Transcript
Page 1: 2008 V2 Perkins Perspective

MBP Expands to Houma…Page 2

National Selection forPatient Navigation…Page 4

NCCCP: The First Year…Page 8

MBP Expands to Houma…Page 2

National Selection forPatient Navigation…Page 4

NCCCP: The First Year…Page 8

PERSPECTIVEFighting Cancer for Over 35 Years. Volume 2 2008Available Online at www.marybird.orgFighting Cancer for Over 35 Years. Volume 2 2008Available Online at www.marybird.org

Renea A. Duffin, who leads MBP’s early detection efforts, explains the concept of a patientnavigator to cancer screening participant Judy Thymes. Read more about Patient Navigation onpage 4.

PERKINSPERKINS

PERSPECTIVE

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2 Perkins Perspective • Fighting Cancer for Over 35 Years.

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COLLABORAT ION IN CANCER CARE

A new cancer alliance has been formed providing the mostcomprehensive and state-of-the-art cancer care available topatients in the Bayou region. Terrebonne General MedicalCenter (TGMC), Cancer Care Specialists (CCS) andMary Bird Perkins Cancer Center (MBP) have signed anagreement to provide strategic, long-term solutions forbattling cancer in the Bayou region through acomprehensive cancer program located on the TGMCcampus.

The program offers a full continuum of cancer care, fromprevention and early detection to diagnosis, treatment,recovery and survivorship. The program provides surgery,chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well as advancedresources and support services necessary to strengthencancer care – including medical physics expertise,diagnostic imaging, pathology, clinical research, nutritionand social services. In addition to providing expert physicians andtreatment, the program also brings critical community-basedcancer screenings and educational outreach programs to the area.The new partnership will be known as Mary Bird Perkins CancerCenter at TGMC.

“Together, we are providing an important

need – local access to quality cancer care. We

are delighted to partner with Mary Bird

Perkins and Cancer Care Specialists to meet

this incredible and important need.”

Phyllis Peoples, president and CEO, TGMC

“This partnership will provide access to high-quality,multidisciplinary cancer care and research in Terrebonne Parish –one of the fastest growing parishes in southeast Louisiana. Webelieve that local access to enhanced care for the convenience ofthe community and the combined, expert resources of these threeorganizations are meeting the vital needs of cancer patients in thearea,” said Dr. Raul Doria, medical director, MBP at TGMC,

physician partner of CCS, whose medical group has over 45 yearsof combined experience in caring for cancer patients.

“The resources of Mary Bird Perkins, TGMC and CCS representa powerful combination in the fight against cancer. We arehonored to be a part of this community and to serve cancerpatients with this state-of-the-art cancer care team,” said ToddStevens, president and CEO, MBP.

Mary Bird Perkins believes communities benefit when theexpertise of hospitals, local physicians, support organizations andthe “cancer-only” focus of MBP are linked together to form acomprehensive cancer program – and such is the case with thenew partnership with TGMC and CCS.

Mary Bird Perkins currently operates comprehensive cancerprograms with two other partner hospitals – Our Lady of theLake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge and St. TammanyParish Hospital in Covington. Mary Bird Perkins has a thirdfacility in Hammond and is currently developing a 5th locationin Gonzales in partnership with St. Elizabeth Hospital.

For further details about MBP at TGMC, please visitwww.marybird.org.

Terrebonne Parish Now Home toComprehensive Cancer CareAlliance Formed Provides Combined Expertise, Leading-Edge Technology

Speakers at the press conference included (l to r): Todd Stevens, presidentand CEO, MBP; Donna Saurage, board of directors, MBP; Jerri Smitko,chairwoman, board of commissioners, TGMC; Phyllis Peoples, presidentand CEO, TGMC; Maurice King, M.D., medical director, MBP; andRaul Doria, M.D., medical director, MBP at TGMC, and physicianpartner, Cancer Care Specialists.

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www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2008

A message from

Todd D. Stevens, president and CEO

My Perspective

Fighting cancer cannot be done alone. Partnerships andlegions of people are needed to expand multi-facetedinitiatives to build healthier communities. We are grateful toour longstanding and dedicated partners. Our reachcontinues to grow wider and deeper as we develop morepartnerships to serve even more cancer patients.

The vision of MBP’s founders – to provide local access tohigh quality cancer care – is being realized today incommunities across southeast Louisiana. Our newestpartners are Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC)and Cancer Care Specialists (CCS) in Houma, LA where wehave joined forces to provide comprehensive cancer serviceson the TGMC campus. And, construction at the Mary BirdPerkins location in Gonzales in partnership with St.Elizabeth Hospital is moving forward.

In addition, Woman’s Hospital and Mary Bird Perkins havecome together under the umbrella of Woman’sComprehensive Breast Care using a multidisciplinaryapproach to fighting breast cancer.

One of our comprehensive cancer programs, the CancerProgram of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins,recently earned a three-year approval – with eleven totalcommendations – from the American College of Surgeons(ACoS) Commission on Cancer (CoC).

We have just finished the “First Year” with our nationalpartners as part of the NCI Community Cancer CentersProgram (NCCCP) pilot.

Mary Bird Perkins received further national recognition thisyear as we received one of only five patient navigation grantsin the United States – a grant that will make a real differencefor cancer screening patients.

Because of the many sponsors, volunteers, players and eventsupporters, the Taste of Louisiana and the 2008 Mary BirdPerkins Merrill Lynch Open were both awesome events.Mary Bird Perkins sincerely applauds all of you whoparticipated in these events, in whatever capacity, for yourcommitment to helping save lives.

I hope you enjoy reading about all of the collaborativeinitiatives under way, and thank you to all of our manycommunity partners for your tremendous support.

Sincerely,

Todd D. StevensPresident and CEO

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4 Perkins Perspective • Fighting Cancer for Over 35 Years.

Despite tremendous scientific advances, some populations in theUnited States bear a heavier burden of cancer – particularly thepoor and underserved. This is evidenced by their high cancerincidence and mortality and lower survival rates. Programsdesigned to promote the early detection of cancer among thesepopulations are continually faced with health care system andpatient-based delays that undermine the effectiveness of earlydetection. Enter patient navigation. The challenge of clinicalfollow-up amid the complexities of today’s health care system canpresent imposing barriers. Patient navigators are there to clear thepath to treatment and a timely therapeutic resolution. The CancerProgram of OLOL and MBP can now offer this help.

Patients participating in free cancer screenings provided by theCancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary BirdPerkins and its partners will ultimately have additional helpwhen an abnormality is found. The Ralph Lauren Center forCancer Care and Prevention in Harlem, NY, founded by Dr.Harold Freeman, awarded a $105,000 grant to the CancerProgram to develop a patient navigation program. The patientnavigation program will enable the Cancer Program to takepatient follow-up to the next level by providing a dedicatedteam member, a patient navigator, to assist screening patientswhen an abnormality is found. The grant is for one year with anopportunity to apply for up to two additional years of grantsupport.

When an abnormality is found during a screening, a patientnavigator will be assigned to the patient. The patient navigatorwill be responsible for making sure the patient understands theabnormality and will ensure the patient receives timely follow-up. This includes answering questions, assisting patients withappointments, and addressing barriers to care such as language,transportation and resolution of the abnormality. Charity Gay,MBP outreach coordinator, explained, “Navigation gives us theopportunity to identify barriers that may prevent patients fromreceiving follow-up care. Once identified, those challenges canbe overcome and the patient can be guided in the rightdirection.” Gwendolyn Bonton, another of MBP’s outreachcoordinators, said, “I see this process as very beneficial as it willgive the patient who comes to a screening a sense of comfort inknowing there is someone to guide them through an unknownmedical maze.”

The Cancer Program will operate a pilot patient navigationprogram for breast screening patients who are seen at screeningsconducted monthly at the LSU Mid City Clinic and Leo ButlerCommunity Center from June through August 31, 2008. Anevaluation of the pilot will be completed in September 2008,and the formal patient navigation program for all breast cancerscreening patients will begin in October 2008. Programs forprostate, skin and colorectal screening participants will be inplace by June 2009.

Breast screenings are available to the underserved through apartnership with Woman’s Hospital. Cynthia Rabalais, director,Imaging Service, Woman’s Hospital, is thrilled about the movetoward formal patient navigation. “This will takeprocrastination on the patient’s part out of the equation, andthat’s a big plus. The point is to keep everything movingforward toward a timely resolution.”

Following Through with Follow-UpThe Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins ReceivesOne of Five Nationwide Grants To Develop Patient Navigation Program

PAT I ENT NAV IGAT ION PROGRAM

“The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the

Lake and Mary Bird Perkins is the most

comprehensive cancer program in its

region. We are pleased to support the

development of a patient navigation

program that will assist in promoting more

timely diagnosis and treatment, and in

addition, help to reduce disparities in

cancer care.”

Dr. Harold P. Freeman, senior advisor to

the Director of the National Cancer

Institute (NCI), director of the NCI

Center to Reduce Health Disparities

and president and founder of the

Ralph Lauren Center for

Cancer Care and Prevention

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www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2008

“One of our main goals is to reduce disparities in cancer care.With grants like this one and through our participation in theNational Cancer Institute Community Cancer CentersProgram (NCCCP) pilot, we can achieve this goal,” said ReneaA. Duffin, executive director, Mary Bird Perkins CARENetwork. “By providing patient navigators to our patients, wecan ensure they receive timely care when it’s needed the most.That level of care can save lives,” Duffin continued.

Duffin and MBP’s Early Detection Manager, Kate Messina,attended the Harold P. Freeman Patient Navigation Institute3-day training course in Harlem, New York earlier this year.Both are now certified in Patient Navigation. “The traininghelped me understand that the ultimate goal of navigation isreducing the time to resolution,” said Duffin. “Helping thepatient overcome barriers often experienced in resolving anabnormal finding in a timely manner may be difficult. Seeinga system that has been in place for a number of years was a veryvaluable experience.” Messina said it made her aware of howimportant it is to gain a patient’s trust and to learn to ask theright questions – questions patients may be reluctant to bringup themselves.

Grant funding provided by the Ralph Lauren Center forCancer Care and Prevention through the Pfizer Foundationwill be used to support a full-time patient navigator, a datatracking system and other miscellaneous costs associated withthe program. The Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care andPrevention was the only program in the United States selectedto receive one of 17 worldwide grants from the PfizerFoundation. From that award, the Ralph Lauren Center forCancer Care and Prevention was awarded five patientnavigation grants.

