s Academy partnered to raise more than $15,000 in the second annual “Paint the Gym Pink” volleyball match. Funds were raised through game day admission, T-shirt sales, and student fundraisers during homecoming week. Memorable highlights included a heartfelt message from breast cancer survivor Sherie Starkey, wife of LSU girl’s basketball assistant coach Bob Starkey, and a pre-game serve challenge with each school’s principal.
North Iberville Elementary Quarter Drive In their inaugural quarter drive to support breast cancer research and awareness at MBP, students at North Iberville Elementary School generously donated more than $800. A chain (formed by links which represented each quarter raised) was displayed outside all classrooms taking part in the friendly competition. Ms. Carmoneshia Hill’s fifth grade class raised almost $150 and was the proud recipient of a breast cancer awareness bear to display in their classroom. www.marybird.org • Volume 1 2010
Tha tourna TITLE SPONSOR
PRESENTING SPONSORS
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JUNIOR CLINIC SPONSOR TASTE OF THE TOURNAMENT LIVE AUCTION SPONSOR SCORING SPONSOR
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MARY BIRD PERKINS perspective
ank you to our ament sponsors! AWARDS RECEPTION SPONSOR
PRIZE PACKAGE SPONSOR
CART SIGNAGE SPONSOR
PUTTING CONTEST SPONSOR Taylor Porter Attorneys at Law
GOLD HOLE SPONSORS, CONTINUED Capital One Bank Diane Allen & Associates Fidelity Homestead Savings BankFresh Express Chiquita Brands LUBA Workers’ Comp Phelps Dunbar, L.L.P. Rubicon, LLC Sanderson Farms Saurage Commercial Real Estate The Vinyl Institute VOA Incorporated IN-KIND DONORS Diane Allen & Associates Franklin Press, Inc. Kleinpeter Photography Woman’s Hospital
PUTTING GREEN SPONSOR Corporate Mechanical Contractors TASTE OF THE TOURNAMENT ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR Louisiana Lottery GOLD HOLE SPONSORS .decimal, Inc. Antares Technology Solutions Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc.
20TH ANNIVERSARY SPONSORS Campus Federal Credit Union KPMG OrchestrateHR St. Elizabeth Hospital Woman's Hospital
www.marybird.org • Volume 1 2010
Curet and Moore Awards Reception
T
he home of Donna and Jerry Jolly in Baton Rouge was the site for this year’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception on February 25. The reception is held each year to show the Center’s sincere appreciation for every volunteer’s efforts in raising philanthropic support and to recognize individuals with five or more years of volunteer service helping Mary Bird Perkins (MBP) in the fight against cancer.
Pictured from left: Jerry Jolly (chair of Mary Bird Perkins Board of Directors), Shelley Mockler (Mary Bird Perkins Board of Directors), Ashley and Greg Stringfellow (Louis D. Curet Volunteer Fundraiser Award winners), Louis D. Curet, Hillar C. Moore, Jr., Susan and Richard Lipsey (Hillar C. Moore, Jr. Outstanding Service Award winners) and Donna Jolly (hostess and wife of board chair Jerry Jolly).
Jolly, who serves as MBP’s board chair, began by publicly thanking Renee and Brett Furr for their leadership in chairing the 2009 Fight Cancer Campaign. The campaign raised an impressive $837,000.
This year’s Hillar C. Moore, Jr. Outstanding Service Award was presented to Susan and Richard Lipsey by Jolly and Moore. “For 40 years, the Lipseys have put their heart and soul into everything Mary Bird Perkins does,” said Jolly.
Shelley Mockler, assisted by Louis Curet, had the honor of presenting the 2010 Louis D. Curet Volunteer Fundraiser Award to Ashley and Greg Stringfellow. The Stringfellows created the Jeff Boss Memorial Golf Tournament, which to-date has raised more than $24,000 for MBP, after the former LSU equipment manager passed away from cancer in 2003.
Carolyn Chassee, CFRE, vice president, chief development officer, MBP recognized the 2010 Volunteer Service Award recipients. They included Tom Adamek, Randy Kinchen, David Koch, Shelley Mockler, Bill O’Quin, John Schiller, Chuck Schwing, Gary Sligar and Brad Supple.
New Faces The new faces in the Office of Development include (from left) Danielle Mack, development officer; Jenni O'Neil, development officer serving the Covington and Hammond Centers; Ethan Bush, senior development officer; Renee Smith, volunteer services coordinator; and Pam Wall, grants program director for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.
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MARY BIRD PERKINS perspective
Covington Welcomes New MBP Physician Pictured from left: Randy Waesche, Dr. R. Scott Bermudez, and Dr. Charles Wood.
R.
Scott Bermudez, M.D., the latest physician to join the Southeast Louisiana Radiation Oncology Group practicing exclusively at Mary Bird Perkins (MBP) locations, was welcomed at a Greater Northshore Leadership Reception held at the home of Kirk and Cindy Williamson on Thursday, March 11. Dr. Bermudez began treating patients at the Covington Center in December.
Greater Northshore President’s Council past chair Kyle France and Council member Cindy Williamson extended words of welcome and inspiration to MBP friends and donors. The Board of Directors’ welcome was given by MBP Board treasurer and Mandeville resident Randy Waesche. MBP radiation oncologist Charles Wood, M.D., introduced the guest of honor with references to his multiple accomplishments and abilities, concluding with, “Scott is the future.”
“I am both honored and pleased to be able to play a role in Mary Bird Perkins, offering state-of-the-art cancer care to such an open and welcoming community on the Northshore,” Bermudez said. Grateful patient Greg Peace spoke of his experience as a cancer patient at the Covington Center three years ago. He successfully battled Stage III tonsil cancer and credits, among others, Dr. Wood and the MBP Covington staff. “I could tell they all had a passion for what they were doing,” he said. Jenni O’Neil, MBP’s development officer serving the Covington and Hammond Centers, made the closing remarks. The reception was generously underwritten by the Southeast Louisiana Radiation Oncology Group. Libations were courtesy of Republic Beverage Company and Champagne Beverage Company.
“I could tell they all had a passion for what they were doing.” – Greg Peace
Pictured from left: Greater Northshore Leadership Council members Kyle France, chair; Carolyn A. Chassee, CFRE, vice president, chief development officer, MBP; Cindy Harlan, vice chair; Jenni O’Neil, development officer, MBP; Cindy Williamson. www.marybird.org • Volume 1 2010
2010 Fight Cancer Campaign
Year of the Women
M
ary Bird Perkins’ annual Fight Cancer Campaign (FCC) has developed an interesting twist for 2010 – the leadership positions in the Greater Baton Rouge area are all held by women. This is one of two “firsts” in this year’s campaign to encourage philanthropic giving to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.
