For One Night Only: Local Doctors to Rock for Spots

For One Night Only: Local Doctors to Rock for Spots Second annual Rock for Spots event to benefit skin cancer treatment and early detection (Baton Rouge, La.) Local doctors are putting down their stethoscopes to pick up guitars, drums and microphones for a benefit concert that will raise funds to advance cancer care.  Surgical oncologist John Lyons, M.D, with Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is once again teaming up with regional non-profit organization FestiGals to produce the second annual Baton Rouge Rock for Spots. A one-night benefit concert supporting patients with melanoma and other forms of skin and soft tissue cancer, Rock for Spots will be held Saturday, June 8 at the Varsity Theatre, 3353 Highland Road, from 6:30 p.m. until midnight; doors open at 6 p.m. It will feature four rock bands – Fret Medics, V – Tones, Blue Verse and Jerry C & the Malignancy – all comprised of local physicians and medical professionals. Drinks from the Varsity Theatre and food from Taco de Paco will be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit diagnosis, treatment and support for skin and soft tissue cancer patients at Mary Bird Perkins-Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center. Last year’s inaugural event raised more than $15,000 and had nearly 400 attendees, exceeding both its audience goal by 50 percent and its fundraising goal by 200 percent. Dr. John Lyons, founder of the event and chair of Skin and Soft Tissue Multidisciplinary Care Team at the Cancer Center, is eager to trade his lab coat for a guitar strap that night to rock out for the cause again. “We’re overwhelmed by the incredible support at Rock for Spots last year,” said Dr. Lyons. “So many of us already donate time and proceeds from our music hobby to local charities, so it makes sense to focus those efforts on cancer care – and we have a great time in the process. We’re very excited about this year’s event.” Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. but can easily be detected and is often curable if caught early. Melanoma is the one of the most lethal form of skin cancer, but it can be detected by checking skin regularly for moles or skin changes. “Our excellent team of surgical, radiation and medical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and other specialists provide the highest level of care for those diagnosed with skin cancer, but funding is necessary for us to offer the latest tools, technologies and resources,” said Ethan Bush, vice president and chief development officer, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “And there’s always so much more we want to do in terms of greater awareness for sun safety, prevention and early detection. We are thrilled about how well this event was received last year, and we appreciate of Dr. Lyons and all the other doctors and musicians who participate in Rock for Spots to not only raise funds for local cancer patients, but also show our community great time.” Tickets are $10 for students, $20 prior to the event, and $25 at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit marybirdlake.org/rock or contact our events team at events@marybird.com. Attendees must be 18 or older. About FestiGals FestiGals, regional non-profit supporting causes with a purpose.  FestiGals is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Diane B. Lyons, DMCP, CMP and ACCENT on Arrangements, Inc., a DMC NETWORK COMPANY. For more information on FestiGals, visit www.FestiGals.org or call 1-504-524-1227. About Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center As a regional destination for cancer care, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center offers the most advance 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.