Dr. Freeman, world renowned African-American oncologist, isnoted for his work addressing cancer disparities. He is a highlysought-after expert on cancer’s impact on minoritypopulations along with poverty and health care access.Freeman pioneered the Patient Navigation concept in Harlem,the gold standard for patient navigation, to ensure thattraditionally underserved people receive the timely andsupportive assistance necessary to shepherd them through thecomplexities of the medical system.

What Patient NavigationMeans to Patients

At a recent breast screening at LSU Mid CityClinic, several women were asked to share theirthoughts about the new patient navigationprogram.

“I would take advantage of it for the

support and encouragement. Everyone

needs encouragement. It would help

me to encourage someone else.”

Judy Thymes, featured on cover

“To have someone there to go through

this with me during this time of need

would mean a great deal. I wouldn’t

want to go through it alone. It would

feel a whole lot better knowing

someone was there to go through it

with me – to hold my hand.”

Janifer Griffin

“I would appreciate any kind of

assistance I could get. I’m raising five

grandchildren plus one of my own, so

I would be most appreciative of

someone to just talk to.”

Linda Faye Jackson

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6 Perkins Perspective • Fighting Cancer for Over 35 Years.

O N T H E L E A D I N G E D G E

Elekta, a world class leader in advanced radiation therapy andradiosurgery, has been selected to supply new Elekta Synergy®digital linear accelerator systems to Mary Bird Perkins CancerCenter over the next few years.

The new Elekta Synergy systems will provide expanded capacityfor advanced image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) whichMary Bird Perkins began providing to patients four years ago.The new systems will provide for MBP’s current locations as wellas the organization’s long-term regional growth into new markets.MBP has locations in Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond andHouma and is building a fifth location in Gonzales, LA.

“We believe that Elekta is ‘first class in its field’ and providesdynamic, practical and reliable treatment options. Every cancercase is unique and personal, and Mary Bird Perkins makes surethat it has the best radiation therapy options available to ourtreatment team so every cancer patient has individualized,optimal treatment,” said Todd Stevens, president and CEO,Mary Bird Perkins.

Each of the estimated nine new treatment systems will include3D X-ray Volume Imaging (XVI) and some will includeElektaVMAT Volumetric Intensity Modulated Arc Therapy,enhancing MBP’s intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)and IGRT arsenal.

In its search for the best solution for patient care, Mary BirdPerkins diligently analyzed all proposals and mobilized a team ofexpert physicians, medical physicists, dosimetrists and radiationtherapists to thoroughly research and review all options.

“Elekta won a very competitive award, and

we chose them because they offered a better

solution for our patients.”

Dr. Ken Hogstrom, chief of physics, MBP

Mary Bird Perkins’ commitment to providing leading-edgetechnology to cancer patients is evident in the Center’s history ofsignificant technology investments. Since 2001, MBP hasinvested nearly $19.8 million in direct patient care equipment,technology and facilities. During 2007 alone, MBP investednearly $800,000 in expanding and supporting both the LSU-MBP academic and research medical physics partnership, as wellas its clinical research program.

Joseph K. Jachinowski, president and CEO of Elekta NorthAmerica, stated, “We are extremely pleased to be able to supplyour treatment delivery devices to Mary Bird Perkins. They havebeen a long time user of our Electronic Medical Record (EMR)system, and the combination of adding Elekta Synergy treatmentsystems with the EMR will further enhance the integration of thedelivery of cancer care benefiting patients across Mary BirdPerkins’ network of facilities.”

Elekta is an international medical technology group providingoncologists, radiation therapists, neurosurgeons and many othermedical specialists with state-of-the-art tools to fight seriousdisease. Elekta’s systems and solutions are used in more than5,000 hospitals around the world. With more than 2,500employees globally, Elekta corporate headquarters are located inStockholm, Sweden.

MBP Invests $20 Million in Multi-CenterRadiation Therapy Systems

A Powerful Combination ofResources Unique to MBP

Mary Bird Perkins has a variety of the best

of class radiation therapy options. This

means we can treat the most simple cancer

cases to the most complex cases – without

accepting the limitations of a one size fits all

solution. MBP currently offers the latest

advances in radiation treatment technology,

including IMRT, advanced IGRT through

BrainLAB Novalis and the TomoTherapy

Hi-Art System, stereotactic radiosurgery,

stereotactic body radiotherapy, adaptive

radiotherapy and 4-D CT tumor

localization.

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8 Perkins Perspective • Fighting Cancer for Over 35 Years.

As the pilot phase of the NCI Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) concludes its first ofthree years, each participating community hospital has taken steps to accelerate cancer research andraise the quality of care — and to do both with a special emphasis on minority and underservedpatients.

The 14 participating sites have made considerable progress toward achieving the major goals of thepilot. All sites are accruing more patients to clinical trials. Some have begun moving theirdecentralized, paper-based records systems into computerized data that will improve both cancerresearch and patient care, while enabling minorities and underserved patients to more effectivelybenefit from the most up-to-date, evidence-based care.

NCCCP pilot hospitals are at the forefront of putting into place national standards for handlingbiospecimens bound for research laboratories. These standards will improve cancer research and thedevelopment of advanced therapies custom-tailored to individual patients.

These community hospitals have entered into new collaborations with NCI-designated CancerCenters located at major research institutions around the country and expanded their relationshipswith local private medical practice oncology physicians. Through these connections, NCI isextending the reach of its research programs into rural, inner-city and underserved communities.

The pilot is beginning to define for NCI what it will take to build a national network of communitycancer centers that are fully engaged with the research community and that provide the latestevidence-based, multidisciplinary care and treatment to patients of all racial and ethnic backgrounds,and socioeconomic standings in their home communities.

In the remaining two years of the NCCCP pilot, the sites are working on their individual plans tomeet the long term goals of the initiative. In addition, they will continue collaborating to furtherstrengthen this network of community cancer centers and keep looking ahead to continue learningfrom this public-private partnership for the best ways to advance state-of-the-art cancer care andresearch in the community setting.

NCCCP Pilotthe First Year

The first year insummary

“With the success of the NCCCP pilot, we hope to expand the number of participatinghospitals to reach an even broader range of communities in the future. And we willachieve ultimate success by the cancers prevented or diagnosed at their earliest stages, andby the number of lives saved.”

Dr. John E. NiederhuberDirector, National Cancer Institute

The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird PerkinsLocal Care. National Recognition.

Looking forward

CANCER PROGRAM OF OUR LADY OF T

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A Few HighlightsSites launch concerted effortfocused on three phase IIIclinical trialsNCCCP pilot hospitals began screening patientsfor three NCI Clinical Trials Support Unit (CTSU)trials in February 2008. Initial evaluation suggeststhat this effort has increased the patient accrual rateto each of the three trials for breast, colorectal andlung cancers.

An increase in relationshipswith major researchinstitutionsNCCCP pilot sites have increased from 30 to 35the number of collaborations and other linkagesthey have with NCI-designated Cancer Centers and other academic biomedical research institutions. This benefits research bylinking patients with early- and later-stage clinical trials and gives patients greater access to the latest advances in medical science.

Breast cancer screening tracking tool improving care and expanding clinical trialsThe tracking tool, developed jointly by the pilot hospitals, is being tested as an effective mechanism for monitoring the lag timebetween initial screening, diagnosis and care, and recruitment for clinical trials, particularly for underserved individuals. Onehospital has used the tool to cut one week off the average time between cancer screening and follow-up.

Multidisciplinary Care Model driving patient care improvementsNCCCP pilot hospitals have defined a Multidisciplinary Care (MDC) model for cancer care in a community setting thatdescribes aspects of team care that are critical to overall quality of care.

NCCCP pilot takes first step in standardizing collection of medical specimensfor researchThis group of hospitals is among the early adopters of the NCI Best Practices for Biospecimen Resources, which aims to improvethe quality of medical specimens that are becoming increasingly important for research.

For a complete listing of the many significant accomplishments, please visit www.marybird.org.

ncccp.cancer.gov

www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2008

Pictured (l to r): Dr. David Hanson, chairman, Integrated CancerCommittee; Kevin Guidry, cancer center administrator, OLOL; andTodd Stevens, president and CEO, MBP at the first NCCCP AnnualMeeting in Bethesda, Maryland.

THE LAKE AND MARY BIRD PERKINS

NCCCP Pilotthe First Year

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Woman’s Hospital and Mary Bird Perkins AnnounceWoman’s Comprehensive Breast Care Program

10 Perkins Perspective • Fighting Cancer for Over 35 Years.

I N Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y

WWoman’s Hospital and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Centerannounced the formation of the Woman’s Comprehensive BreastCare program. The program offers a full continuum of breast care,from the initial identification of an abnormality to diagnosis,treatment, recovery and survivorship.

A vital component of the program is the addition of a PatientNavigator to the process. A licensed nurse practitioner, the PatientNavigator, works directly with each woman who is referred intothe program to help her understand her current situation and thenext step in her treatment plan. Based upon the direction of thepatient’s physician, the Patient Navigator assists her by answeringquestions, helping to obtain necessary appointments, and servingas an ally in her fight against breast cancer.

“The Comprehensive Breast Care program created by Woman’sHospital and Mary Bird Perkins is truly a unique offering forBaton Rouge and the surrounding region,” said Claudia Lee, anational expert in comprehensive breast care with more than 20years of experience in the development and operation of suchprograms. “This depth of service, with the wealth of technologyand expertise to support it, is usually found in academic settingsor large medical centers. I am so pleased that the women in thatarea of the country will now have immediate access to the mostcomprehensive tools needed to survive breast cancer.”

The Comprehensive Breast Care programencompasses the following services:• Screening and diagnostic mammography

• Computer assisted detection

• Stereotactic and ultrasound-guided biopsy capabilities

• High resolution breast ultrasound and breast MRI

• Quality assurance program for radiologists

• Multidisciplinary conferences

• Patient navigator available onsite

• Social services support

• Genetic counseling

• Nutrition counseling

• Surgical program offering lumpectomies, mastectomies,breast reconstruction, sentinel node biopsies

• Individualized, comprehensive radiation therapy services

• Medical oncology services

• Clinical research

• Range of physical therapy services for during and aftercancer treatment

Referring physicians find the program very beneficial to theirpatients, as well. Susan Puyau, M.D., an OB/Gyn based in BatonRouge, is very familiar with the importance of the PatientNavigator to the treatment process. Dr. Puyau participated in apilot study for the program.