“I think we’re gonna rock!” said campaign chair Shelley Mockler, Mockler Beverage-Budweiser, of her all-female lead group. “These ladies are great. I couldn’t ask for a better team of women for the Fight Cancer Campaign this year. Just look at my wing woman,” she said, referring to vice chair Rose Hudson of the Louisiana Lottery Corporation. Stacey Chiasson, Dow Chemical Company, is the Corporate Division chair, Lisa Adamek, community volunteer, is chair of the Rathbone Society Division and The Individual Division chair is attorney Elisabeth Quinn. “This is an exciting and energized team,” Mockler said. “Stacey is another Rose, and Elisabeth and Lisa are so passionate about Mary Bird Perkins. If you think about it, we’re all females coming from maledominated businesses. We’re strong, and we’re passionate about the cause.” They will be assisted by a committee of male and female volunteers. The other “first” this year is the use of an online tool to create personal fundraising web pages to send donation appeals via e-mail to networks of family and friends. “This is the year to utilize social networking,” said Carolyn Chassee, CFRE, vice president, chief development officer, MBP. “The infrastructure is in place to utilize it.” See and read more about this on the next page. Mockler, who also sits on MBP’s Board of Directors, said during the last 12 years she has grown up as a community volunteer for the Center. “But in 2009, I really got to know Mary Bird,” she explained, sharing that she spent many hours in the waiting room with her father-in-law, Gary Mockler, while her motherin-law was treated for lymphoma in her throat. “Gary and I would visit with many others and say to each other, ‘Look around – cancer doesn’t discriminate – black, white, young, old, housewife, priest – but then neither does Mary Bird.’” Therein, she said, lies its beauty. It is because MBP provides cancer care for all members of the community with the most advanced radiation technology available in the world, regardless of ability
Pictured from left: Shelley Mockler and Rose Hudson, members of the Mary Bird Perkins Board of Directors and chair and vice chair of the 2010 campaign. to pay, that she supports the Center with her time and treasure. In Rose Hudson’s case, the loss of her friend and mentor Jeannette Michael to cancer at the age of 56 inspires Hudson to fight the good fight to honor her memory. “This woman encouraged me to take on challenges at every turn. When she moved to Washington, D.C., I asked myself, ‘how do I help her fight cancer when she’s miles away?’ That’s why I said ‘yes’ when I was asked to join the Mary Bird Perkins Board.” Later, when she was approached by Lee Berg and Richard Lipsey to be a part of the Fight Cancer Campaign, Hudson said, “This is another battle for me to fight in her name. She would have expected that of me. I now take every chance I find to be like Jeannette. It is my honor to do this for her.” Gifts given each year through the Fight Cancer Campaign provide the critical base of support necessary for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s outreach and early detection programs that meet the current and recurring needs of the community. For more information please contact Mindy Tyler in the Office of Development at mindyt@marybird.com or (225) 215-1233.
“I think we’re gonna rock!”– Shelley Mockler 24
MARY BIRD PERKINS perspective
Online Tool Recruits New Fundraisers - You!
T
his is the first year new donors in the fight against cancer are being cultivated online. “People connected to Mary Bird Perkins, including volunteers, parents and employees, can now become involved in e-mailing their “Team MBP,” explained Mindy Tyler, development officer, Mary Bird Perkins. Designed to meet the needs of nonprofit organizations such as Mary Bird Perkins (MBP), Team MBP is the online solution for reaching new donors by mobilizing a wide-reaching support base of active constituent fundraisers. “The availability of an online tool to create awareness of MBP is very exciting and a first for us,” said Tyler. “Our hope is that this will build participant loyalty to the Fight Cancer Campaign each year and build financial support to fight cancer throughout southeast Louisiana.” This new strategy of creating personal or team fundraising Web pages created around an individual’s personal networks and MBP’s existing constituents could virtually go worldwide. “While realistically we’re looking at raising $250,000 across southeast Louisiana through online fundraising, this could take on a viral life of its own. We’re very excited to see what happens,” said Carolyn Chassee, CFRE, vice president, chief development officer, MBP. For more information on Team MBP, please contact Danielle Mack at (225) 215-1248 or dmack@marybird.com.
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Board of Directors 2010 - 2011 JERRY JOLLY – Chair KPMG, L.L.P. DONNA SAURAGE – Vice Chair Community Volunteer
TOM ADAMEK Stonehenge Capital Company
ROSE HUDSON Louisiana Lottery Corporation
KEVIN CARMAN, PH.D. LSU
ELI JONES LSU
TOM MEEK, M.D. – Secretary Dermatology Clinic
DUDLEY COATES Legg, Mason, Wood, Walker (Retired)
SHELLEY MOCKLER Mockler Beverage-Budweiser
RANDY WAESCHE – Treasurer Resource Management, Inc. MAURICE L. KING, JR., M.D. – Medical Director Southest Louisiana Radiation Oncology Group TODD D. STEVENS – President and CEO Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center RICHARD LIPSEY – Immediate Past Chair Lipsey’s Inc.
ART FAVRE Performance Contractors BILL FIRESHEETS II Buquet & LeBlanc, Inc. BRETT FURR Taylor Porter Attorneys at Law G. LEE GRIFFIN Chase (Retired)
BILL O’QUIN Financial Services Online BILL PETERS Peters Wealth Advisors, L.L.C. GARY SLIGAR Baton Rouge Coca-Cola (Retired) PAUL THOMPSON Morgan Stanley Smith Barney www.marybird.org • Volume 1 2010
Courageous and Inspiring
R
anny Pearce was a local farmer and native of Maringouin, La., whose battle with cancer began in 1995. When Ranny was diagnosed, he and his wife Judy considered treatment options at a cancer center in Texas. But after visiting and speaking with the doctors there, they decided Ranny could receive the same treatment plan in Baton Rouge at Mary Bird Perkins where he would be closer to his home, family and friends.
Ranny fought cancer for nearly 15 years, and throughout his battle, Judy, along with the couple’s two daughters, made tribute gifts to the Center in his honor as a way of showing their support. “It became a tradition in our family to give to Mary Bird – especially around the holidays. Every year an ornament honoring Ranny was placed on the tree at the Center,” Judy said. When Ranny passed away last August, the family requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Mary Bird Perkins in his name. “Ranny was a courageous man and an inspiration; because of him we wanted to help Mary Bird help others.”
A Gift That Lasts Did you know that you can make gifts to MBP in honor or memory of a friend or loved one? Tribute gifts can be made at any time and mailed to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Office of Development, 4950 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. Gifts may also be made online at www.marybird.org under “Make a Gift.” Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center gratefully acknowledges the following gifts made in memory of or honor of a special person or loved one during the period of 9/1/09 to 2/28/10.
