Mary Bird Perkins Recognizes Volunteers

Anna B. Lipsey 2015 Volunteer of the Year Award Presented

(Baton Rouge, La.) Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center recently honored its many volunteers at a special appreciation luncheon, including a 17-year volunteer who received a prestigious award bestowed annually for outstanding service. Brett Furr, chair of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center board of directors, addressed the volunteers saying, “We could not do the important job of taking care of cancer patients without you. No matter what your volunteer role is, you are key to providing the outstanding care for which the Cancer Center is known.” Remarks by Cancer Center Administrator Linda Lee included an update on the major renovation and expansion project now nearing completion at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. Lee also thanked the volunteers for being a vital part of the fabric of the organization. “There are all kinds of ways to give,” said Lee. “But the gift of time is the greatest. A kind touch or a smile can mean so much to our patients who may be in a vulnerable place in their lives. Our volunteers provide an open prescription for love.” Susan and Richard Lipsey hosted the celebration at the Baton Rouge Country Club and presented the Anna B. Lipsey Memorial Volunteer Service Award, named after Richard’s mother, to patient volunteer Evelyn Traylor Gautreau of Baton Rouge. Gautreau has been a volunteer at the Cancer Center for more than 17 years, lifting the spirits of chemotherapy patients during long treatments and providing a compassionate and calming presence appreciated not only by patients, but caregivers and staff members alike. In congratulating Gautreau, Susan Lipsey said, “This is your day and you are so appreciated and needed. You are a true jewel and part of the mosaic that is Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.” Anna B. Lipsey was a founder of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and served as secretary-treasurer of the board from 1968 until shortly before her death in 1985. The Anna B. Lipsey Memorial Volunteer Service Award, established in 1986, is presented each year to the volunteer(s) who best exemplifies the volunteer spirit and dedication for which Lipsey was known. As the Gulf South destination for cancer care, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center offers advanced technology and services provided by nationally-recognized doctors and other oncology health professionals who have dedicated their lives to fighting the disease. The Cancer Center is consistently recognized for its dedication to offering leading-edge, comprehensive care at every stage of the cancer journey.