“From the moment a breast abnormality is found, I know that mypatient will be fully communicated with and assisted through hercourse of treatment,” said Dr. Puyau. “Finding out that you mayhave breast cancer is one of the most difficult things a woman candeal with during her life. Having someone there to help her eachstep of the way is very comforting to me as her doctor. And, I’msure it’s a great stress reliever for the patient.”

Woman’s Hospital and Mary Bird Perkins share a long history inworking together to fight breast cancer. Several years ago, the twoorganizations formed a mobile breast diagnostic programdesigned to provide mammography services to underserved andunderinsured women in the area. The program has receivedfunding from the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the LouisianaBreast and Cervical Health Program and enables women whootherwise would not have access to vital breast screenings toreceive the care they need as early as possible if breast cancer isdetected.

“The strong working relationship between our two organizationsgoes back many years,” said Teri G. Fontenot, president andCEO, Woman’s Hospital. “We are excited to be able to cometogether and provide the first Comprehensive Breast Careprogram to the women in our area. It’s a major step in givingwomen the tools they need right here in Baton Rouge to win thefight against breast cancer.”

“We are excited to be a part of this unique partnership bringingtogether the expertise of area health care providers and patientsupport organizations,” said Todd D. Stevens, president and CEOof Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “Combining resources toform Woman’s Comprehensive Breast Care program promises tofurther improve health outcomes for women who entrustWoman’s Hospital to provide them with state-of-the-art andcomprehensive care.”

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MBP and St. ElizabethHospital CelebratePartnership

Board members of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and St.Elizabeth Hospital gathered at MBP in Baton Rouge tocelebrate their joint cancer care initiative for Ascension Parishand the surrounding areas. The two organizations havepartnered to build a new outpatient cancer treatment facilityin Gonzales, LA. Speakers included Todd Stevens, presidentand CEO of Mary Bird Perkins; Sheldon Johnson, M.D.,Mary Bird Perkins; and Dee LeJeune, president and CEO ofSt. Elizabeth Hospital. Each expressed excitement about theopportunity to work together to increase local and regionalaccess to advanced cancer care, affording more people withthe opportunity to receive quality care at home, in their owncommunity.

www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2008

Pictured (l to r): Past MBP board member Susan Lipsey;MBP Foundation board member Sancy McCool; JudyWaguespack; and Hickley Waguespack, chairman, board ofdirectors, St. Elizabeth Hospital.

Mary Bird Perkins’Board of DirectorsElects New MembersRichard Lipsey Re-elected Center’sBoard Chairman

At a 2008 Mary Bird Perkins board ofdirectors meeting, new volunteerleadership was elected to help carryout the mission of the Center.

Richard A. Lipsey, chairman ofLipsey’s Inc., was re-elected to serve asthe Center’s board chairman. RobertS. Greer Jr. will remain on the boardfor an additional year as immediatepast chairman. Other officers re-elected include J. Gerard Jolly,KPMG, vice chair, and Dr. TomMeek, secretary. Vice Chair JerryJolly will concurrently hold the office of treasurer.

Board members re-elected for an additional term include DudleyW. Coates, Shelley Mockler and Gary A. Sligar. New boardmembers elected for three-year terms include Kevin R. Carman,Ph.D., Dean, College of Basic Sciences, LSU; William “Bill” T.Firesheets II, president, Buquet & LeBlanc; and Rose J. Hudson,president/CEO, Louisiana Lottery. Welcomed for a period of oneyear was Bill O’Quin, Financial Services Online, while he servesas the 2008 Annual Giving Campaign Chairman.

Richard Lipsey

Progress Made onMBP in GonzalesConcrete was recently placed for the vault area of MBP inGonzales. The concrete vaults are designed to houseequipment for radiation therapy treatment. The facility isexpected to open this Fall.

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What Our Patients Say:Patients at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center locations in BatonRouge, Covington and Hammond are given an anonymous quality ofcare questionnaire upon completion of their treatment. Results aresent to an independent research consultant who compares the resultsto those of other similar community cancer centers across the country.Some of the quotes patients felt compelled to write are below:

“You’ve gotten it perfect. I often wondered, seeing so many people come andgo, how they made it possible for me to feel like I was the only patient.”

Covington patient

“My care at Mary Bird Perkins far exceeded what I expected. The staff isabsolutely wonderful. I plan to volunteer once I have recovered from mytreatments.”

Hammond patient

“It is wonderful and refreshing to be treated with such respect andkindness, especially when you consider the number of patients theseprofessionals see on a daily, weekly and yearly basis. That personaltreatment was the first step in my healing process.”

Baton Rouge patient

JM

12 Perkins Perspective • Fighting Cancer for Over 35 Years.

Gibbons ElectedAAPM Secretary

John Gibbons Jr., Ph.D. wasrecently elected by membersof the American Associationof Physicists in Medicine(AAPM) to serve a three-year term as Secretarycommencing January 1,2009. The Secretary is partof the AAPM ExecutiveCommittee, which includesthe President, President-elect, Chairman of theBoard, Treasurer andExecutive Director.

Dr. Ken Hogstrom, chief of physics at Mary Bird Perkinsand former president of the AAPM, said, “In thisposition, Dr. Gibbons will have the opportunity to servehis profession and to impact the role of medicalphysicists in the United States. This is a real honor forhim and for Mary Bird Perkins.”

Gibbons currently serves as Chief of Clinical Physics atMBP and Adjunct Associate Professor in theDepartment of Physics and Astronomy at LouisianaState University.

The AAPM is the premier professional association ofmedical physicists in the United States with amembership of over 5,000. AAPM’s mission is toadvance the practice of physics in medicine and biologyby encouraging innovative research and development,disseminating scientific and technical information,fostering the education and professional development ofmedical physicists, and promoting the highest qualitymedical services for patients.

“In this position, Dr. Gibbons will have the

opportunity to serve his profession and to

impact the role of medical physicists in the

United States. This is a real honor for him

and for Mary Bird Perkins.”

Dr. Ken Hogstrom, chief of physics, MBP,

and former president of the AAPM

John Gibbons Jr., Ph.D.

MBP and TomoTherapySign Three-Year ResearchExtensionMary Bird Perkins Cancer Center (MBP) and TomoTherapyIncorporated have signed an agreement to extend their researchcollaboration for a second three-year term, continuing the partnershipinto the year 2010. As part of the agreement, TomoTherapy willprovide MBP with a grant to maintain the Center’s research computersystem. This system is an exact replica of the treatment planningsystem currently used on patients with added research capabilities.

Co-Principal Investigator and Chief of Physics Dr. Ken Hogstromsaid, “Medical physicists at Mary Bird Perkins focus our research onthe use of TomoTherapy® technology for treatment of post-mastectomy chest wall cancer, head and neck cancers, and qualityassurance of treatment delivery. Grant funds are used to support onepostdoctoral fellow and two LSU graduate students each year toconduct TomoTherapy® research.”

“Results of our research are important to the clinical use of theTomoTherapy® treatment system at Mary Bird Perkins and otherTomoTherapySM treatment facilities throughout the world,”commented Dr. John Gibbons, co-principal investigator and chief ofclinical physics.

Look for an extended article about our research initiatives withTomoTherapy in the next issue of Perkins Perspective.

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www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2008

Making aDifference inYOUR CommunityMary Bird Perkins Cancer Center (MBP) believes thatscreenings are the single most proactive way to lowerthe inordinately high cancer mortality rate inLouisiana. Today, Louisiana ranks number two in theUnited States in cancer deaths.

With the help of community partnerships, MBP iscontinuing to fight this disease by offering freecommunity cancer screenings and education programsthroughout its 15-parish service area. Through June30, 2008, MBP has held 89 events and screened over2,500 participants for breast, prostate, colorectal andskin cancer. The chart below represents the number ofparticipants screened thus far and indicates that 44%had never been screened for cancer.

2008 Cancer Screenings through June 30Breast Prostate Colorectal Skin Total

Total participants

Participants who havenever been screened

Diagnosis of cancer

1Women over the age of 40 who have never been screened for breast cancer.

MBP Outreach Coordinator Gwendolyn Bonton assists a participant withregistration for a prostate screening.

1,073 239 695 554 2,561

151 117 427 440 1,135 (44%)

8 1 0 0 9

“I am immensely grateful that such an offer was available tome. Unfortunately, in the society we live in today, some of ushave to decide between having insurance and othernecessities. If it wasn’t for programs, made possible bygenerous corporations and the like, persons like me wouldprobably ‘fall through the cracks’ in the diagnosis andtreating life threatening conditions.”

Covington screening participant

“I think this is a wonderful service for people. Everyone is sofriendly and helpful. I don’t know what or how I could getmy mammogram without this.”

Baton Rouge screening participant

What Our Screening Patients Say:

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IIn recognition of National Minority Cancer

Awareness week, the Cancer Program of Our Lady

of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins – with the help

of Southern University School of Nursing,

Woman’s Hospital and YWCA ENCOREplus –

sponsored a health fair for the whole family. The

event promoted increased awareness of the

importance of early detection among racial and

ethnic minority groups, a segment of the

population disproportionately affected by cancer.

The goal was to provide as many screenings as

possible for breast, prostate, colorectal and skin

cancers in addition to screenings for glucose and

blood pressure. The overwhelming success of this

event was evident in the exceptional results.

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I N Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y

A screening participant takes a break from the day’s activities.

An event volunteer assists a screening participant with registration.

First-Ever Event Yields Phenomenal Results

474cancerscreenings

were provided in one day.

A total of

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www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2008

Of the screening participants:

76% of the participants had never been screened for cancer

38% of the participants had never been screened for breast cancer

79% of the participants had never been screened for colorectal cancer

69% of the participants had never been screened for prostate cancer

83% of the participants had never been screened for skin cancer

I N Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y

Sister Uyen, committee member whoserved as a translator at the event, joinsher niece and Mayor Kip Holden.

Mayor Kip Holden, honorarychairman of the event, joins

members of the Cancer Programteam during the first-ever event.

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MBP Collaborates in Efforts To PromoteCancer Screenings

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16 Perkins Perspective • Fighting Cancer for Over 35 Years.

Mary Bird PerkinsWins Radiance AwardFamily Road of Greater Baton Rouge, a nonprofit organizationproviding a variety of services for families, presented Mary BirdPerkins Cancer Center’s CARE Network with the RadianceAward.