In Memory of
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Helen Al loy Ab ina nti Matt J. Abinanti George Lawre nce “ La rr y” Allen Susan M. and Katherine L. Allen Ant hony J. Ama roso I II Mrs. A. J. Amaroso III Caroline Anderson Brent Dornier Ma ry Andre’ Mr. Gene M. Andre’ Rose Mar y Angel loz Jimmie and Marcia Bryant Wa rren Joseph Anse lmo Wendy Anselmo Cody Donald Charl es Aucoin, Sr. Betty Aucoin George Ausborn Dr. and Mrs. Harold Silverman
MARY BIRD PERKINS perspective
Da ria Ann Babin Brooke and Patrick Babin Billy Ba chman, I I Michael Cammarosano Elean or W. Ba er Jeanne, Andy, Shelly, Matthew, Lauren and Tiffany McGlathery Marie Ruby Bailey Fay B. Seaton Che ster McClure Baker, Sr. Kirk and Cindy Williamson Marsha Soule’ Ba ker Bill and Rene Firesheets Cour tney Bant a Jeff and Allison Barbin Shirley Bar ber John Kaiser Ange lina Bart hel Marian Jacques
Beverly Ba rtol Mrs. Melva Burgess Leroy Ba tes Elizabeth Bates Ja n Baumgae rtel Josephine Nixon Leroy Bee son, Sr. Ellen M. Austin Jimmie Bellea u, Sr. Ms. Jeanne Bordelon Joseph Clovis Bergeron, Sr. Joyce B. Lafleur Julie t S. Boudre aux Keiron L. Couret Dr. Ly nnwood Bra ssett Paul and Sandra Brassett Gl oria J . Brewer Morgan and Karen Brasher Anyson a nd Ivy Brown Luke and Dolores Fontenot
Richard G. Brown Paul F. Brown Joa n J. But t Mr. Herbert H. Butt Clyde M. Buzzard II Anonymous Joseph T. Caire Sheree C. Westerhaus Ja cob Ca mb re Herman and Merlie Hunt Margie Candies L. T. Candies Joseph M. Canna tell a Helen Harbourt Ilene Ca rnes Mr. and Mrs. Gerald L. Babin Ethel Carr away Ida Alexander Mike, Brenda, Emma and Cole Alexander Don and Jana Fay Robe rt Cas on Belinda Cason Anthony Cat aldie P. Brister Gilda Cerinich Mr. and Mrs. Stephen L. Baronich Joseph G. Cery an Copolymer Retirees Trust Ha rr y J. Cha mpagne Copolymer Retirees Trust John Art hur Chauvin , Sr. Thomas and Vikki Chauvin Charl ene S. Chustz Mike McGinley Georgene S . Chust z ARCCO Company Services, Inc. Elaine S. Edwards Ms. Myrl Schwartzenburg Ralph and Geri Schwartzenburg Mrs. Ann S. Trahan Ronnie Chust z Myles and Dana Kirkland Way ne Chust z Myles and Dana Kirkland Dorothy Cl ay Mildred C. Bailey Joe Caldarera Jun and Marie Dufresne Anna Faucheux L. F. and Gerry Faucheux Mr. and Mrs. William P Gomila Vincent and Lydia Gravois Industrial Analyzer Services, LLC Ritter and Robin Jarrell Lloyd and Mary Johnson Ms. Audrey Jones Elizabeth and Michael Landry Lukey and Kelly Louque Mike Williams Insurance Agency, Inc. “Spider” and Betty Jo Murphy Tom and Angie Murphy The Neal Poche’ Family Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie H. Robinson, Jr. Wiley and Suzanne Smith Virginia Ann, Dwayne, Loyce, Bryan and Jamie Woody
Annie H. Collins Mr. and Mrs. Alvin P. Jospeh Richa rd Con rad Anonymous Bett y Ela ine Coole y Mr. and Mrs. George E. Reynolds Tony Couvil lon Phyllis and Jesse Tate Gra ce Richard Cra ne Crain Consulting Services, Inc. Kaye F. Schiefelbein Terr y Cr ayt on Mrs. Frances B. Ray Eve lyn Das h Creel Valerie Kline Mr. and Mrs . Ha rvey Cribb s Charles P. Coghlan Bett y Crochet Lester J. Mayer Ma rjorie D . Cross Peggy Cross Wolley Lenore Cumb erba tch Franklyn Cumberbatch Jean Har vey Curet The Jeanne Curet and David McGuire James Family Dorot hy Currier Danielle N. Guillot Heidi L. Guillot Sherry Guillot Ambrose Cutrer Herman and Merlie Hunt Abel Da igle Marion Mascarella Dr. El vin Jose ph “ E.J .” Dant in, Sr., P.E., Ph.D. Helen Harbourt Jesse L. Dawson Copolymer Retirees Trust Ka therine P. “ Nu” De John Louis Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Lil Johnny DeMa rco The DeMarco Family Harriett H. De mmar y Mr. and Mrs. Burton A. Boeneke Virgil D. De va ll Copolymer Retirees Trust Roddy Dillon Kay M. Dillon George Dinecola Jake and Judy Dinecola Mr. and Mrs. Francis N. Donner, Sr. Dr. Francis and Denise Donner Ma ebell e Donner Dr. Francis and Denise Donner Lois Dra ayer Ms. Lynn Coxe Graham Thomas Durbin Mrs. Letticia Harrison Edit h O. Durnin Sam J. Marino, Sr. Ka thy Dyer Anonymous Carolyn Baham Bank of Greensburg Employees Rhonda Cobb Jamie and Todd Covington Kemble K. and Shirley Kennedy
Dr. and Mrs. Charles S. Madden and Family Martha Gene McMichael Roy and Kitty Newell Kenneth St. Romain Alan and Kay Simpson Tangipahoa Parish Farm Bureau Employees Fra nces and Ga ron D yess Brian N. Dyess, D.D.S. Ed Dy kes Rev. O. C. Clark John A. Edwa rds Copolymer Retirees Trust Jerr y El lzey Ana F. Hawkins Noa h Cha rles Erwin Dr. Clyde H. Moore Byrns Eves, Sr. Beth and Pierre Rabalais Mrs. Ozell Fa ir burn Anonymous Jesse Houst on Fa irchil d Ms. Irene R. Grundy Mr. and Mrs. Marvin D. O’Neal Michael Ramirez Rubicon LLC Joe and Sue Skenderian Mar y Lou Fa jen Beth Rabalais Rober t Fauret Dr. Francis and Denise Donner A lan Ca le Fernba ugh David and Carol Crawford Dr. Thomas A. and Melanie Hansbrough Steven W. Harris Robert and Carol Jones Charles W. McDonald Mrs. Lisa Maria McKendree T. C. and Kay Morgan George and Joyce Parsons John and Marcia Swafford John Burg Ferr y Kim Patton Lasseter Bevil W. T. Doughty James J. Hussey Anne P. Marks Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Olinde Ernest and Georgie Petitjean Mr. Hall Townsend T. H. and S. H. Wang Audrey Fields Board of Directors, Management and Employees of Associated Grocers, Inc. Rober t Eugene Fle tcher Joyce Carroll Rick and Lynn Carroll Susan Ann Davis Glenda and John Evans Mr. John Fletcher H. Mack and Joanne M. Ingle Sheldon and Judi Johnson Louise Lewis Brenda and Ronnie Truxillo Angela Fluker Sandra Quinn
