As a member of the Investor Collective, you have the ability to designate how the group’s funds will support the Cancer Center’s mission over the next year. Voting begins Monday, May 4 at 9 a.m. and ends Friday, May 8 at 12 p.m.
We are proud to present three mission-critical programs that are vying for the Collective’s support. You can choose a specific program or vote for all three.
Patient Compassion FundAt Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, we believe no one should have to choose between lifesaving cancer treatment and paying for basic necessities. For many patients, though, that choice is all too real.
Our Patient Compassion Fund is a program created to alleviate the financial burden of a cancer diagnosis. The program includes best-in-class financial navigation services, helping patients:
This program helps patients get the care they need without the weight of financial stress and gives them the freedom to focus on healing.
InnovationDelivering precise, safe cancer treatment requires technology that keeps pace with the complexity of modern care. These funds will help support a dedicated Radiation Therapy Software Developer, a role that without philanthropic investment would remain out of reach within traditional budget constraints.
This position will connect and automate the many systems our clinical team relies on daily, reducing the risk of human error, shortening the time from diagnosis to first treatment, and freeing our physicists to focus on research and innovation rather than repetitive technical tasks. Donor support makes this kind of forward-thinking infrastructure possible, accelerating both patient care and research discoveries that extend far beyond our walls and positioning our department to become the nation’s leading medical physics program.
Transportation AssistanceOne of the primary obstacles our patients face following a cancer diagnosis is how they will get to and from treatment. Across all of our locations in Louisiana and Mississippi, more than 1,000 patients each year need help getting to treatment—many traveling 40–70 miles one way from rural or underserved areas. These long distances create both physical and financial strain.
To address these needs, Mary Bird Perkins provides gas cards, taxi rides, transit services and access to rideshare support, such as Uber and Lyft. In 2025 alone, we provided over 3,000 rides and 2,300 gas cards to patients in need. Support from the Investor Collective can help remove these barriers and ensure patients can access the care they need.
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Since 2017, the Investor Collective has contributed over $1.5 million to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer in our community. You will be a part of an influential group dedicated to ensuring access to state-of-the-art treatment and essential support services for cancer patients and their families in their time of need.
With a $1,000 tax-deductible annual donation, you have the opportunity to:
RECEIVE personalized support and navigation should you—or your family—ever need advice about how to prevent, detect, or treat cancer
VOTE on how members’ collective donations will support the Cancer Center’s mission
ATTEND Pro Series events offering education on health-related topics led by local physicians
NETWORK with fellow members at annual gatherings and see the impact of your contributions
Thank you for your commitment to the Investor Collective.We are here for you, should you ever need us.
Tuesday, April 28 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Pro Series Lunch at Baton Rouge Country Club featuring Mary Bird Perkins men’s health experts, Dr. Delacroix and Dr. Mutter.
Susan MaxwellP: (225) 215-1166 | C: (225) 329-7600smaxwell@marybird.com
Mellie BaileyP: (225) 215-1158 | C: (225) 445-5571mbailey@marybird.com
Patricia LemoineP: (225) 215-1340 | C: (706) 247-5698plemoine@marybird.com