The award was presented at Family Road’s 1st Annual SolarisAwards Ceremony held at the Lod Cook Alumni Center.

The Radiance Award is presented to a program that hasdemonstrated excellence in the development andimplementation of a health care services program. Some of thefactors taken into consideration for the award included how aprogram identified and met a need in the community; how itmet its goals and objectives; its demonstration of positiveoutcomes and impact; and the number of people reached in thepast year.

The CARE Network was nominated for its Early DetectionProgram. Since its inception in 2002, along with its communitypartners, the Early Detection Program has provided freescreenings for breast, prostate, skin and colorectal cancer for over23,000 people.

“We are honored to receive the Radiance Award and berecognized along with so many other dedicated nonprofits in thecommunity,” said Renea A. Duffin, executive director, CARENetwork, Mary Bird Perkins. “Our goal is to make a differencein the fight against cancer by spreading the message that earlycancer detection can save lives.”

Pictured (l to r): Emcee Whitney Vann, WBRZ; Renea A. Duffin, MaryBird Perkins; and Dena Morrison, Family Road, president/CEO.

In recognition of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month,Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is partnering with otherorganizations to offer free prostate cancer screenings during themonth of September. It is estimated that one in six men will getprostate cancer in his lifetime. In the United States, prostatecancer is the most common type of cancer found in men afterskin cancer.

The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary BirdPerkins will offer three screenings at multiple locationsthroughout the Greater Baton Rouge area during the month ofSeptember, as well as one on August 23 at the Men’s HealthConference. In addition, a screening will also be made availablein Covington as part of the comprehensive cancer program ofMary Bird Perkins and St. Tammany Parish Hospital. A prostatescreening will also be held in partnership with St. ElizabethHospital.

Mary Bird Perkins, in partnership with Woman’s Hospital, willalso offer free breast cancer screenings throughout the month of

October in recognition of National Breast Cancer AwarenessMonth. In the United States, breast cancer is the most commoncancer among women after skin cancer. And, according to theAmerican Cancer Society, one in eight women will be found tohave invasive breast cancer in her lifetime.

For more information regarding dates, times and locations ofthese and other free screenings, please visit www.marybird.org.

The Cancer Program of Our Lady ofthe Lake and Mary Bird Perkins isone of only 14 sites in the countryselected to participate in the NationalCancer Institute (NCI) CommunityCancer Centers Program (NCCCP)pilot. One of the main goals of thispilot is to reduce cancer health caredisparities.

ncccp.cancer.gov

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VO LUNT E E R O F TH E Y E A R

MBP RecognizesDedicated CenterVolunteersAnna B. Lipsey Volunteer of theYearAward Presented

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center volunteer Ed Burkereceived the Anna B. Lipsey Memorial Volunteer of the Yearaward for 2008. A cancer survivor, Burke began volunteeringjust prior to his retirement from UniRoyal in 2003 as asenior chemist. “I was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2002,”he said. “My treatment at Mary Bird Perkins was so positiveand compassionate that I began volunteering while I wasundergoing treatment. There are such good doctors here. Mycancer is completely gone. I just can’t say enough.”

The award, named for the late community activist and oneof the Center’s original founders, Anna Lipsey, was presentedby Susan Lipsey. She spoke on behalf of her husband Richard– Anna Lipsey’s son – who was unable to attend the Center’sannual volunteer recognition luncheon.

A recognition committee comprised of Center staff andvolunteers selects the honoree through a deliberative processthat begins with nominations from staff.

Susan Lipsey told those assembled that nominatingcomments about Burke included references to his incrediblekindness, appropriate sense of humor and willingness to doanything asked of him. “Mr. Burke is the very definition ofan Anna B. Lipsey volunteer of the year,” she said.

Anna B. Lipsey was a founder of Mary Bird Perkins CancerCenter and served as secretary-treasurer of the board from

1968 until shortly before her death in 1985. The VolunteerService Award is given each year to the volunteer who bestexemplifies the volunteer spirit and dedication for whichMrs. Lipsey was known.

Susan Lipsey and Ed Burke

Enjoying Mary Bird Perkins’ HammondVolunteer Appreciation Luncheon atO’Donnell’s Restaurant in Ponchatoula are(front row, l to r): Noel Parnell; JoySheridan; Myrtle Gatlin; and LouFitzmorris. (back row, l to r): CindyWilliamson, development director,Northshore/Florida Parishes; Vickie Hall,director, Hammond facility; Robbye Bell;Juanita Pearson; Brenda Truxillo, vicepresident, radiation oncology; RosemaryRound; Dixie Moore; and Trisha Wright,director, human resources.

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18 Perkins Perspective • Fighting Cancer for Over 35 Years.

This year’s Annual Giving Campaign kicks off in August withChair Bill O’Quin at the helm and several changes on the2008 agenda. Joining O’Quin’s leadership as the 2008Campaign Vice Chair is Brett Furr, an attorney with TaylorPorter Brooks & Phillips, and a relatively new member ofMBP’s board of directors.

Furr has been involved with various fundraising efforts in theBaton Rouge community, but his reasons for volunteeringwith MBP come from several personal areas of interest in theCenter. “The level of technology available at MBP relative tothe rest of the country makes us a player in the nationalmarket but being on the forefront of technology is expensive.Charitable donations help because they allow the communitythe opportunity to partner with us to provide the very bestcancer care in our region.” Furr is also a big advocate of thefree cancer screenings Mary Bird Perkins provides, and hewants to help raise financial support to enable the Center todo more.

Another motivation for Furr’s involvement, also a beliefshared by O’Quin, is that the reach of the campaign needs to extendfurther into the community. “There are a lot of new people and newbusinesses and corporations in our region,” Furr said. “We want togive them the opportunity to participate. I’d like to see us hold morecorporate presentations.”

O’Quin is also prepared to take on the challenge of expanding theCenter’s support. “Mary Bird Perkins is extremely fortunate to havetruly loyal and wonderful partners, but at the same time, we need tocast a wider net. There are many in our community who need tohear about Mary Bird Perkins and how they can become involved inthe fight against cancer.”

The combination of O’Quin and Furr’s previous experience as pastcampaign volunteers provides valuable insight for a new directionthis year. “Mary Bird Perkins has a predominantly new staff in theDevelopment Office,” O’Quin said. “Creating personalrelationships is important so more emphasis is being placed on jointvisits with a volunteer and a professional development officer. It’s agreat way to say thank you and share how their previous support hasmade a difference. It’s also an opportunity to share important newsfrom the Center.”

Also new this year will be an increased gift level from $1,000 to$1,200 for a Leadership Donor. Explaining that studies have shownthat monthly givers are consistent year in and year out, O’Quin’sidea is that if, for instance, you are paying $1,000 a year as yourcurrent pledge, why not pay $100 a month and increase yourinvestment to Mary Bird Perkins to $1,200 a year and remain aLeadership Donor? “People are always interested when I tell them Imake my contribution to Mary Bird Perkins on a monthly basis thesame way I pay my bills – online,” O’Quin said.

Another change is that there will be two recognition events held atthe Center in March 2009 to honor MBP’s growing number ofdonors. The first is the new annual Rathbone Dinner for those whogive $5,000 or more a year. The second event will be a specialLeadership Reception for those who give $1,200 or more to MaryBird Perkins. “One event just couldn’t accommodate all oursupporters – and it’s vitally important to keep our events here at theCenter,” O’Quin said.

The 2008 Annual Giving Campaign kicks off at O’Quin’s house inlate August where his trademark fire truck, along with several others,will be on display representing the theme of the campaign –Extinguish Cancer.

To learn more about the 2008 Annual Giving Campaign and howyou can help Mary Bird Perkins Extinguish Cancer with a donationor as a volunteer, contact Mindy Tyler at (225) 215-1233 or viaemail at [email protected].

“The level of technology available at MBP relativeto the rest of the country makes us a player in thenational market but being on the forefront oftechnology is expensive. Charitable donations helpbecause they allow the community the opportunityto partner with us to provide the very best cancercare in our region.”

Brett Furr, 2008 Annual Giving vice chair

2008 Annual Giving Campaign:New Year, New Leadership, New Campaign

Pictured (l to r): 2008 Annual Giving Campaign Vice Chair Brett Furr andChair Bill O’Quin.

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Crawfishman TriathlonDonates $3K to MBP

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Over 360 athletes registered forthe 25th annual CrawfishmanTriathlon benefiting pre-selectedcommunity organizations andfoundations, among them MaryBird Perkins Cancer Center.Approximately 330 finished thegrueling 1,000 yard swim, 18mile bike course and 4 mile run.

Cindy Williamson, developmentdirector, Mary Bird Perkins,Northshore/Florida Parishes, andher family were among the racevolunteers for the day. “Theentire event was justextraordinary,” said Williamson.“To see people come together tohave a positive impact on the

community, to help make it possible to support organizations trulymaking a difference – like fighting cancer – was so uplifting.”

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www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2008

Nick Salvetti stands with hiscustom painted awards which,along with those of Lori Sperier,were presented to the overall andmasters individual winners.

Cuts for the CureThe idea started with LivingstonParish Salon 2005 owner LuciaYoung. “Many of our clientshave breast cancer. Taking careof their hair, we become friends.We wanted to do something tohelp – something different.”Young came up with the idea tocut hair and give the money toMary Bird Perkins CancerCenter and Woman’s Hospitalwho partner to offer free breastcancer screenings in LivingstonParish.

Her idea took off and fourteenother Livingston Parish salonsparticipated in the uniquefundraiser. The stylists not onlydonated their time on their dayoff but also the $10 they chargedper haircut. In the end, over$5,000 was raised by supportivecommunity members, and 39women were screened for breastcancer that day.

More than 20 volunteers representing Mary Bird Perkins CancerCenter were on hand to help out at the Mandeville SeafoodFestival this year. “The Festival had record crowds at the new,larger venue at Fontainebleau State Park,” said Cindy Williamson,development director, MBP, Northshore/Florida Parishes. “TheEarly Bird was parked in the middle of the action on Saturday andSunday and many people stopped by to ask questions and to pickup educational literature and free sunscreen.”

Two volunteers from the Covington Center, Sherri Blackwell andNatalie Hock, worked the ticket booth at the front gate. “Natalieand I had a lot of fun working together as a team for Mary BirdPerkins. We both will definitely volunteer for this event again nextyear,” said Blackwell.

