Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center is holding its free annual Fest for Life event on Saturday, April 13 in downtown Baton Rouge! Get all of the details here.’
WHO?
Fest for Life is perfect for kids, adults—the entire family!
WHAT?
Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center’s annual Fest for Life event will offer free cancer screenings, food, children’s activities, entertainment, and great giveaways—including free t-shirts!
We will offer free screenings for the following types of cancers:
– Colorectal
– Breast
– Prostate
– Skin
– Oral cavity
Blood pressure and glucose checks, as well as other community health education and resources, will also be offered.
WHEN?
Saturday, April 13
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
WHERE?
We are excited to announce a new location this year: downtown on 4th Street between North Street and Spanish Town. Of course, there’s a lot going on downtown that day—the family can make a day of it with the Farmer’s Market, Fest for Life, and Blues Fest!
WHY?
When we can catch cancer in its earliest stages, it’s the most treatable and typically results in better outcomes. Combining screenings with other activities in an environment that is fun and a little less intimidating encourages people who may not usually make time to be screened.
Since Fest for Life’s inception in 2008, more than 5,400 people have been screened for cancer at the one-day event, with 21 cancers diagnosed.
COST?
Thanks to the generosity of community donors, especially our presenting sponsor, Karnival Krewe de Louisiane, Fest for Life is available at no cost to participants. Along with Karnival Krewe, Entergy, the Greater Baton Rouge State Fair, Humana, and many other sponsors make this event possible.
RSVP REQUIRED?
No appointment is required, but if you’d like more information, please call (225) 215-1234 or visit marybirdlake.org/festforlife.
We hope to see everyone on Saturday, April 13 in downtown Baton Rouge on 4th Street between North Street and Spanish Town!
We also encourage you to check out our calendar of upcoming events and screenings in the Baton Rouge area.Honorary Chair of Fest for Life:
Tonja McMillian
Tonja McMillan was 37 years old when she received a Stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis. During and after receiving care at the Breast & GYN Cancer Pavilion, a Woman’s Hospital and Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center partnership, the mom and hair stylist uses her experience to share the importance of cancer prevention education and routine screenings.
“Even after I found the lump in my breast, I let taking care of my son and managing my salon keep me from going to the doctor,” said Tonja. “Thankfully, a client mentioned the free screenings offered by the Cancer Center. Within a week of my screening, I was being prepped for surgery and on the road to remission.”
Tonja encourages everyone to participate in the Cancer Center’s free, convenient screenings.
“I have a young son and like most moms, I understand that it can be hard to take time off work – and even harder to find a weekend that isn’t filled with kid’s activities,” says Tonja. “That’s why events like Fest for Life are so great – you can take care of your health in a fun, family-friendly setting that provides information about the importance of early detection.”