Hammond (La.) – Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center will host its fourth annual Geaux Yoga event at Cate Square Park on Saturday, Mar. 19. Geaux Yoga celebrates all individuals in the region affected by cancer and raises funds to support them on their cancer journey. This annual fundraising event plays a significant role in furthering Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s mission of improving survivorship and lessening the burden of cancer in Hammond and communities across Tangipahoa Parish.
The yoga portion of the event, led by Downtown Yoga, will take place from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. at Cate Square Park located at 200 West Charles Street in Hammond. After yoga, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy music, food, drinks and fun for the whole family.
Free breast and skin cancer screenings will be provided from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Appointments are required for screenings. To make an appointment, please call (985) 287-5775.
All proceeds raised at this event benefit patients and support services at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Hammond. Funds will be used to support local cancer patients and assist them with out-of-pocket medical expenses related to nutritional supplements, transportation, medical equipment and prescription drugs.
“We are so excited to host this annual event in our community,” said Rocky Brown, administrator of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Hammond. “It’s always inspiring to see so many people come together in support of our family members, friends and neighbors battling cancer. We are grateful for our partners and sponsors who are as passionate as we are about lessening the burden of cancer for patients in our community.”
Event attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy healthy bites and tasty treats from Cate St. Seafood Station and Berry Town Produce. Children are invited to explore the Children’s STEM activity trailer provided by the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center, in partnership with NS STEM. They will also host an information station with tips on healthy eating and a sun safety station with sunscreen.
While Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s Geaux Yoga events are known for all sorts of fun and activities – they can also, literally, be lifesaving. Following last year’s event in Hammond, ten individuals screened for skin and breast cancer were navigated to the Cancer Center for further screening and follow-up. Two individuals were ultimately diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Early cancer detection is key to successful treatment and improving survivorship,” said Erica Kelt, director of development for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “Community events like Geaux Yoga are so important in helping us spread awareness about the importance of cancer screening and preventive care. We encourage everyone to come out and join us!”
Tickets are now available for purchase. Visit marybird.org/yoga for information on registration and pricing. Attendees participating in yoga are encouraged to bring their own yoga mats.
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 seven centers in Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Houma, Gonzales, Zachary 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.