The Mandeville Seafood Festival, produced by the GreaterMandeville Seafood Association, Inc., is the oldest festival held inSt. Tammany Parish. The festival association, a nonprofitorganization with a 100 percent volunteer membership, hasdonated over $1 million to various Mandeville area charities withMary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington being one of itslargest beneficiaries.

Shown with the Early Bird are (l to r) MBP volunteer Gloria Griffin;Marci Miller; Hannah Haggenmacher; MBP volunteer AmieHaggenmacher; Joel Haggenmacher; and Christian Haggenmacher.

Sondra Johnson, mother ofSpenser Johnson, looks on asstylist Pat Johnson cuts Spenser’shair. “My mother and dad diedof cancer. If there’s anything Ican do to help, I’m more thanwilling,” Johnson said.

MBP Volunteers at Mandeville Seafood Festival

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20 Perkins Perspective • Fighting Cancer for Over 35 Years.

i N Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y

Approximately 50 community residents gatheredat the home of Randy Waesche in Mandeville tolearn more about the mission and vision of MaryBird Perkins Cancer Center and future plans fordevelopment in the Northshore area.

“Six years ago I had cancer,” Northshore residentRandy Kinchen told those assembled. “I had neverheard of Mary Bird Perkins. I didn’t know therewas a center in Covington or in Hammond forthat matter.” He said the first question he asked hisdoctor was, “Where do I need to go – can I stayhere?” His doctor recommended Mary BirdPerkins in Covington. “Here I am, six years later.When I was being treated I never missed work, noteven one day,” he said. “I’ve been helping raisefunds for Mary Bird Perkins for the last four years,so I’m connected in two ways. Let me just say, ifyou have money to donate, it’s an excellent way togive back.”

Randy Waesche, who, as required by the Center’sbylaws, has rotated off the Board of Directors for one year astreasurer of Mary Bird Perkins, stated emphatically, “If any of usin this community were to get cancer, there is only one place togo for treatment – Mary Bird Perkins.”

Todd Stevens, president and CEO of Mary Bird Perkins, gave anoverview of Mary Bird Perkins’ role in the greater Northshorearea, including a brief summary of the National Cancer InstituteCommunity Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) pilot andMBP’s selection as one of 14 community-based cancer programsin the country chosen to participate. Stevens also highlighted theCenter’s education, prevention and early detection programs at allthree locations. He said that since the screening program’s

inception in 2002, over 23,000 people have been screened forvarious cancers by MBP and its partners. Lastly, Stevens sharedinformation on the LSU-MBP medical physics program, one ofonly twelve such accredited graduate level programs in the UnitedStates. This program is increasing the scope of medical physicsresearch to ultimately improve outcomes for patients, the drivingforce behind everything MBP does.

Two of the radiation oncologists at Mary Bird Perkins CancerCenter in Covington, Dr. Gregory Henkelmann and Dr. CharlesWood, related poignant stories about their association with MaryBird Perkins and why they are steadfastly committed to its morethan 35-year-old founding mission.

Northshore Leaders Gather To Support FightAgainst Cancer; Learn About Mary Bird PerkinsGuests Hear from Local Survivor Randy Kinchen

Pictured (l to r): Todd Stevens, president and CEO, MBP; Carolyn A. Chassee,CFRE, VP for development and chief development officer, MBP; Janis Mayfield,CMD, dosimetrist, MBP; Cindy Williamson, development director,Northshore/Florida Parishes, MBP; Randy Waesche, past treasurer, MBP board ofdirectors; Dr. Gregory Henkelmann, oncologist, MBP; and Dr. Charles Wood,oncologist, MBP.

Covington MayorTours MBPCovington Mayor Candace Watkins and community activist CindyHarlan were recently guided through a virtual patient experience at theCovington location. Mary Bird Perkins dosimetrist Janis Mayfield (right)shows Watkins (left) and Harlan (center) some of the state-of-the-artradiation technology used to treat cancer at the Covington Center.

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TitlePlus: ClosingOut for a WorthyCause

www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2008

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For the past five years, the Jeff Boss Memorial Golf Classic hashonored the life of an individual who was well-respected andloved by many in the community. Friends and family membersof Jeff Boss gathered for the 2008 tournament at Copper MillGolf Club in Zachary, LA to play golf and present Mary BirdPerkins with a $5,000 check in his memory.

Boss served as the LSU Athletic equipment manager from1980-2003 and is remembered for his selflessness and sincerededication to the team and the players. After Boss passed awayof brain cancer in 2003, his assistant, Greg Stringfellow, alongwith several of Boss’ former equipment managers, decided tocreate a golf tournament to celebrate Boss’ life. “We started thetournament in 2004 as a way to remember him and the amazingperson he was,” Stringfellow said.

In honor of Boss, the tournament is held each year in May – themonth of his birthday. Proceeds from the tournament aredonated to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center where Bossreceived his radiation treatment. This year, 37 teams of fourplayers gathered at Copper Mill to play golf in memory of Boss.

Jeff Boss Memorial GolfClassic Raises $5,000for Mary Bird Perkins

Pictured (l to r): Rich Abadie, T-Joe Breaux, Mindy Tyler, GregStringfellow, Ashley Stringfellow and James Frazier.

Steve Greer is no stranger to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center(MBP). His father, Bob Greer, serves on the Center’s board ofdirectors and currently serves on the executive committee.Nobody ever expected, however, that his father’s passion forthe Center’s mission would have such a profound impact onhis son.

Greer co-owns TitlePlus with Jacques B. Favret. Together, thetwo decided that a portion of all TitlePlus business revenueswould go to MBP by donating a portion of every loan closed.Essentially, this means everyone who does business withTitlePlus becomes a donor to the Center.

“Giving is just such a fundamental part of being a goodcitizen and a good corporate citizen,” said Greer. “We knew wewanted to do something like this to be a good corporate citizen,and when we discussed it, all of us agreed Mary Bird Perkins is agreat institution deserving of support, particularly consideringthat cancer has affected us all in some sort of way.”

“We are so very grateful for this unique and caring gift,” saidCarolyn A. Chassee, CFRE, vice president of development. “Wehave many individuals that give monthly – but this is our firstcorporate donor that has opted to pledge a percentage of theirmonthly revenue. It’s a very generous and thoughtful gift, and wedo hope that more businesses will follow their lead.”

Being such a good steward within the community can be hardfor any company. But, the investment is making a difference inthe lives of cancer patients. In March, Favret and Greer visitedMBP, with their Director of Operations Michael Sherman, todrop off their first monthly gift of more than $1,000.

“We’re very proud to support Mary Bird Perkins this way,” saidJacques Favret. “Sharing our success with an active communitynonprofit that does so much is a very worthy cause.”

I N Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y

Pictured (l to r): Carolyn A. Chassee, CFRE, VP for development andchief development officer, MBP, accepts the first monthly contributionof more than $1,000 from Steve Greer, managing member forTitlePlus; Michael Sherman, director of operations; and Jacques B.Favret, managing member and attorney at law. This gift is part of theTitlePlus innovative giving program, contributing a portion of everyloan closing to MBP.

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22 Perkins Perspective • Fighting Cancer for Over 35 Years.

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Rubicon: Scoring Bigfor the Fight AgainstCancerRubicon LLC did not set out to be Mary Bird PerkinsCancer Center’s largest annual donor, but through its annualgolf tournament, that is exactly what has happened. TheRubicon Invitational Golf Tournament, one of the premiergolf tournaments in the community, is held every year at theCountry Club of Louisiana. With food on nearly every hole,donated door prizes galore, hole-in-one prizes – threecars and a boat – and exciting player gifts, Rubicon’ssuppliers and vendors are continually encouraged to ante up.

This year’s tournament netted $47,000 and marked theseventh year of continued generosity to MBP. To date,Rubicon has contributed over $250,000 to the fight againstcancer in southeast Louisiana.

“It is a fun tournament for everyone, and we get to support a greatcause in the process,” said Wayne Cash, Rubicon’s retiredPurchasing Manager and volunteer coordinator of thetournament.

Even after retiring, Cash dedicates much of his time tocoordinating the tournament because of his and his wife Susan’spersonal ties to MBP. Susan’s father, a cancer survivor, was treatedat MBP.

“Cancer has touched all of our lives. Even in the Rubicon family,we have all had our own experiences with cancer,” said Eric

Phillips, vice president and general manager of the AscensionParish-based facility. “Hopefully, by continually supporting MaryBird Perkins’ early detection and treatment programs, we willmake a difference for our community.”

Rubicon employee volunteers organize and operate thetournament with the help of community volunteers. “We aremost grateful for Rubicon’s steadfast support of Mary BirdPerkins’ outreach programs,” said Todd Stevens, president andCEO of Mary Bird Perkins. “Rubicon’s continued support ishelping to spread the vital message of early detection andultimately saving lives in the community.”

Pictured (l to r): Rodney Blanchard, finance manager; Sandra Watts, sr.secretary to the controller; Sue Sheets, administrative assistant to GeneralManager; Eric Phillips, vice president & general manager; Wayne Cash,retired purchasing manager & tournament coordinator; Jay Lyles, corporate& foundation giving director, MBP; Craig Nuckolls, employee benefitsmanager; JoAnn Hamilton, human resources representative; and SusanCash, golf tournament committee volunteer.

i N Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y

A Winning Combo –Taste of Louisiana,MBP Merrill Lynch OpenBecause of you, nearly $170,000 was raised by this year’s Mary Bird Perkins MerrillLynch Open. These proceeds will help fund the free community screenings andoutreach activities provided by Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center…YOU helped tomake the difference!

Pictured (l to r): Ginger Kurlas and Rebecca Nelson,co-chairs of the Taste of Louisiana.

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MEMOR I A L AND HONOR G I F T SMary Bird Perkins Cancer Centergratefully acknowledges the following giftsmade in memory of or to honor a specialperson or loved one during the period ofJanuary 1, 2008 to April 30, 2008.Memorial and honor gifts may be made atany time and mailed to Mary Bird PerkinsCancer Center, Office of Development,4950 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA70809. Gifts may also be made online atwww.marybird.org under “Make a Gift.”

In Memory of…

Phyllis AddisonMr. David Addison

George Lawrence “Larry” AllenMistretta Veterinary Clinic, Inc.

Henriette M. AllenMr. and Mrs. Bob D. Allen, Sr.

