Inaugural Rock for Spots concert raises funds for skin cancer patient treatment
early detection and awareness
(Baton Rouge) Rock and roll is here to stay but cancerous spots shouldn’t be. Dr. John Lyons, a local surgical oncologist, Mary Bird Perkins-Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center, and Festigals, a regional non-profit organization, have teamed up to produce Rock for Spots.
Rock for Spots is a one-night benefit concert supporting patients with melanoma and other forms of skin and soft tissue cancer. The event will be held Saturday, July 21 at the Varsity Theatre, 3353 Highland Road, from 7 – 11 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m. It will feature three rock bands – The Fret Medics, V – Tones and Blue Verse, which are each 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 support services and research efforts at Mary Bird Perkins-Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center for skin and soft tissue cancer patients.
Dr. John Lyons, founder of the event and chair of Skin and Soft Tissue Multidisciplinary Care Team at the Cancer Center, will hang up his lab coat for the night, throw on his guitar strap and rock out for the cause.
Dr. Lyons says, “Rock for Spots is a unique event that will bring together music lovers, healthcare providers, cancer survivors, and community advocates with the common goal of helping support cancer patients. All of these bands have performed in Baton Rouge area and for many years have donated their time and fees to local charities. This seemed like a great way to formalize the process, support a very worthy cause, and to have a great time while doing it.”
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.
“We have a wonderful team of surgical, radiation and medical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and many other specialists and resources to provide the highest level of care for those who are diagnosed with skin cancer, but funding is needed to ensure we continue to have the latest tools and technologies at their disposal,” said Ethan Bush, vice president and chief development officer, Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake 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 so appreciative of Dr. Lyons and all the other doctors and musicians who are participating in Rocks for Spots. It’ll be a great time and raise funds for local cancer patients.”
Tickets for Rock for Spots are $20 prior to the event at $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. Must be 18 or older to attend.
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 – 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 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.