www.marybird.org • Volume 1 2010
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Marceleus and Mab el Fon tenot Luke and Dolores Fontenot Dianne Fra nkl in Anonymous Rober t M. Fra nkl in Anonymous Jimmie French Herman and Merlie Hunt Denma n Fussell Mr. and Mrs. L. S. Lambremont III Victoria H. Ga ltier Betty Lou Hebert Kathr yn Thompson “ Kathy” Ga rner Leoda M. McConnell Brother Aquin Gauthier Mrs. Estelle B. Holliday Gle n Tal ma ge Gent ry, Sr. Margaret Gentry Sa lly B. Giglio Mr. and Mrs. Paul E. Miller Gussie Ma rie Goins Renea A. Duffin Dianne Griffin Colan Griffin Dianne Griffin Louis J. Griffin Copolymer Retirees Trust Joel Ma rie Growden ADI Linus J. Guillor y Leo and Anita F. Flynn Mr. and Mrs. J. K. Malone Elea nor Ha lifield Herman and Merlie Hunt Deborah Hand J & J Mechanical, Inc. Clyde A. Ha r vey Dora Metz Harvey Dr. H. B. Har ve y, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac M. Gregorie Robert M. Stuart, Sr. Pa ul C. Ha shman Copolymer Retirees Trust Eva M. Hausey Copolymer Retirees Trust Aline Fol se Ha usl er Dr. and Mrs. Mortimer F. Currier Fl orian A. Ha ydel Lucille Church The Larry Meiske Family Rober t J. Hay nes Copolymer Retirees Trust Linda Jones Heflin Fred and Jan Parks R an d al l H e l m Mary and Kenneth L. Black James and Carol Henderson Mrs. Karen Carpenter Kallis Keith and Nancy Kornrumpf Louisiana Federal Credit Union Linda Morrow The New Orleans Firemen’s FCU David A. Savoie Ja nice Hemel t Harold and Gail Koch William He mmerling Jack and Carolyn Siekkinen Murdock Ll oyd Hereford, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Silas Geralds, Jr.
MARY BIRD PERKINS perspective
Mar y Amelia Mixon Hess George M. Hess Gillis Hill Mrs. Casey Ballard Herbert Butt Craig P. Clement Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Dodson Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. McKey, Jr. Thomas and Pamela McNamara Sally Saizan Pat Strate Merlyn and Louis Stratmann Mrs. Janice Wray Bill y M. Hodge Donna Hodge Kenneth E. Holla nd Copolymer Retirees Trust Jensen Holl iday Donna S. Melancon Lionel Holmes Horace White Rob in Hood, Sr. Bertha D. Hood Murra y Roy Horowit z Chuck Schwing C. Da le Hot ard Bill and Rene Firesheets Dal las W. Hounshel l Board of Directors, Management and Employees of Associated Grocers, Inc. Hung Hsu Irma Marino Pete Hul tgren Billie Hultgren Lil lian Humb le Mr. and Mrs. James D. Humble Geralden Humphrey s R. L. Lartigue Barb ara Ann White Hunt Herman and Merlie Hunt H. Cooper Hut chinson, Sr. Lynne H. Graner Mar gie Boyles Hutchins on Lynn H. Graner Ray mond Jar rea u Myles and Dana Kirkland John Henry Ja rre ll, Jr. Peggy L. Jarrell Jim L. Sanders Cla udy L. Jeffers Copolymer Retirees Trust Pa ul Jennings Fred and Jan Parks Tom Joffrion Jean and Murray Forman J. J . Johnson Mrs. Frank L. Norwood, Jr. Lawrence Johnson, Sr. Anonymous Jamie “ Jim” Jones Charles and Winifred Severance Betty Ke ith Anonymous Marion Ke nny Dr. Francis and Denise Donner Mr. and Mrs. Ber nard S. Kilbride Michael J. Kilbride Bobby Kina bre w Mr. and Mrs. Grady Nelson
M ar y E . K r au s Irene A. Yesick Louise Ky le Mrs. William G. Palfrey Bar ry L. Labb e Copolymer Retirees Trust Patricia LaCour Carol Anne and Sid Blitzer Everet te A. Landr y Patricia Carrier John B. La ne Ruby S. Lane D. C. and Ruth Lavergne Suzanne Lavergne R a y H . L aw s o n Shirley S. Lawson Andre LeBeuf Marilyn Manchester Ka thi M. LeBeuf Marilyn Manchester Da nny Joseph LeBl anc Marlene and W. A. LeBlanc Estel le Babin LeBlanc Mr. and Mrs. Pershing Mire Norma Leah LeBlan c Mr. Alfred P. LeBlanc, Jr. Ra ymond Ledet , Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Ledet, Jr. Shelton LeFrere, Jr. Genevieve D. Feigler Rosema ry Lehr Shirley H. Wild Micha el G. Lemoine Charley and Patricia Rougeau Lynwood LeSaicherr re Carol and Marcel Paul Bobb y Lewis Carrole and Mike Cannon James Henry Lieux, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Lieux Anna Lipsey The Employees of Lipsey’s Curtis I. Live ly Copolymer Retirees Trust Joan Long Mary L. Welsh and Family Samuel E. Mack, Sr. Samuel E. Mack, Jr. James Marcuce lli Michael Cammarosano Ma r y Marino Sam J. Marino, Sr. M. P. Ma rsal Millie V. Marsal Decea sed Memb ers of t he Char les Masca rel la Fa mily Marion Mascarella Ma x Mason Dale Dauphine Sonia Ann May Kenneth P. Daigrepont Henr y McCror y Clenoa L. and Sylvia L. Anthony Kitty Ree d McGarr Mr. and Mrs. Louis Gaudin James R. McNeil Dianne Griffin Susa n Merrick Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Holliday
Connie Dupre Mire Gilbert and Darlene Buquet Edwa rd Mix Patricia J. Russo Peggy Mockl er Mr. and Mrs. John H. Bateman Mike and Holly Clegg Anne L. Fleming Mr. and Mrs. J. Gerard Jolly Mr. and Mrs. Harry H. Ladd Edward and Yvonne Mockler Hillar C. Moore, Jr. Karen Orr Mois e Gerald and Karen Moise Dr. Mark Mol bert Michael Cammarosano Peggy Mont gomery Scott McDow Bernadette Moore Hildrith and Sara Wegener Cla y Moore Dr. Clyde H. Moore Marl ene Moore Dr. Clyde H. Moore Pa ul C. Moore Larry and Sharon Heirtzler Dr. Wall ace D. Moore Dr. Clyde H. Moore Gwendolyn D. Morgan Charles Morgan Curt is Dent on Mosley Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie J. Boudreaux, Jr. Cecil and Anne Chapman Ed Chapman and Family Darnell Browning Insurance Agency, Inc. Margaret C. Duck Mavis Cody Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Fly Alesha Hill Mr. and Mrs. Donald Keller Bee Bee and Oscar LeJeune Mary A. Ory Ms. Tammy Ashley Padgett Vickie, Jason and Andi Sessions Bill and Yvette Smith Dot Smith Thad and Leslie Smith Wanda Chapman Staebell and Family Tel/Logic, Inc. - Winston E. Himsworth Erin E. Thomes Vignes-Womack Road Po-Ke-No Group Dr. Glenn V. Wilson Ms. Brenda C. Zettlemoyer E. A . Moton Community Coffee Company, LLC Mr. and Mrs. H. Norman Saurage III Her man n Moyse, Jr. Sheldon and Judi Johnson Russel l Nash Anonymous Joseph H. Humphrey Major John P. Noona n Helen Harbourt
