Helping patients through the entirety of their cancer journey is a hallmark of Mary Bird Perkins, with the Cancer Center offering a vast array resources and programs beyond the treatment of cancer. With cancer survivor rates continuing to climb, the center’s survivorship services, in particular, are growing to meet a wider need.
“At times, survivorship has kind of been an undervalued part of the cancer journey,” said Maeghan Jacob, director, cancer navigation and support services, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “However, more and more studies have shown how survivorship services are crucial to patients, especially ones who have completed their treatment services.”
Mary Bird Perkins hosts a range of survivorship services in Baton Rouge, Gonzales, Hammond and Covington, covering everything from support groups to Tai Chi. With June marking National Cancer Survivor Month, here are some highlights from the Cancer Center’s menu of survivorship resources. For more information about these and other survivorship services, including the dates and times of classes, please visit our website here: https://marybird.org/survivorship
Veterans support:
From 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the first and third Thursday of every month, Mary Bird Perkins hosts its Veterans Combating Cancer group in Covington. Open to all veterans whose lives have been affected by cancer, Veterans Combating Cancer provides a space for participants to talk openly and freely about their cancer journey.
Yoga:
Mindful chair yoga improves strength, balance and promotes mindfulness. Mary Bird Perkins holds classes in Covington and Baton Rouge.
Other support groups:
Support groups are safe spaces where participants can share questions, concerns and feelings, as well as connect with others going through a similar journey. Mary Bird offers several groups, including African-American support, breast cancer support and general support, throughout the area.
Slow Flow Pilates
Slow flow Pilates gently focuses on form and fluid movement.
Exercise
Mary Bird Perkins offers a range of exercise groups for people of all levels and abilities. The exercises themselves are light and relaxing, and the Baton Rouge class is held on the first Monday of each month.
Cancer Services
For over 65 years, Cancer Services has empowered cancer patients and their families by serving the financial, physical and emotional needs that arise during the cancer journey. Information about Cancer Services’ survivorship programs can be found on their website here: cancerservices.org/