Breast Cancer Survivor First to Ring New Bell at Cancer Center

Kathy Johnson was elated to be the first to ring the Cancer Center’s newly installed Celebration Bell marking her personal milestone.

(Baton Rouge, La.) After completing six weeks of radiation therapy at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Oct. 29, breast cancer survivor Kathy Johnson was elated to be the first to ring the Cancer Center’s newly installed Celebration Bell marking her personal milestone. “It’s a blessing to ring the bell,” said Johnson, surrounded by family, friends and members of her treatment team. “It means there is something new out there for me; there is life at the end of cancer treatment. This bell means hope, not only for me but for many others to come.” Going forward, all patients completing radiation therapy will be invited to ring the Celebration Bell, marking the beginning of their survivorship and establishing a new tradition at the Cancer Center. “The Cancer Center treats thousands of patients each year, but each person is recognized as an individual. The bell offers those incredible individuals the chance to have their own moment of triumph over cancer,” said Administrator Linda Lee, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “And just as we walk side by side with them throughout their treatment, we proudly stand with them as they ring the Celebration Bell.” The Celebration Bell is funded by the Cancer Center’s team members through an annual internal giving program known as Partners of Hope, established to help meet patient needs. Because employees feel the completion of treatment is a victory to be commemorated, the Celebration Bell is a gift from the Cancer Center staff to its courageous patients. Upon conclusion of the extensive renovations currently taking place at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, the Celebration Bell will be relocated to a more enhanced and permanent location within the Center. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is the most comprehensive cancer center in Louisiana offering patients the convenience of receiving high-quality, advanced care close to home.