Alice R. Nurdin Glen D. and Betty N. Singleton Rita Guidr y Ory Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Ledet, Jr. Louis and Deanna Saab Our Loved Ones Carolyn and Julian Honeycutt Ma rgaret P. Paille Helen Harbourt Sampson Parker, Jr. Copolymer Retirees Trust Sandra Ann Par sons Sara Cooper Ms. Cherie Gauthier Mrs. Maaike Anne Mohsen April Marie Rabayda Thomas E. Patrick Golda Patrick Jerr y Pa tt Mrs. Fay F. Patt Cur tis L. Pa tton Ruth and William Firesheets Bill and Rene Firesheets Ra nny G. Pearce Anonymous Dave and Gene Carreras Patricia L. Kelly Rodney and Barbara Latham Mr. and Mrs. Tony Mabile Dr. and Mrs. James O’Neal Marion and Frank D. Pearce, Jr. Judy A. Pearce L. J. and Irene Rodrigue Ma udine Spea rs Pepe Joann Hall Joyce Ann Laughlin Angelo Pepe Gloria Peyronin Josephine Nixon Leroy J. Port al George and Diana Smiley Rudolph Pourciau, Sr. Copolymer Retirees Trust Louis Pourcy Herman and Merlie Hunt Dr. Cha rles Prosser Josephine Nixon Ant ionett e Puglia Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Snyder Edward Purdy Dr. Clyde H. Moore S am R ag u s a Marguerite R. Parsons Howard J . Randall Mrs. Carmen Solar Dr. a nd Mrs. M. J. Rat hb one , Jr. Sheldon and Judi Johnson Lillian DeLoach Rea rden Donna R. Hellmers Guy Recotta , Sr. Board of Directors, Management and Employees of Associated Grocers, Inc. Dan a Kay e Red Charles Red Kenneth C. Reibert Anonymous Pamela, Jason and Natalie Reibert
La rrell Richa rd Board of Directors, Management and Employees of Associated Grocers, Inc. Stell a Richa rd P. Leonce Richard L. C. Riche Wayne and Debbie Landry Craig and Bridget Soileau Kennet h Riviere Mrs. Estelle B. Holliday Robert Riviere Kennet h C. “ Casey” Roach Mary Susan Roach K aren Ca scio Rob ert Timothy Folks Dorothy C. Garrison Renell J. Robert Willie Eloi Rober t, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Edward Dunigan Da nie l Romero Earl and Teddie Perere Lewis E. Roussell Copolymer Retirees Trust Joseph Anthony “ Joe” Ruffino Gwen Ruffino Genny Sa ab Mr. and Mrs. Louis F. Saab La urie Saa b Mr. and Mrs. Louis F. Saab Pat sy J. Sa lard Chris and Donna Metz R e g i n a S an c h e z Dorothy Webre Jerr y Schwing Jim and Blair Purgerson L a r r y An t h o n y S e al s Donna and Fred Boyd Gary, Jane and Kathryn Copp David and Joanie Crockett Theresa Danos Elven and Lucy Dykes James H. Farris, Jr. First Baptist Church of Covington, Mary Martha Sunday School Class Jeffrey and Lynn Foshee Rich and Michael Goodin Lisa and Jerry Harmon Brenda Hedrick Dennis and Charlene Huddleston Trish Johnson Pat and Charlie King Will and Eva Laughery Paula and Jonathan Long Patricia McAllister Kenneth and Martha Mears Patrice Naquin Ronald and Bonnie Nay Dr. George S. Ollard Mrs. Catherine C. P’Simer Jacki and Larry Perrin Philip and Mary Pitts Joseph M. Prisco, Jr. Kathryn and Hubert Reed Rogers and Jackie Reeves L. H. and Norma Robinson Susan and Steele Rolston Sidney and Katie Seals Mr. Lynn Sherrill Lisa Springer Keith and Mary Steele
www.marybird.org • Volume 1 2010
Stan and Claudia Stinson Dorothy S. Valenti Louis Sel ig, Jr. Carolyn Selig Mil ton “ Bo” Severio Mrs. JoAnn Severio Joseph Simmons Martin B. Haymon David Sims L. M. and Theresa Brooks Alice Har t Singer Mrs. William G. Palfrey Rodne y Douglas Smith The Pines Mrs. Karen Lynn Sprecher J.Y. and Stell a Soilea u James and Judith Mascarella Rosemar y Solano Rita Faust Ger trude Sonnier Herman and Merlie Hunt Home r Dale Spa ht , Sr. Homer and Kay Spaht Clinton St. Clair Mrs. Margaret H. West Clyde John St. Clerg y Anonymous (2) First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Hansbrough L ar r y S t e t t n i s c h Board of Directors, Management and Employees of Associated Grocers, Inc. Johnnie Stevenson Copolymer Retirees Trust Amy Wes t Str ain Bill and Rene Firesheets Rosario J. Gustella Susan Fa ust Stra ley Dr. Richard A. Magill Howa rd D. St rot her Betty B. Strother Doris Sweatt Arnelle Adcock Basil O. Sweatt Doris G. Sy lvest Dr. Gay Winters Ha rr y O. Talb ot Copolymer Retirees Trust C. Lanier Tayl or Betty Joyce Taylor Lester R. Tay lor, Sr. Mr. Jeffrey L. Taylor Ja mes Thoma s “ Jimmy” Terito Dorothy C. Terito Fra nk Terrel l Mrs. William G. Palfrey Josie Tor res Myles and Dana Kirkland Russell Tr ahan Jeannette A. Trahan Peggy Tr ayl or Denie and William Poe Sa lvador “ Sa mmy” Trupiano Carl and Eileen Burregi Dan Chappell Harry and Susan Crosby
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MARY BIRD PERKINS perspective
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Fisher John and Mary Jane Gelpi Catherine B. Healey Amber Hezeau Michael and Carol Holland Hap and Cassy Hollander Marcia B. Holmes Denis and Janice Janz Mark and Nancy Meyer Levert Ms. Susan McShane Ms. Mary Alois Meyer Dr. Roxanne Newton Nick and Dorothy Noriea Shirley and Vincent Paciera Priest Family Virginia Tamburo The Jackson Kearney Group Mrs. Frances P. Vinci Cindy Tullier Linda Crane Vincent L. Vince Naomi L. Vince Felice L. Viquerie Charley and Patricia Rougeau Wal lace Wa ddel l Cheryl Waddell Dona ld A. Wall Copolymer Retirees Trust Phil Washauer Helen W. Neal Micha el Wats on Mr. and Mrs. Ray Spruell Janet Web b Hildrith and Sara Wegener Karen Weilba cher Treye Weilbacher Gerald Wilcox Marlene H. Wilcox Bessie Williams Margaret and David Brown Geor ge L. Williams Copolymer Retirees Trust Rhonda Wil lia ms Thomas and Maurine Parker Barb ara Woma ck Richard R. Rush Charl es Wooda rd Craig and Jeanette Dupree Kenneth Wright Rose Wright Deceased Membe rs of the Ya mb ile e Ca mpers Yambilee Campers of Opelousas Ray mond M. Yow Barrie and Lee Griffin