Terri AngermeierMs. Paula D. AlldredgeMr. Phillip L. AngermeierMs. Sue AngermeierMr. Scott BilskieDonna Bordelon and FamilyMs. Betty BuchananMr. and Mrs. Danny W. BurgessMr. and Mrs. James C. CotterMr. and Mrs. Roger G. DeigMr. and Mrs. James L. DelancyMr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Kent DentonMr. and Mrs. James A. EskewFluid Systems, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Benny HehnBob Jaugstetter and The Tulane

Rowing TeamMr. and Mrs. Glen A. KuperMs. Suzette LambertMr. and Mrs. Kyle L. McCollom, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Keith L. McCutchanMr. and Mrs. Edward O. Price, IIIMr. and Mrs. Dale L. SchneiderMs. Amelia SharberMr. and Mrs. Greg WehrMr. and Mrs. Ron W. Weinzapfel

Eleanor W. BaerDr. Bruce L. Baer

Lena BanksFred L. Banks

Kathleen McCarthy BarrilleauxMs. Nanarea McCarthy

Randy BartonMr. Rick H. Lea

Veva Louise BaudinMrs. Lillie Beridon

Dennis BeardMs. Kaye S. Schiefelbein

Billie McCurley BellMs. Sadye P. DavenportIsabelle and Charles GlascockCharlyne and Aubrey Harvey

and FamilyMr. and Mrs. Ronald L. HendryTracy and Kenneth HolmanIstrouma Class of 1950 ReunionMs. Mary H. KonvalinkaMrs. C. Anne MoorePat Parchman and FamilyNancy and Ed SneedDr. Roslyn M. TaborMr. and Mrs. Pat WeberAnn Wilkinson

Irene N. BelloMr. and Mrs. Freddie J. Fossier

Henry BennettAnonymous

Joseph Bennett, Sr.Anonymous

Margaret Papp BlueMr. Sam J. Marino, Sr.

Janet BoatmanMr. and Mrs. C. P. LeJeune

Peggy B. BonnecarrereMr. Donald B. Bonnecarrere

Rita BourqueMr. and Mrs. Paul M. Griffin, Jr.

Angie BradyThe Pokeno Group

Robert T. BrantonJanice Moser

Robert J. BraudMr. and Mrs. Kenneth Aliers

Evelyn BrownMr. and Mrs. Madison H. Romaine

Sally “Sassee” Ratelle BrownMr. and Mrs. Mark T. Mitchell

Louise BrumfieldMs. Margaret CivellaMr. and Mrs. John W. KenneyMr. and Mrs. Barry E. LustedMr. and Mrs. David R. MorrisonGene and Anita PerryMr. and Mrs. Robert Schneller

Rhita CameronAnonymous

Vincent E. CangelosiMr. and Mrs. Roger L. Major

Robert L. CarmenaMr. and Mrs. Madison H. Romaine

Joyce CarterMr. Wellington W. Carter, Jr.

Lena CatanzaroMrs. Beryl P. Bland

Patricia Ryan “Patty” CenacAnonymous

Loraine K. ChadwickMrs. William G. Palfrey

Ronnie ChustzMr. and Mrs. Myles Kirkland

Wayne ChustzMr. and Mrs. Myles Kirkland

Gwendolyn Faye ClarkMs. Keturah T. DardyDr. Saundra Y. McGuire

Helen ClarkRev. Oscar C. Clark

William L. Clark, Sr.James Youngflesh

William Frank CoburnIndustrial Consulting and Supply

CorporationJim ColeMr. and Mrs. Frank Jackson, Jr.

Lillian Mayer “Lillee” ColemanAssaf, Simoneaux, Tauzin and

Associates, Inc.Dr. and Mrs. Charles I. BlackMr. and Mrs. Charles B. BlandThe Book Reviewers Book ClubMr. R. Gale CreedMrs. Nita K HarrisHarris Civil Engineers, LLCMr. and Mrs. David L. LeblancLetterman’s Blue Print and Supply Co.Michael Polito, Richard Setliff and

Mark LaHaye of MAPPConstruction, LLC

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald W. McElroyDr. and Mrs. A. K. McInnis, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Dean McKeeMr. Julius McMainsMr. and Mrs. Donald R. PattMr. and Mrs. Hansen E. ScobeeMr. and Mrs. Dale M. SongyMr. and Mrs. Troye SvendsonSmith Thomas

Patricia CollinsMs. Stephanie Collins

Rae ConnellMs. Angela Hattier

Mike CorbanMr. and Mrs. M. E. Hoover

Walter H. CorkernMrs. Linda Corkern

George and Annie T. CornellMr. George Cornell

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MEMOR I A L AND HONOR G I F T SJudith Davidson CourvilleAnonymous

Grace Richard CrainMs. Kaye S. Schiefelbein

Helen Wilkinson DavisMr. and Mrs. G. Lee Griffin

Victor E. DebetazMr. and Mrs. Ted E. Denstel

Thomas M. DeBlanc, Jr.George and Lacy Bofinger

Joanne DelauneMr. and Mrs. George G. Melancon

Camille DiazAnonymous

Roseanne DileoMr. and Mrs. David M. James

Mrs. Euginia “Genie” DixonMrs. Linda Floyd

Betty C. DoughtyDavid J. and Laura W. DaigleMr. and Mrs. Jack FrazeeBeverly Hulin and FamilyLouisiana Greater Baton Rouge

Association of Occupational HealthNurses

Mr. Thomas E. MaherMrs. C. Anne MooreMs. Dorothy E. NoeskeMr. and Mrs. Guy PerkinsThe Unmanageables GroupMr. and Mrs. Joseph D. Weldon

O. D. DudleyMrs. Mildred Ricard

Jennifer Harris DuncanMr. and Mrs. Jack R. BankstonMr. and Mrs. John BurnettMr. and Mrs. David Manning

Carl R. DunnMrs. Cynthia A. Dunn

Michael Patrick DunneAnn Wilkinson

Candace DurdenFred, Teresa, Victoria and

Haleigh ConsterdineEvelyn J. DurhamPathfinder Sunday Class

Edward DyessRev. Oscar C. Clark

George ElliottMr. and Mrs. Hugh F. Wagley

Lucille EngolioMr. and Mrs. Lloyd Bouchereau

Mike EstepMrs. Cynthia R. Estep

Cloy EtheridgeMs. Florence Etheridge

Robert Morgan FairchildHelen B. Fairchild

James Forrest Fargason, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Paul BlymyerMr. Sam C. BradshawMr. and Mrs. Robert L. ByrneCDMMr. Roy J. CefaluMs. Beverly H. ChurchillMr. Patrick V. CoghlanMr. and Mrs. Rene C. EllisMr. and Mrs. George B. GordonHenningsen Cold Storage and Co.Mr. John P. LaguensMr. and Mrs. Anthony J. LucarelliMrs. Betty M. PhillipsMr. and Mrs. William A. Taber, III

Shirley FaustLarry Boudreau, Linda Neill andJohn Rasbury

Wanda FelknorMr. and Mrs. David J. BoethelCattlemen’s Beef Promotion and

Research BoardMs. Martha DavisDr. Billy PowellMr. and Mrs. Clarence W. Senn, Jr.

Kay FentonEpiscopal High School

Helen Virginia Allbritton FlenikenMr. and Mrs. Howard AllbrittonMark and Beth Allbritton

Herbert FontenotDavid Leader

Wilda FontenotMs. JoAnn Burley

Earl Joseph “Jay” FourrouxBeryl Fourroux

A. W. FurnishThe Pokeno Group

Lynell H. GaalMr. and Mrs. Billy Smith

Kathryn Thompson “Kathy” GarnerMs. Leoda M. McConnell

Sarah GarnerMs. Cheri Hendrix

Rita GatlinMr. and Mrs. Paul J. Hardy

Fred J. GauthierMrs. Verlee G. Mayeux

Owen A. GauthierSusan BallardLynn Bradley and Carroll BlewsterLewis Doherty, IIIMs. Mai L. DolesMr. and Mrs. David R. Escude

Ricky and Stephanie FalconMr. and Mrs. Denis MurrellMr. and Mrs. Alvin Ourso, Jr.Doyle and Nancy SuarezMr. and Mrs. Troye SvendsonJan ThibeauPatricia Thompson

Mary Alice Plassan GibbensMr. Paul E. Haygood

Richard GillTodd and Kelli Stevens

Dianne GrahamRebel Heating and AirConditioning, Inc.

Sylvia S. GraphiaJulie and Mike DennyMrs. Lindsey Alexander FalconMr. and Mrs. James G. FitzhughMr. and Mrs. Daniel McBrideMr. and Mrs. Bill McCantsGino MillspaughThe Baton Rouge Area Mustangers

Car ClubMs. Joan M. StephensonMr. and Mrs. Wayne StewartMs. Beverly A. Whitley

Brent GriffinLakeshore Lions Club of Baton Rouge

Stanford GrovesMs. Wanda J. Lyles

Aymee and Ben GuedryMrs. Rita G. LeBlanc

Audrey C. GuehoMr. Charles Elore Gueho

Howard J. HelmkeMrs. Miriam Hearn Crump

D. Jensen HollidayMs. Donna S. Melancon

Ronald HoodMs. Ernestine Hood

Emery “Frank” HopkinsMr. and Mrs. Nick Lawless

Blackie HowellMr. W. Evans Howell, Jr.

David HrozenchikMs. Jessica A. Devitt

H. Cooper Hutchinson, Sr.Mrs. Lynne Graner

Margie Boyles HutchinsonMrs. Lynne Graner

Herbert G. Jahncke, Jr.Harry V. SouchonTom Shepherd Insurance

Birdie Johnson andAnn Johnson CarterMr. and Mrs. William B. King

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www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2008

MEMOR I A L AND HONOR G I F T SMargaret Estes JohnsonMr. and Mrs. Michael Pedrotty

Michael D. “Mike” JohnstonDr. Richard Atkins

Romona LandryMr. and Mrs. Charles V. Russo

Aubrey John LaPlaceMrs. Helen Harbourt

James H. LaRocheMr. and Mrs. Isaac M. Gregorie

Joseph Bruno LatinoMrs. Birdie White

Judy D. LawlerMs. Michelle Crawford

Mary LeaderMr. David Leader

Orine Fontenot LeaderDavid and Sandy Leader

Rene LeBlancMrs. Rita G. LeBlanc

Newton Ray LeJeuneCane Brake Baptist Church

Walter LundyCentral High School

Ethel Brignac MartinMs. Gwen F. Bedell

Mae MartinMr. and Mrs. Madison H. Romaine

Elsie B. MascairMr. Clinton Kern

Joseph MascarellaMr. and Mrs. James Mascarella

Ray McCastleAnonymous

Myrna G. McKinneyM/G Transport

Christy B. McLinMr. and Mrs. Billy Swetledge

Ridge MerrittMrs. Marie V. AcheeMr. and Mrs. Steve CromwellMs. Helen W. NealMr. Louis A. Michel, Sr.

