More Americans are surviving cancer than ever before due to advancements in cancer treatment and research. To help survivors lead healthy, active and fulfilling lives, the Center has survivorship programs that address social, emotional and spiritual needs for the rapidly increasing number of cancer survivors.
Upcoming Support Groups And Events
Baton Rouge
2ND WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH | 6 P.M.
Baton Rouge General – Bluebonnet
Entrance 3, Conference Room 1
Support groups are free of charge. For more information, contact Hailey Armstrong, LMSW at (225) 215-0829 or harmstrong@marybird.com.
If you are currently receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment, please join us for a support group where participants can share questions, concerns and feelings, as well as connect with others going through a similar journey.
EVERY FRIDAY | 10 A.M.
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center – Essen Location
Saurage Conference Room (2nd Floor)
Support groups are free of charge. For more information, contact (225) 215-0829.
Outpatient Infusion Areas
upon request.
To Listen To The Guided Imagery And Meditation Scripts At Home, Click Here.
For more information, please call (225) 338-1170 or visit The Red Shoes.
For more information, please call (225) 338-1170 or visit The Red Shoes.
To view our Healing Arts exhibit throughout the Cancer Center click here.
Additional Baton Rouge Resources
Cancer Services: A local and independent nonprofit, Cancer Services serves the tangible needs of people living with cancer in Greater Baton Rouge. The agency helps meet the financial, educational and emotional needs that arise during the cancer journey. All services are free of charge.
Covington
African American women in the state of Louisiana statistically have a higher mortality rate after a cancer diagnosis than the national average. Thanks to our partnership with Gilead Sciences, this support group will help provide enhanced support resources for this community.
2nd & 4th MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH | 6:00 P.M.
Mary Bird Perkins Administration Building – 630 S. Tyler St., Covington
Call Maeghan Jacob at (985) 875-5325 for meeting dates, location and more information.
1st & 3rd WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH | 12:00 P.M.
Mary Bird Perkins Administration Building – 630 S. Tyler St., Covington
Call Maeghan Jacob at (985) 875-5325 for meeting dates, location and more information.
2nd & 4th WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH | 12 P.M.
Mary Bird Perkins Administration Building – 630 S. Tyler St., Covington
Contact Maeghan Jacob at (985) 875-5325 for more information.
Join Michelle to stretch and strengthen your body; develop core strength, alignment, and balance; practice breathing techniques and build flexibility. The class will include mindful meditation promoting inner peace, heightened attention, focus and calmness.
Open to all and free of charge
EVERY THURSDAY | 1:00 P.M.
Mary Bird Perkins Administration Building – 630 S. Tyler St., Covington
Call Maeghan Jacob at (985) 875-5325 for meeting dates, location and more information.
If you are a veteran with a cancer diagnosis, we invite you to join Veterans Combating Cancer, a supportive gathering for those who have served in the armed forces. Openly share questions, express concerns and connect with fellow veterans navigating a similar journey.
1st & 3rd THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH | 9:00 A.M.
Mary Bird Perkins Administration Building – 630 S. Tyler Street, Covington
Call Maeghan Jacob at (985) 875-5325 for meeting dates, location and more information.
Tai chi is an internal Chinese martial art practiced for self-defense and health. Known for its slow, intentional movements, tai chi has practitioners worldwide and is particularly popular as a form of gentle exercise and moving meditation, with benefits to mental and physical health. Tai chi instructor Shelley Ford will tailor this program to meet different levels of care. We hope to see you all join us for some Zen and movement!
Open to all and free of charge
EVERY TUESDAY | 5:00 P.M.
Mary Bird Perkins Administration Building – 630 S. Tyler St., Covington
For more information or to participate remotely via ZOOM, contact Maeghan Jacob, LCSW at (985) 614-7871.
Support for women who are struggling with the impact of their cancer treatment on their appearance and self-esteem by providing mastectomy products, such as breast forms and bras as well as wigs and wig fittings in a supportive, private setting with trained staff and volunteers.
The Image Recovery room offers wigs, hats, turbans and scarves to patients receiving cancer treatment at no charge in a private fitting area. Make an appointment to come and see our selection or to obtain a listing of additional wig resources. If you have items you no longer need, please consider donating them to the center. Items should be clean and in good condition. If you need a listing of local or online resources for wigs and head coverings, call Maeghan Jacob at (985) 875-5325 or email mjacobs@marybird.com.