In Honor of
Dr. Joseph Alber ga mo Dr. Foster L. Wade Dr. Will ia m A. Anderson Dr. and Mrs. O. M. Thompson, Jr. The o Andre, Jr. Stella A. Bergeron Jeanne Aucoin Mr. and Mrs. John M. Manuel
Renea Austin-Duffin Dianne Griffin Mr. a nd Mr s. Ja mes Ba ile y Nita K. Harris George and Keigh Ba lla rd Anonymous Ma rgie Bel k Josephine Nixon Dr. Mitchell Berger Dianne Griffin Tommy Besse lma n Renea A. Duffin Dr. a nd Mrs. Frederic Bil lings Pat and Pete Boudreaux Dr. Frederic T. Bill ings Dianne Griffin Dr. Foster L. Wade Cha rles a nd Rita Billups Anonymous Dr. a nd Mrs. All en Bl ack Dr. and Mrs. O. M. Thompson, Jr. Dick and Artie Bobo Anonymous Patricia Boudrea ux Mrs. Dorothy N. Duncan P. J . Bour geois Bobby and Evelyn Graves Rose S. Bria n Theresa Saia George and Joan Brown Anonymous Ca rol Buhler Michael and Karen Buhler Ca rol yn Chassee Howard W. Rosenblum Dr. a nd Mrs. James Coleman Anonymous (2) Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Smith Cra ig G. Colomes Richard P. Colomes Pet er and Lib by Corby Anonymous John Cot e’ Melva Burgess Don and Sa rah Cowick Anonymous Eddie Cra ft Sondra Allbrook Dot Cra ig Barrie and Lee Griffin Scott Cr awford Nita K. Harris Bill an d Marett a Crevel ing Anonymous Louis Curet Nita K. Harris Joseph A. Davidson Peeler and Barbara Davidson Grover and Janie Dobbins Laura and Mark Dobbins Cha se Dogua Judy Dogua Rose Mullins Dub a Anonymous Sue Edrington Buzzy and Susie Heroman Mike Ford Howard W. Rosenblum
Cha rity Ga y an d the Early Detection & Education Sta ff Renea A. Duffin Joe and Marsha Geige r Anonymous Mrs. P hil Giltn er Barrie and Lee Griffin Thomas J. Gra ner Lynne Graner John a nd Linda Grantha m Anonymous Robert S. Gre er, Jr. Renea A. Duffin Mr. a nd Mr s. Isaa c M. Gre gorie Nita K. Harris April Gremillion Alice D. Devillier Mr. a nd Mr s. G. Lee Griffin Mrs. Betty G. Hanks Dr. a nd Mrs. Bry an Griffith Dr. and Mrs. O. M. Thompson, Jr. Wil liam H. Guggl oz, Jr. Patrick and Agnes Harrop Sandra B . Ha hn Patrick and Nancy Prine Lynn a nd Joa n Ha mb Anonymous J . E. Hancock Sheldon and Judi Johnson Milton Harris Dr. and Mrs. O. M. Thompson, Jr. Paul Haygood Nita K. Harris Mr. a nd Mr s. Charl es Holl oway Nita K. Harris Suzanne King Hughson Gerald D. King Jan Hunsa ker Jesse Coates Dr. Sheldon Johnson Dianne Griffin Oscar Hidalgo-Salvatierra Ma ureen Jone s Deborah B. Normand Na ncy Porter Jones Anonymous Judy Feier abend L.M. and Theresa H. Brooks Ma rtha Kirk Charlotte Levy Fa it h Ky ame Juli W. Blackwell Cha rlotte Levy John T. Montgomery Timothy Lindsey Dr. and Mrs. O. M. Thompson, Jr. Richa rd Lipsey Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Haspel Richa rd and Susan Lipsey Lynn and Felix Weill Dr. Kennet h Lo Pamela, Jason and Natalie Reibert Gisel a Loza da Anonymous Nicole Magee a nd t he Tumor Regist ry Sta ff Renea A. Duffin Dianne Griffin
Karen Mainie ri Renea A. Duffin Mr. a nd Mrs. David Ma nship Renea A. Duffin Dr. Tom Meek Dr. and Mrs. O. M. Thompson, Jr. John T. Mont gomer y Charlotte Levy Dr. Clyde H. Moore Mrs. Wallace D. Moore Mar tha F. Moyer W. Donald McCarter Sa rah P. Munson Nita K. Harris Annett e Nelson Elaine F. Simms Mr. a nd Mrs. John B. Nola nd Barrie and Lee Griffin Nita K. Harris Judy Nordgren Anonymous Gloria Parrino Dr. C. Verne and Rose Brian Dr. Judd Patt en Mrs. Lolette B. Robert Beverly C. Smiley Ralph a nd Billie Perlman Anonymous Sa lli Phillips a nd the Social Ser vices Sta ff Renea A. Duffin Virginia Phil lips Levy C. Calmes Lorr y a nd Ron Radzikowski Anonymous Jul ia Rambin Barrie and Lee Griffin Giles and Reb ecca Ray burn Anonymous Mr. a nd Mrs. Ar t Re id Barrie and Lee Griffin Dr. V. Keith Rhynes Dr. Foster L. Wade Mrs. La rr y Rierson Barrie and Lee Griffin Lole tte Robert Marie and Adrian Harris Ha rr y and Suzie Robe rts Anonymous Howa rd Robe rts Mary Lou M. Evans Rose an d Ken Rober ts Mr. Aaron Roberts Lill ia n Reed Rocquin Genie Brisolara Bob and Shelly Whitman Robert and Camille Wittman Ja ck Saux Wendy J. Reyner John Nol and Singleta ry Nita K. Harris Be verl y Smiley Josephine Nixon Peggy and Cha rlie Smit h Anonymous Mrs. William R. Smith Charlotte Levy
Sherie Y. Sta rkey Mr. and Mrs. Van Chancellor Emil y St ich Josephine Nixon Gerry and Pa m Sulzer Anonymous Pa t Summers Sheldon and Judi Johnson Dr. and Mrs. O. M. Thompson, Jr. Nita K. Harris Brenda Truxillo Sheldon and Judi Johnson Don Tumey Elizabeth Bates Mr. and Mrs. J . Glenn Turne r Barrie and Lee Griffin Mr. and Mrs. Fred Under wood Barrie and Lee Griffin Ja nie and Dick VanReenen a nd Family Charlotte Levy Beverly F. Vil lemuer Dianne Griffin Mr s. Brenda Waggenspack Mr. Brent Dornier Mr s. Nedra W. Will ia ms Russell Bankston Bishop a nd Mrs. Rob ert Wit cher Barrie and Lee Griffin Nancy Wolford Nancy L. Wolford Dr. Char les G. Wood Mrs. Tammy Ward Babin Joyce York Ludovic and Elouise Aucoin Anne Za ppe Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Gerald M. Sulzer Ron a nd Anne Zappe Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. William G. Creveling
www.marybird.org • Volume 1 2010
The Future of Cancer Care Starts Now.
