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Become a Krewe Supporter
New Therapies Are Lifting Spirits
Save the Date
Pet Therapy
T
he 23rd Annual Karnival Krewe de Louisiane Mardi Gras Ball will be held in the Baton Rouge River Center on January 29, 2010. The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins will be charitable beneficiaries of this spectacular fund-raising event. “What our two organizations are doing together —and what the Krewe is supporting—is expanding cancer research, furthering delivery of state-of-the-art cancer care to patients in the region, increasing healthcare outreach and reducing cancer healthcare disparities. Mary Bird Perkins is thrilled to once again be partnering with the Krewe,” said Todd Stevens, president and CEO, Mary Bird Perkins. The night will be filled with two dance bands playing and an indoor parade featuring marching bands, dance teams and floats. Over the last six years, this event has raised over one million dollars. A corporate ball membership or an individual membership will help improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer through expert treatment, compassionate care, early detection, research and education. To learn more about Karnival Krewe de Louisiane and how you can become a member, contact the Krewe office at (225) 765-5002.
Karnival Krewe de Louisiane Mardi Gras Ball
January 29, 2010
The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins recently launched an integrative therapies initiative including pet therapy. Pet therapy is believed by many professionals in the field of healthcare to play an important role for patients with various Mercedes and David Dunbar enjoy medical conditions. visiting with (l to r) Rocky and Rolex. “Animal-assisted therapy is a favorite with both patients and staff,” said Renea Duffin, vice president of Cancer Programs at Mary Bird Perkins. As one patient said, “The dogs distract you from thinking about cancer, even if only for a few minutes.” Man’s best friend will be visiting patients in the waiting room of the Center on the first Thursday and third Tuesday of every month.
Music Therapy Patients in the waiting room at the Baton Rouge Center closed their eyes and imagined they were far away from receiving treatment for cancer. Don Groh & Friends played light jazz that had others in the waiting room tapping their toes and moving Trumpet player Leroy Pero and Don Groh their heads to the on keyboard. rhythm of old favorites. “This kind of keeps your mind off everything,” said Larry Stokes, one of those enjoying the entertainment by Don Groh & Friends. A free integrative therapies initiative of the Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins, relaxing music is offered twice a month as an opportunity to rejuvenate and recharge the mind, body and spirit. “This is such a treat,” said one patient. “It’s so uplifting.”
www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2009