Funds to enhance early detection and patient assistance programs in Northshore region
(Covington, LA) The Benjamin Blanchard Memorial Foundation recently presented Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington with a $100,000 gift that will fund a new education and early detection event for Northshore residents and support key assistance programs benefiting patients and families at St. Tammany Cancer Center. The Foundation is committed to supporting Mary Bird Perkins, where Blanchard received a portion of his treatments, along with other organizations and causes that were special to him.
“Ben was treated with the kindness, compassion and exceptional treatments that every person deserves if they are diagnosed with cancer. This is why we thought it was important to give back to the Cancer Center in this way; we want to ensure Northshore-area residents continue receiving the highest quality cancer care,” said Chris Blanchard, president of the Benjamin Blanchard Memorial Foundation Board. “Ben believed knowledge was key to a better life. The Foundation’s support of cancer education and early detection is something he would have undoubtedly wanted for his community. And the funds directed toward patient assistance programs will lighten the enormous burden and challenges patients and their families face when someone is diagnosed. We know he’d be so proud of his Foundation’s work and grateful for the volunteers, donors and many others who are actively involved.”
The early detection event is being planned for this fall with free, convenient access to a host of cancer screenings for the community. More details will be available in the coming months. Patient assistance funds will help remove barriers to care patients may experience, covering expenses related to transportation, dietary supplements, dental extractions and more.
“On behalf of Mary Bird Perkins and all of the patients who will benefit from this gift, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Ben’s family and everyone involved in the Benjamin Blanchard Memorial Foundation. One-hundred percent of these funds will be utilized locally on the Northshore,” said Todd Stevens, president and chief executive officer, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “Ben’s personal motto was ‘Never retreat. Never surrender.’ These powerful words resonate with our team because we will never retreat nor surrender. This generous gift helps strengthen the fight for those impacted by this disease.”
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington provides state-of-the art radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging, along with vital support services to patients and families in the Northshore region. With highly-experienced and compassionate physicians and team members, Mary Bird Perkins is a key provider within St. Tammany Cancer Center, which offers comprehensive, patient-focused cancer services.
“There is always more to do when it comes to enhancing cancer education and early detection services in our region, and this donation will go far in helping expand the efforts already underway by St. Tammany Cancer Center,” said Patti Ellish, president and chief executive officer, St. Tammany Parish Hospital. Ellish continued, “The generous funds provided by the Benjamin Blanchard Memorial Foundation will help save lives, provide people with information and tools to live healthier lifestyles and support patients fighting cancer here on the Northshore. It’s truly a wonderful gift.”
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is a regional cancer care organization that has been fighting cancer for more than 40 years. With five centers in Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Houma and Gonzales, its service area encompasses 18 parishes across southeast Louisiana. For more information, please visit www.marybird.org.
St. Tammany Cancer Center provides the full spectrum of cancer care, from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, treatment, recovery and survivorship. The Center’s services include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, clinical research trials, patient navigation, free community screenings, education and more. Nationally accredited with commendation and recognized for excellence in cancer care by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, the Center offers patients and families access to advanced technology and clinical expertise.
A full-service acute care facility committed to providing world-class healthcare and the latest technology, St. Tammany Parish Hospital delivers today’s life-improving procedures with the utmost care to area residents with emphasis on wellness, preventive care and disease management close to home. STPH is recognized for quality, safety and the patient experience by Leapfrog, Hospital Compare, Healthgrades, CareChex and Women’s Choice. STPH is a self-supporting not-for-profit community hospital; it receives no ad valorem tax funding. Learn more at stph.org.