Care from the M A R Y B I R D P E R K I N S C A N C E R C E N T E R F O U N D AT I O N
Heart
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member of the Foundation Board of Directors since 2005, Bill Peters was elected Chair of the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation Board in April 2009. Peters is Managing Director and the founder of Peters Wealth Advisors, LLC. He is also a cancer survivor and was treated at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. In commenting on the Foundation Board of Directors, Peters said, “We have assembled a phenomenal group of experienced and trustworthy individuals of integrity who have built their careers on their fiduciary responsibility. They also have a deep admiration for the mission of Mary Bird Perkins.” Peters explained that the Mary Bird Perkins Foundation is a young one that has not matured to the point where it has yet made any distributions. “We have to reach the critical mass of $5 million first. We are moving along closer to our goal. You have to grow it before you can give it away.” Explaining that gifts to the endowment can be made in various ways, including annual gifts, wills, trusts, or donations of stocks and bonds, Peters said he and his wife Cherie have named Mary Bird Perkins Foundation as partial recipient of his life insurance. “I have always been enamored with the fact that no one can be denied treatment at Mary Bird Perkins for lack of financial resources. We have got to develop our endowed assets to keep that mission vibrant in the communities we serve so we can sustain that most high goal. That’s why Cherie and I stay so involved.”
CANCER CENTER FOUNDATION MARY BIRD PERKINS perspective
With your help now, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation will make a difference in the future. • Everyone in our community can turn to Mary Bird Perkins for the cancer care they need. • The most advanced treatment and support services available. • Awareness and prevention programs that help stop cancer before it starts or catch it early so it can be more successfully treated. • Vital research that improves care and saves lives. But we need to do more. With your support, we can make sure services and new advances in cancer care are available for you, your children and your grandchildren through Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation. Our mission is simple: build an endowment to fight cancer. This will ensure that patients and families have access to all the services they need—now and in the future—and that valuable cancer research continues. Our first milestone is to grow the endowment. As gifts are invested and generate additional funds, your support will have an impact far beyond Mary Bird Perkins. The Foundation will award grants for both Mary Bird Perkins and other area nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping cancer patients and their families. Your gift will help patients and their families receive all the programs and services they need, when they need them. And with your support, sophisticated research that saves lives will continue until cancer is cured. For information please contact the Office of Development at (225) 215-1201 or at foundation@marybird.com
5 Moves to Make After Age 50 You may have a long to-do list when it comes to your financial and personal future, but here are five tasks that you should move to the top of your list: Evaluate Your Finances
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There's no time to lose—pay down debt and increase your savings. If you've dreamed of making a difference by supporting a favorite cause, consider a life income gift to balance philanthropy with future financial needs.
4
Review Your Insurance Needs
2
3
Check In on Your Will Life has a tendency to sneak up on us, so it's important to take time to make sure your will still protects the people you love. And, if you're interested in supporting a charitable organization, a codicil to your will is a simple way to accomplish this goal.
Do What You Love
Unneeded life insurance policies may be sitting inside old files. Take a look at your family's future needs; long-term care insurance may make more sense now than large life insurance policies. Consider using policies you no longer need to make charitable gifts.
Enlist Legal Documents Now Durable and health care powers of attorney allow someone you choose to make financial and medical decisions for you if you become unable to do so.
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Indulge yourself with an exciting new pastime. Or, consider volunteering with an organization close to your heart, such as ours. You'll feel good about helping us carry out our important work. Certain charitable gifts made to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation can offer you tax and financial benefits. Contact our Office of Development at (225) 215-1201 or foundation@marybird.com to learn about options that may work for you.
Dedication Thank You After six years of service on Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s Foundation Board of Directors, John W. Barton, Jr. met his term limits in April and rotated off the Board. Foundation Board Chair Bill Peters thanked Barton for his years of service, including his membership on the inaugural Foundation Board in 2005. Peters and Todd Stevens, president and CEO, Mary Bird Perkins, presented Barton with a certificate for his dedication to helping build a long-term endowment to support the fight against cancer. B. Michael “Mick” Mauldin of the Jones Walker law firm was elected to a three-year term as the Foundation’s newest board member. Pictured from left: Todd Stevens (l) and Bill Peters (r) present John W. Barton Jr. (c) with a certificate for his years of service to the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation’s Board of Directors.
www.marybird.org • Volume 1 2010
ANNA
B.
LEGACY
LIPSEY
BUILDERS
A
nna B. Lipsey Legacy Builders is comprised of individuals who have made or have notified Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation (MBPCCF) of their intent to make planned gifts through their estate plans. Donors who have made outright gifts of $10,000 or more to the endowment or created endowed gifts for specific programs are also recognized as Anna B. Lipsey Legacy Builders. Through their generosity, the following individuals are helping MBPCCF to build a perpetual endowment fund in support of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. The endowment will also ultimately help support other nonprofit entities that have demonstrated the ability to conduct cancer-related programs, provide services that reduce cancer incidence and mortality, or improve the quality of life for those affected by cancer.