Gonzales
THRIVE offers an array of free services for survivors and caregivers with the goal of helping you live a full and meaningful life during and after treatment. This integrative program aims to treat the physical, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of survivorship, combining research-based complimentary therapies with traditional cancer care. We seek to provide options that are respectful of your personal needs and preferences, allowing your values to guide the support services you receive.
EVERY TUESDAY | 1 P.M.
Haven of Ascension, 12138 W. Main St. Gonzales, LA 70737
To RSVP or for more information, please contact Sarah Carbo (225) 644-1205 or scarbo@marybird.com.
EVERY WEDNESDAY | 11 A.M.
Haven of Ascension, 12138 W. Main St. Gonzales, LA 70737
To RSVP or for more information, please contact Sarah Carbo (225) 644-1205 or scarbo@marybird.com.
EVERY THURSDAY | 7:30 A.M.
Lamar Dixon Walking Path, 9039 South Saint Landry Avenue, Gonzales, LA 70737
To RSVP or for more information, please contact Sarah Carbo (225) 644-1205 or scarbo@marybird.com.
Individual counseling sessions for support in adjusting to life after a cancer diagnosis.
By appointment only. Please contact Sarah Carbo at (225) 644-1205 or scarbo@marybird.com.
By appointment only. Please contact Sarah Carbo at (225) 644-1205 or scarbo@marybird.com.
Educational workshop on topics of interest related to cancer survivorship.
OFFERED QUARTERLY
To RSVP or for more information, please contact Sarah Carbo: (225) 644-1205 or scarbo@marybird.com.
OFFERED MONTHLY
Haven of Ascension, 12138 W. Main St. Gonzales, LA 70737
To RSVP or for more information, please contact Sarah Carbo (225) 644-1205 or scarbo@marybird.com.
For more information, please call (504) 641-4629 or visit www.doseofthecoast.org.
Hammond
Provides support, education and resources to breast cancer survivors.
EVERY LAST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH | 4 P.M.
Call (985) 542-9246 or email survivorsthroughfaith@yahoo.com for meeting location and more information.
Cancer diagnosis and treatment often evokes unexpected emotions and feelings. By attending this cancer support group, you have the opportunity to share your unique experiences, or just listen to others. Our Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Kate Walker, will lead the group discussion and light refreshments will be provided. Together, we can help each other to make the journey a little easier. Together, we are stronger.
3rd THURSDAY OF THE MONTH | 5:30 P.M.
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Hammond
Call (985) 542-5000 or email kwalker@marybird.com for meeting location and more information.
Can’t get to a meeting? Treatment and travel can hinder participation in meetings, or you may need more support than a once-a-month meeting. Cancer Care, a nonprofit organization, offers numerous telephone or online support groups. All groups are free of charge and are led by an oncology social worker.
Call Cancer Care at (800) 813-4673 for more information.
Houma
The U-Thrive Program includes:
1. Nutritional consultations by an Oncology Certified Registered Dietitian
2. Exercise program with a Certified Personal Trainer Wellness Specialist
3. Awareness and treatment for lymphedema with a Certified Lymphedema
The program is FREE of CHARGE
Patients will need to be referred by their physician before beginning the exercise program
For more information, call (985) 850-6214.
Join us for a cancer support group designed for individuals undergoing active chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Any and all diagnoses are welcome! We will discuss and address common topics associated with cancer, while supporting each other along the way. There is no need to endure this journey alone!
Third Wednesday of each month, 12 P.M.
Terrebonne General | Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Events Room (2nd Floor)
For more information, call (985) 857-8093. RSVP here.
An adult cancer camp (no outside camping) that allows participants to enjoy various fun activities with other campers.
Held annually in October.
For more information, call Toni Armstrong at (985) 860-3215.
Patient Navigation
Studies show that newly diagnosed cancer patients rate their quality of care higher and report fewer problems if they receive support from a patient navigator. This is why Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, in conjunction with its hospital partners, offers navigation services for every patient from diagnosis through treatment and survivorship. In addition to easing concerns, answering questions, coordinating care and assisting patients and their families with informed decision-making, patient navigators also schedule consultations with other patient support services. Patient navigation services are made possible by the generosity of the community.
Learn more about Patient Navigation Services.
Additional Support Resources
Breast and prostate cancers
(800) 227-2345
www.cancer.org
Women’s Center for Transformation
Abita Springs
(985) 892-8111
www.womenscenterforhealing.org
1-on-1 Cancer Support for Survivors and Caregivers
(866) 463-7626
www.imermanangels.org
Contact a patient navigator today.
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Baton Rouge: (225) 215-1126
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington: (985) 614-7871
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Houma: (985) 850-6309