Jeanette MiletelloMrs. Donna M. Plauche’

Guy W. MillerMr. and Mrs. Bill Wray, Jr.

Kenneth MooreMrs. Veronica Moore

Amy MoutonMr. and Mrs. Z. David DeLoach

Edward Clements MulliganMrs. Doris P. CheslerMrs. Charline ColemanStaff at DOTDMr. and Mrs. William E. Foster

Dr. and Mrs. Fred J. ImpastatoMr. and Mrs. Robert K. MorrillMs. Shera QuigleyMr. and Mrs. James W. RectorMr. Eric C. RuhlinMr. and Mrs. Alec WattMr. John W. Whitson

Mire MurrellDr. and Mrs. Mortimer F. Currier

Larry C. Musgrove, Sr.Anonymous

Herbert J. NaquinMrs. Lucille V. Falgout

Jorie NavarreFred L. Banks

Neavie NelsonMrs. Carly WeeksMs. Marsha Weeks

Dorothy Hood Napier NewellMs. Ann Blair

Margie NugentMs. Marie Deatherage

Constance OubreBoard of Directors, Managementand Employees of AssociatedGrocers, Inc.

Edna Ross PattonMr. Curtis Patton

Merlin and Earnest PellegrinMcCabe Real Estate

Gladys Lorraine Mischler PerrienAnonymousMr. and Mrs. David J. GiardinaMs. Iris Lua-HernandezMs. Donna Williams

Anthony S. Pizzolato, Sr.Mrs. Anthony S. Pizzolato

Della L. PrineMr. and Mrs. James N. Prine

Ronald Anthony RabalaisNewpark Mats and Integrated

Services, LLCTravis RabrenDr. Lee F. Mason

Sam RagusaMrs. Marguerite Parsons

Dr. and Mrs. M. J. Rathbone, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Stephen McCord

Senator B.B. “Sixty” RaburnMr. John Alario, Jr.

Maureen H. ReedMs. Helen W. NealMrs. Mary L. Welsh

Dura ReevesMrs. Brandy Alexander Deffes

Davida T. RegardMr. and Mrs. Madison H. Romaine

Maureen Helm RibandoMilton and Shirley HuntMr. and Mrs. Donald T. McRaeMrs. Mary C. Thomas

Nathan RicardMrs. Mildred Ricard

Kenneth C. “Casey” RoachMr. and Mrs. John BurkeRaybon’s Pet Memorial GardensMr. Robert J. Werner

Carolyn RobertsLela and Pat Weber

Eula Palmer RogersTodd and Kelli Stevens

Frances RowellMrs. Lucy H. Atkins

Sedonia RuggiaMr. and Mrs. James N. Prine

John P. Schittone, Sr.Ms. Stacey W. BoggsMr. and Mrs. Anthony A. ManiscalcoMrs. Irma L. MarinoMiss Faye OldendorfMr. and Mrs. W. E. Robert, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Billy RobertsMiss Janet M. SchittoneMiss Marie L. SchittoneMrs. Donna L. SmithMr. and Mrs. Duane SmithMr. and Mrs. James R. Vannoy

Mr. SchnurMrs. William D. Ray

Boni SchweizerRichard and Susan Lipsey

Geneva SeiberMr. and Mrs. Saintclair Seiber

Sadie SeitzAmy Johnson

Eunice SimsMs. Marilyn Anderson

Ruth Hickman SmithDOA - Office of Finance and

Support ServicesLouisiana Department of

Transportation and DevelopmentEarl St. JohnBoard of Directors, Management and

Employees of AssociatedGrocers, Inc.

Linda L. StoltzMr. and Mrs. G. Lee GriffinMr. and Mrs. John B. Noland

Geoffrey T. TaylerMr. and Mrs. Jeff Mills

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26

MEMOR I A L AND HONOR G I F T SCalvin C. Thomas, Sr.Chenevert, Songy, Rodi,

Soderberg EngineeringHolden Associates,

An Architectural CorporationMom KThe Lamonica FamilyRaymond and Dianne LamonicaAlfred LeBanc, Sr.Steve and Darlene Shehane

George ThomasMrs. Shirley E. Thomas

John Todor, Sr.Todor Development Corp.

Barbara R. TregreEmma, Kathy and Van Gilmore, III

Anthony J. TriolaMr. and Mrs. G. Lee Griffin

Margaret Dorothy VanceMs. Carol Page

Stephen VargoMrs. Thelma J. Vargo

Corinne VickersMr. Robert Carpenter

Guy WaggenspackMr. and Mrs. Ralph BabinDr. and Mrs. Mortimer F. Currier

David Allen WaguespackGeorge and Lacy Bofinger

Erin WardSandy and Greg Brown

Ivan K. WeekleyBoard of Directors, Management and

Employees of AssociatedGrocers, Inc.

Jean WelbornMr. and Mrs. Madison H. Romaine

James C. WigginsFelder’s Collision Parts, Inc.

Anita WilliamsMr. and Mrs. Keith Williams

Beatrice WilliamsLouvenia G. Glasper

Harry WilliamsMr. and Mrs. Keith Williams

Margaret WilsonAnonymousMrs. Lois Wilson

Richard WingetMr. Tim B. Elkins, Sr.

Lee YickAnonymous

In Honor of…

Dr. Frederic T. BillingsMrs. Dianne Griffin

Jane T. BoyceMr. John C. Boyce

Florence R. CadoMr. and Mrs. Anthony D. Cado

Shirley A. CallenderMerlin K. Pritchard InsuranceAgency, Inc.

Nelson DakmakMrs. Evelyn D. Lafitte

Dr. Robert S. FieldsDr. Oscar Hidalgo-Salvatierra

Dr. David HansonAnonymous

Lorraine JamesJennie Comeaux

J.J. JohnsonMrs. Frank L. Norwood, Jr.

Dr. Sheldon JohnsonMrs. Dianne GriffinMr. Michael Sotile

Holly KnightAnonymous

The Douglas J. Langlois FamilyMr. Douglas Langlois

Rebecca LydersAnonymous

Betty McGeeMs. Carol King

Denise MullerAnonymous

Charlie PaceMr. and Mrs. Eddie Winston

Ranny G. PearceMrs. Judy Pearce and Daughters

Dana K. RedMr. and Mrs. Sam Lowery

Beth ShieldsAnonymous

Natalie TatjeEmma and Kathy Gilmore

Justen TaylorRev. and Mrs. Raymond E. Taylor

The Bowlings’ Community GroupDr. Wesley L. Lee

Sandra S. WalesMrs. Sandra Strickland

Nedra W. WilliamsMr. Russell Bankston

Mr. and Mrs. Mac WomackAshlyn Womack

Cancer ProgramSupports Relayfor LifeThe Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake(OLOL) and Mary Bird Perkins (MBP) took part inthis year’s Baton Rouge Relay for Life at the BRECFairgrounds. Each year, the American Cancer Society(ACS) holds this event to honor cancer survivors, paytribute to those lives lost to the disease, and raisemoney for the continued fight against cancer. Mobilemedical units from both OLOL and MBP were onsitefor the twenty-four hour event. In addition, theCancer Program held a raffle and jambalaya sale withthe proceeds benefitting ACS.

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Donors Honored atMary Bird Perkins’Leadership DinnerD. Jensen Holliday Memorial AwardPresented to Warren E. Buckley

MMary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s 13th annual Leadership Dinnertook place this spring at the Baton Rouge center. Prior to the dinner,guests were given a tour of the Center’s newest radiation treatmenttechnology and the Early Bird, the Center’s mobile medical clinicdesigned to take free cancer screenings into communities most inneed within the Center’s 15-parish service area.

Welcoming remarks were made by Richard Lipsey, chairman, MaryBird Perkins Cancer Center board of directors. Lipsey told those inattendance that their gifts of more than $1.75 million in 2007 –representing 86% of total dollars raised – not only helped fund thecancer support services, awareness and education, research and earlydetection programs of the Center but also helped provide radiationtreatment for those who could not afford it.

Rev. Janet D. Hogstrom, chaplain of OLOL and wife of MBP’sChief of Physics Kenneth Hogstrom, delivered the invocation.

Carolyn A. Chassee, CFRE, VP for development and chiefdevelopment officer, MBP, thanked the Southeast LouisianaRadiation Oncology Group (SLROG) – Dr. Robert Fields, Dr.Gregory Henkelmann, Dr. Sheldon Johnson, Dr. Maurice King, Dr.Renee Levine, Dr. Kenneth Lo, Dr. Mary Ella Sanders and Dr.Charles Wood – for underwriting the evening’s dinner. Dr. Woodtold those assembled that aside from the world class technology atMary Bird and the expertise of his partners, the support servicesavailable to patients due to community support are what reallyimpress him. “The resources here are outstanding,” he said.

Donna Saurage, a member of MBP’s board of directors and theCenter’s Development Committee, recognized the many donors andcommunity volunteers who support the mission of Mary BirdPerkins.

Warren E. Buckley was honored as the recipient of the D. JensenHolliday Memorial Award. The award is presented annually by theMary Bird Perkins board of directors to honor the late JensenHolliday, who was chairman of the board at the time of his deathfrom cancer. The award honors an individual in the communitiesserved by Mary Bird Perkins who has made a sustained andsignificant difference in the fight against cancer. Beth Courtney,board member and chairman of the selection committee, introducedBuckley, a dedicated volunteer at Cancer Services of Greater BatonRouge for almost 20 years. Not only has he helped deliver andmaintain medical equipment for local cancer patients, but he hasalso helped the organization save money by repairing wheelchairsand beds and maintaining the lawn and flower beds. Presenting theaward on behalf of Jensen’s widow Estelle, was Jensen and Estelle’sdaughter Julie Crifasi.

Todd Stevens, president and CEO of Mary Bird Perkins, provided a“State of the Center” update he called Progress through Partnerships.He said Mary Bird Perkins itself is in partnership with thecommunity. Citing major milestones accomplished during the pastyear, Stevens said, “We could not afford to do these things withoutyou, our donors.”

