Rose Hudson: Cancer Advocate; Community Leader

Visionary community leaders helped found Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center 50 years ago, and today they continue to help carry out the Cancer Center’s mission. Rose Hudson, president and CEO, Louisiana Lottery, currently leads a group of community leaders elected to manage an endowment for improving the future of cancer care by serving as chair of the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Foundation board.

Hudson has been a longtime ambassador and passionate supporter of the Cancer Center, not only serving as chair of the Foundation board but also serving on the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center board for ten years.

“Having been affected by a cancer diagnosis in my family, I understand what it means to have a place like Mary Bird Perkins to provide care to your loved ones during such a difficult time,” says Rose. “It has made it even more important to me personally that our community continues to have this level of leading-edge research and cancer care available here in Louisiana.”

Rose has also played an instrumental role in supporting the Cancer Center’s signature events through corporate philanthropy and engagement. In 2020, she was named Queen of the Karnival Krewe de Louisiane Mardi Gras Ball, which raised $325,000 benefiting Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center.

Because of her many contributions to the Cancer Center, Hudson was named the Hillar C. Moore, Jr., Memorial Outstanding Leadership Award winner last year. This honor recognizes an individual whose service has made a significant and unique contribution to the Cancer Centers’ philanthropic initiatives. 

“We are grateful for Rose’s leadership and her many contributions to the Cancer Center throughout the years,” said Todd Stevens, president and CEO, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “Rose embodies the same passion as the community leaders who founded the Cancer Center 50 years ago. Through her support and dedication, we will continue to propel cancer care forward for generations to come.”

Click here to learn more about Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Foundation and visit Mary Bird Perkins 50th anniversary page to see how you can start a fundraiser to help us improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer for many in the community.