Tranquil, healing space made possible thanks to the generous support of Chevron
COVINGTON, La. – After a year-long effort, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington has officially opened its new Image Recovery Room for patients to utilize during cancer treatment. The intimate room is located directly next to the Ben Blanchard Infusion Suite and will provide an array of services to patients, including wigs, chemo beanies, scarves and other head coverings, as well as post-breast surgery garments, prosthetics and bras. Future services could include oncology massage therapy, and facial and cosmetology offerings.
“As patients undergo cancer treatment, both their physical appearance and emotional wellbeing are often impacted,” Mike Miranda, administrator, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington, said. “Those changes can potentially lead to depression and additional anxiety, which can play a role in outcomes. By providing a space dedicated to improving self-esteem, patient confidence can be restored throughout treatment, placing them in a better state of mind.”
The partnership and continued support from Chevron, including a recent $20,000 grant, have made the Image Recovery Room a reality. Chevron’s generosity toward the Cancer Center dates back many years and has focused on supporting patient-driven programs along with prevention and early detection education resources.
“We’re inspired by the medical professionals at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and patients who are bravely fighting against cancer each day,” said Leah Brown, Public Affairs Manager for Chevron’s Gulf of Mexico Business Unit. “Cancer impacts every aspect of patients’ lives as well as the lives of their families. Chevron is proud to partner with Mary Bird Perkins and collaboratively help get these heroic community members started on their post-cancer journey.”
Beyond being integral in launching the Image Recovery Room, Chevron has also gifted the Cancer Center an additional $5,000 to support this year’s Live Well Northshore event, which will provide free and convenient cancer screenings on October 22 in Covington.
“Partners like Chevron make all the difference in the effort to make our community healthier,” Miranda said. “This generous gift will allow us to reach more people by bringing life-saving cancer screenings directly to them.”
Patients taking advantage of services offered inside the Image Recovery Room will notice a bright and inspiring mural. The colorful and floral display was painted by mother-daughter duo, Marilyn Cothren and Madalyn Goff. Cothren, a two-time cancer survivor, and Goff are avid supporters of the Cancer Center in Covington.
For more information about Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Covington and services offered, visit marybird.org/covington.
About Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is a regional cancer care organization that has been fighting cancer for more than 50 years. The cancer care organization provides care at eight centers in Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Houma, Gonzales, and Natchez, Mississippi, and its service area encompasses southeast Louisiana and southwest Mississippi regions. Mary Bird Perkins has a strategic partnership with OneOncology and the largest radiation and medical oncology groups from across the area including exclusive partnerships with Southeastern Louisiana Radiation Oncology Group, which provides radiation therapy throughout Mary Bird Perkins’ service areas, Northshore Oncology Associates, serving St. Tammany and Washington Parishes, specifically the communities of Covington and Slidell and Louisiana Hematology Oncology Associates, which services the Greater Baton Rouge area. For more information, please visit www.marybird.org.