(Baton Rouge, La.) – Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center has named Orlando Sims as winner of the 2020 Sister Linda Constantin Courage and Compassion Award. Sims is a medical assistant for Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Medical Oncology.
The annual award is named in honor of Constantin, a longtime nurse and member of the senior administrative team at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, who passed away in 2005 after battling colon cancer. Each year, the award is presented to a Cancer Center team member who exemplifies her deeply held values and beliefs.
Linda Lee, Cancer Center vice president, said, as always, this year winner’s traits closely resemble those of Constantin.
“Of the many extraordinary nominations we received, Orlando’s compassion and willingness to always step up, help out and go above and beyond for the sake of the patient stood out to the internal selection committee, which consisted of physicians and staff from throughout the organization,” said Lee.
In past years, the award was presented at the Cancer Center in front of an audience of Mary Bird Perkins and Our Lady of the Lake team members. However, this year, due to the pandemic, the award was presented virtually. During the video presentation, Stephanie Manson, chief operating officer, Our Lady of the Lake, paid homage to Constantin and how this award is appropriately named and given to a team member who exemplifies her life and personal mission. Sister Barbara Arceneaux, regional minister, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady, also thanked Constantin’s family for their continued support of the Cancer Center.
Dr. Lauren Zatarain, medical oncologist, Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center, who works closely with Sims, talked about what makes him so deserving of this award.
“Along with his empathetic spirit, Orlando’s encouraging words to patients and their loved ones consistently make him a patient favorite at our Cancer Center,” said Dr. Zatarain. “He is always willing to help anyone at a moment’s notice. Additionally, he is a true role model to every team member in demonstrating the special kind of compassionate care we strive to provide every day.”
About Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center
As a regional destination for cancer care, Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center offers the most advanced technology and services provided by a dedicated team of nationally-recognized oncology experts. The Cancer Center provides best-practice, comprehensive care at every stage of the cancer journey, including disease site-specific multidisciplinary care teams, a robust clinical research program, extensive supportive care services and is the only facility in the Gulf South with the revolutionary Leksell Gamma Knife®Icon™. The American College of Surgeons has named the Cancer Center a recipient of its prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award for three consecutive survey cycles. As a nonprofit organization, donor generosity is essential to sustaining the mission of improving survivorship and lessening the burden of cancer for so many throughout Southeast Louisiana and beyond. For more information on the Cancer Center, and how you can become involved, please visit marybirdlake.org.