Anonymous – (9) Anonymous – (2) Robelynn H. Abadie Tom and Lisa Adamek Mr. and Mrs. John W. Barton, Jr. Mr. John W. Barton, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. James M. Bernhard, Jr. Evelyn Campbell Beven* Dr. and Mrs. Frederic Billings III Mrs. Jane Thibaut Boyce Herbert H. Butt in Memor y of Joan J. Butt Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Campbell, Jr. Carolyn A. Chassee, CFRE Pat Cheramie Beverly and Dudley Coates Jess Willard Cockerham* Charles Newsam Conner* Violet T. Crum* Jean H. Curet* Mr. Louis D. Curet Mr. D. Cecil Delaune* Ms. Elaine T. Delaune* Leonard Boyd Delaune Hazel Ewing* Isiah J. Ewing* William A. Ferguson* Leon Ford IV and Helen Ford Dufreche Raymond Herman Gettier* Charlie V. Giambelluca* Jerry and Devera Goss Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Greer, Jr. Isaac and Florence* Gregorie
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MARY BIRD PERKINS perspective
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Griffin David S. Hanson, M.D. and Jolene K. Johnson, M.D. Mrs. Cecile B. Harrell* The D. Jensen Holliday Family Fund Dr. and Mrs. Sheldon A. Johnson Jerry and Donna Jolly Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Jones Esther Kent* John Barker Killgore* Shirley Coppenex Killgore* Mr. and Mrs. Anthony S. Kurlas Family Mary Alicia* and Bettye* Lauret Marianne and R. Upton Lea, Jr.* Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Lipsey Alton W. Luedtke Don and Pat Lyle Mrs. Paula Garvey Manship* Mr. and Mrs. Frank D. McArthur II Mrs. Sancy H. McCool Chuck* and Ruth McCoy Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. McKernan Lady Katharine McLaurin* Dr. and Mrs. Tom J. Meek, Jr. Marguerite H. Mills* Mr. Hillar C. Moore, Jr. Mr. Thomas J. Moran Mr. and Mrs. Roger A. Moser Mr. and Mrs. Hermann Moyse III Rosalie Moyse* Stephen R. Musso* Earl E. Nelson Ron and Corinne Helm Ness
Mrs. Eleanor P. New man* John and Virginia Noland Mr. and Mrs. Paul R. Nowacki Craig and Cindy Nuckolls Bill and Gail O’Quin Bill and Cherie Peters Miss Emogene Pliner* Mr. and Mrs. David C. Price Ms. Barbara V. Rathbone Dr. and Mrs. M. J. Rathbone, Jr.* Dr. and Mrs. Richard Rathbone Suzanne and Jackie Rome Marjorie H. Sanders* Donna M. Saurage Elaine Kessler Schudmak* Jerry* and Chuck Schwing Ms. Ruth C. Sessions Beverly Carson Smiley Edward and Bernice Spiess Todd and Kelli Stevens Peter and Paige Stewart Emily C. Stich Dr. and Mrs. O. M. Thompson, Jr. Michael and Ro Trufant Felix and Lynn Weill Ann Wilkinson * Deceased New 2009 Anna B. Lipsey Legacy Builders are denoted in bold.
Will New Tax Laws Affect My Estate Plan? What's New for 2010?
Could the Repeal Hurt My Plan? It might. In the past, most attorneys created estate plans that gave the surviving spouse an amount tied to what was above the amount exempt from estate taxes. Because of the nature of the tax formula used in these plans, and with an unlimited amount now exempt from estate taxes, the amount a surviving spouse inherits could easily be $0.
It Gets Worse! There Is a New Tax for Beneficiaries in 2010 A new tax shows up for those who inherit from estates in 2010. This tax is on the growth of assets, like stocks and real estate, which occurred during the deceased's lifetime. If your beneficiary inherits these types of assets from you in 2010, the cost basis will be at what you originally paid for them (called carryover basis), and any growth will be taxed to the beneficiary. In prior years, if a beneficiary inherited stocks and real estate, he or she didn't have to pay capital gains tax on the growth that occurred during the deceased's lifetime. The beneficiary received a cost basis that increased to the value as of death (called stepped-up cost basis). If the beneficiary sold that asset right away for its current value, there would be no capital gains because the cost basis would equal the current value. A small reprieve exists in that the executor can increase the beneficiary's cost basis by up to $1.3 million and another $3 million for assets left to the surviving spouse. Regardless, many commentators believe this tax will affect more than 10 times the number of estates that were affected by estate taxes last year.
What Will 2011 Bring? In 2011, federal estate taxes will reappear with tax rates up to 55 percent, and the exemption level for estate taxes will be $1 million. The carryover cost basis regime will go away, and a beneficiary's cost basis will again be equal to the asset's current value. Congress still may change the laws before 2011 to reinstate estate taxes this year. The exemption level at which it will be reinstated is unknown. Congress may also rid the tax system of the carryover cost basis system for beneficiaries before the end of 2010. This may or may not happen, leaving Americans in a state of tax limbo.
What Are My Next Steps? Review your will or revocable living trust with your estate planning attorney as soon as possible to determine if any of your estate plans need to be changed to reflect the temporary repeal of the federal estate tax. The danger of not meeting with your attorney is possibly disinheriting your spouse.
For More Information
M A RY B I R D P E R K I N S C A N C E R C E N T E R F O U N D AT I O N
It's an extraordinarily uncertain time—taxwise, that is. This is the first year in decades that American tax law repealed the federal estate tax. As of Jan. 1, 2010, federal estate taxes are repealed for any deaths that occur during this calendar year, regardless of the size of that person's estate (state estate/inheritance taxes will still apply). It used to be that you could own $3.5 million in assets before federal estate taxes were assessed against your estate. For this year only, you can die with any amount of wealth and avoid estate taxes. That sounds like a good thing for everyone, doesn't it? Actually, it could be a double-edged sword. Read on to find out why.
Contact your estate planning attorney or Office of Development at (225) 215-1201 or foundation@marybird.com for more information about the recent tax changes. www.marybird.org • Volume 1 2010
NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
BATON ROUGE, LA PERMIT NO. 603
4950 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809 Address Service Requested
Every patient’s cancer is personal. So every treatment at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is personalized to offer the best possibility of a cure.
Introducing our newest cancer treatment option: The state-of-the-art Infinity. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has once again expanded its cancer treatment options with the addition of the Elekta Infinity. This next-generation system is the most advanced image-guided linear accelerator available. Because every cancer case is different, the importance of having an array of technology options that allow a
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patient’s treatment to be individually customized cannot be understated. And with the addition of the Infinity, the combination of radiation therapy resources now available at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is beyond comparison in Louisiana.