Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington and Ben Blanchard Foundation Present Successful Live Well Northshore Event

Northshore residents screened for cancer and other conditions in fun, festive atmosphere

  (Covington, LA) Nearly 300 Northshore residents took proactive measures to protect their health by participating in Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s inaugural Live Well Northshore event at the Covington Trailhead. Funded by the Benjamin Blanchard Memorial Foundation, Northshore residents received screenings for five different types of cancer and other health screenings at no cost at the Sept. 15 event. 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. In March of 2018, the Benjamin Blanchard Memorial Foundation donated $100,000 to Mary Bird Perkins, designating a portion of the gift to fund a new education and early detection event for Northshore residents to keep this momentum going strong. Chris Blanchard, president of the Foundation board, said that this event reinforces the purpose of their organization. “Part of our mission is to honor Ben by ensuring that Northshore-area residents continue to receive high quality cancer care,” said Blanchard. “Ben believed knowledge was key to a better life, and we know he would’ve wanted events like Live Well Northshore that promote cancer awareness and early detection for his community.” Live Well cancer screenings included breast, prostate, skin, colorectal and oral cavity, along with blood pressure and glucose checks. Any participants who received an abnormal finding are being assisted by a patient navigator to ensure necessary follow-up care is promptly accessed. “The Ben Blanchard Foundation’s generous donation to the Cancer Center was critical to the success of Live Well Northshore,” said Erica Kelt, associate director of development at Mary Bird Perkins. “Events of this magnitude require many resources. Everyone involved in the Foundation went above and beyond to make sure we reached as many people as possible, offering comprehensive prevention and early detection services.” In addition to the health aspects of the event, Live Well Northshore included activities for the whole family. Food, entertainment and children’s activities were all available at no cost. 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. The Cancer Center offers screenings throughout the year. For more information, call (985) 875-2234 or visit marybird.org/covington.   About Mary Bird Perkins 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.