Cancer Center Honors Rathbone Society Members

Donna Saurage, Karnival Krewe de Louisiane Receive Presitgious Awards

(Baton Rouge, La.) Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center honored its most supportive donors at the annual Rathbone Society Dinner Sunday, Sept. 15, at the Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel. The annual event brings together business people, community leaders, philanthropists and others who dedicate their time and resources to ensure cancer patients can access the highest calibur cancer services right here in the in the Baton Rouge community. “It is because of the steadfast and generous support from all of you sitting here tonight that we are making a difference in the lives of people in the greater Baton Rouge area,” Todd Stevens, Mary Bird Perkins president and CEO, told approximately 250 people in attendance. His address centered on the more than $23 million Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake renovation and expansion project currently underway, which focuses on providing the most comprehensive and individualized cancer care for each and every patient. Board Chair, Dr. Tom Meek, facilitated the presentation of two prestigious volunteer awards, each named after individuals who set the standard for volunteerism at the Center. Following brief video presentations showcasing the award winners, Louis Curet  presented the Louis D. Curet Volunteer Fundraiser Award to the Karnival Krewe de Louisiane, represented by Krewe President Lance Lemoine. Donna Saurage was presented with the Hillar C. Moore, Jr. Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, recognizing a significant and unique service contribution to philanthropic initiatives, by Hillar Moore, III. Following dinner, guests viewed a video featuring Shelia Sterling, a grateful patient who shared  the importance of multidisciplinary cancer care (MDC) teams – in this case the Colorectal MDC care team – in ensuring a coordinated, seamless experience for patients and their families. MDC teams are comprised of many cancer experts and specialists who collaborate to improve patient care. Stevens closed the program by addressing the Rathbone Society members. “We thank all of you for your partnership as we continue our pursuit of providing the highest quality cancer services for our community.” 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. The Cancer Center is part of the National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP), a group of competitively selected cancer centers developing a national model for community cancer care.