A special video presentation featuring Mary Bird Perkins cancersurvivor testimonials was shown. Immediately following, two ofthose survivors – Marielle Land Howard and Sherrill Womack Lane– shared their patient perspectives and concluded the evening bythanking donors for making the work of Mary Bird Perkins possible.

The D. Jensen Holliday Memorial Award was presented to Warren E.Buckley, a dedicated volunteer at Cancer Services of Baton Rouge foralmost 20 years, by Julie Crifasi (left) who stood in for her mother EstelleHolliday. Mimi Riche' (right), nominated Mr. Buckley for the award.

SIGN UP FOR E-NEWSMBP is interested in sharing timely and

interesting cancer news

with you. Sign up to receive the latest

cancer news at www.marybird.org

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A

A Family Affair:Leaving a Legacy forFuture Generations -NowAlthough natives of Kentucky, Tony and Ginger Kurlas have

committed to giving back – now and in the future – to the

Baton Rouge community they consider home. “The people

here have been so hospitable and welcoming to us,” said

Ginger. “Why wouldn’t we want to give back?”

Shortly after graduating from Centre College in Danville,

Kentucky, Tony began working for Merrill Lynch. It was his

first boss and mentor who taught him the principle of giving

back. “He explained that in our business, our relationship

with the community is a two-way street. If the community is

good to you, you need to be good to the community. I’ve

never forgotten that.”

Ginger and Tony have incorporated this principle into their

personal lives as they exemplify the value of giving back in

ways other than just philanthropically.

This past year, Ginger served as co-chair of the Taste of

Louisiana, the event that officially kicks off MBP’s signature

event – its annual golf tournament. “To me, giving of one’s

time is equally as important as the giving of money,” she said.

“The love we have for this community sustains our continued

donation of both.”

While fulfilling her role as part of this year’s Tournament

Organizing Committee, daughter Courtney questioned her

mother about having to attend so many meetings. “I

explained to her that if her mommy got sick, her mommy had

insurance and could get the medicines she needed. But, there

are some mommies who don’t have insurance and don’t have

money for medicine. And, that’s why we’re working so hard

to raise money to help them.” Even at the young age of eight,

Ginger said Courtney understood.

Over the years, as part of Merrill Lynch, Tony has played an

integral role in the success of the Center’s annual golf

tournament – Mary Bird Perkins Merrill Lynch Open – an

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Continued on page 29

Tony and Ginger Kurlas with their three daughters (l to r)Courtney, Mimi and Ginny.

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event that raises funds to support the outreach services of

MBP. “I want to be able to make a huge difference in the

lives of the people I work with, and the people I work with

want to help the people they work for – the community,”

Tony said.

Tony and Ginger wholeheartedly believe in another of

Merrill Lynch’s core values, responsible citizenship. They

have embraced teaching their children this principle by

leading by example and creating a family legacy at MBP for

future generations. “We want our kids to be grateful, to

understand the value of service and be financially and

philanthropically responsible. That’s why we named our

fund with the MBP Foundation the Kurlas Family Fund.”

Making the decision to establish a named endowed fund

with the Foundation was fairly simple for Tony and Ginger.

“We felt extremely comfortable in giving to the Foundation

because of MBP’s outstanding leadership,” Tony

commented. And, just as many others in the community, the

Kurlases have witnessed the fight and lost friends to the

disease. “Everyone, in one shape or another, is touched by

cancer.

“We hope that in our children’s lifetime, if you are diagnosed

with cancer, death will no longer be discussed as an option.

Rather, cancer will be viewed as just another barrier to

overcome,” said Tony. In realizing the great strides that have

already been made in cancer research along with the need for

continuing advances, the Kurlas Family Fund is designated

for cancer research, a legacy left for future generations.

“When you leave this world, it’s not what you bring with

you. It’s what you leave behind,” commented Tony.

Together, Ginger and Tony Kurlas will not only leave a

legacy for their children but also one for the future of cancer

research.

Continued from page 28

New 2008 Anna B. LipseyLegacy Builders

Anna B. Lipsey Legacy Builders is comprised ofindividuals who have made or have notified Mary BirdPerkins Cancer Center Foundation of their intent tomake planned gifts through their estate plans. Donorswho have made outright gifts of $10,000 or more tothe endowment or created endowed gifts for specificprograms are also recognized as Legacy Builders.

Through their generosity, the following individuals are helping MBPCCFto build a perpetual endowment fund in support of Mary Bird PerkinsCancer Center. The endowment will also ultimately help support othernonprofit entities that have demonstrated the ability to conduct cancerrelated programs, provide services that reduce cancer incidence andmortality or improve the quality of life for those affected by cancer.

Anonymous – (2)Don and Pat LyleJay and Sarah LylesDonna M. Saurage

Michael and Ro Trufant

Save theDate

The Second AnnualAnna B. LipseyLegacy Builders

Recognition Event

Sunday,November 2, 2008

12:30 p.m.to 2:30 p.m.

Details to follow

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Invest in the Futurewith a Charitable Gift Annuity

50

5.1%

55

5.3%

60

5.5%

65

5.7%

70

6.1%

75

6.7%

80

7.6%

85

8.9%

90+

10.5%

50/55

4.4%

55/60

4.7%

60/65

5.3%

65/70

5.5%

70/75

5.8%

75/80

6.2%

80/85

6.9%

85/90

7.9%

90/95+

9.4%

UnderstandingAnnuity Rates

One LifeYour Age

Rate of Return

Two LivesYour Age

Rate of Return

The idea of a charitable gift annuity is nothing new, but itsadvantages and benefits to the donor will never grow old. Theconcept of the charitable gift annuity in America dates back to1843, when a Boston merchant donated money to theAmerican Bible Society in exchange for a flow of payments.Today, the concept includes valuable tax benefits for donors.But, perhaps more valuable than the financial advantages is thesatisfaction of helping continue the mission of Mary BirdPerkins Cancer Center Foundation.

Are you interested in making a meaningful gift to MBPFoundation, receiving a tax deduction and guaranteedfixed income for life? Please consider a charitable giftannuity.

Gift Annuities DefinedA gift annuity is a contractual agreement between a donor anda charitable organization in which the donor transfers assets inexchange for the organization’s promise to pay an annuity. Bydonating through a gift annuity, you can accomplish twothings: (1) contract for fixed payments for yourself, or yourselfand another individual, and (2) make a gift to a charitableorganization of your choosing. Therefore, your donation isdivided into two parts: the amount of the donationattributable to the gift portion, and the amount attributable toyour annuity payments.

If you itemize deductions on your tax return, savings from thecharitable deduction of the gift portion reduce your gift’s netcost. For a period of years, based on a government table of lifeexpectancies, a portion of each payment received is considereda nontaxable return of your contribution. This furtherincreases your after-tax dollars available for spending orinvesting.

In addition to the annuity payments you receive, an annuityfunded with appreciated property results in these advantages:(1) the gain allocated to the gift portion completely avoids thecapital gains tax and (2) the portion of gain to be recognizedcan be spread over the life expectancy of the person(s)receiving the annuity payments (provided that the donor is theprimary annuitant and the annuity interest is assignable onlyto the charitable organization).

Suggested rates offered by the American Council on GiftAnnuities effective July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009. Please

call our office to verify current rates.

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Based on life expectancy, older annuitants have higherannuity payment rates. As a result, gift annuity contractsare generally more appealing to older donors because thepurchasing power of a fixed dollar amount can shrink overany long period of time. Rates are also adjusted accordingto the number of annuitants, with rates for two-lifecontracts often lower because of extended life expectancy.The age of a recipient is the age reached at the nearestbirthday, and rates are the same for men and women. Aspecific annuity rate is a matter of agreement between thedonor and the issuing charitable organization. In the chartyou will see rates recommended by the American Councilon Gift Annuities. Check with your financial advisor or theDevelopment Office for current rates.

A Case Study of BenefitsLinda, aged 75, plans to donate a maturing $25,000certificate of deposit. Since she needs continuing income,Linda decides to use the cash for a charitable gift annuitythat we will issue at the suggested rate of 6.7 percent.Payments will be made quarterly. At the time of purchase,the charitable midterm federal rate (a figure used incalculating the charitable deduction) is 3.4 percent.

Although Linda's annuity rate is 6.7 percent, her actualearnings will be higher. Because Linda itemizes income taxdeductions, she earns a federal income tax charitablededuction of $10,492. With a marginal income tax rate of28 percent, the tax savings of $2,938 will reduce the netcost of the gift to $22,062. Her annual payments of $1,675will mean an effective rate of total return of 7.6 percent,which is Linda's annual payment expressed as a percentage

of the net cost. Secondly, for the next 12.4 years, more thanhalf of every dollar Linda receives will be considered areturn of her investment in the contract and will not besubject to tax.

For More InformationCharitable gift annuities are an excellent way to achieveyour philanthropic goals and gain substantial tax benefits.As with most contract agreements, however, it is best toconsult knowledgeable professionals before establishing acharitable gift annuity.

Our Development Office is available to answer anyquestions and provide projected results for your specificsituation, in confidence and with no obligation.

For legal advice, please consult an attorney. Figures cited inexamples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subjectto change. References to estate and income tax includefederal taxes only. Individual state taxes and/or state lawmay impact your results.

Mary Bird PerkinsCancer Center Foundation

Development OfficePhone: (225) 215-1224

Fax: (225) 766-7203E-mail: [email protected]

4950 Essen LaneBaton Rouge, LA 70809

www.marybirdfoundation.org

Tax-Smart Giving IdeasThe new online planned giving guide provided by the Foundation offers useful estateplanning tips that can help you fulfill your financial and charitable planning goals.There areways to provide for yourself and your loved ones while ensuring extraordinary cancer care.

For more information on making a gift to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation, pleasecontact the Development Office at (225) 215-1224 or visit www.marybirdfoundation.org.

You may also call to obtain more information and request a confidential, no-obligationproposal.As always, we encourage you to seek professional counsel when making importantfinancial decisions.

Understanding Annuity Rates

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4950 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809Address Service Requested

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDBATON ROUGE, LA

PERMIT NO. 603

PERKINS PERSPECTIVE is published by the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Communications Department to provide informationabout news and programs of interest to the medical community, cancer patients and their families, donors and friends of the Center.

Communications Department 225.215.1225Amy L. Benton, VP of communications • Sally McConnell, marketing director

Danette Simon, physician liaison • Debby Vollmer, public relations manager/senior staff writer • Cassie Arceneaux, marketing coordinator

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