Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington Celebrates Blanchard Foundation’s Commitment to Prevent Cancer

Foundation honored with artwork in Cancer Center

  Covington, LA – Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington unveiled a glass art piece at a special ceremony in December commemorating the Benjamin Blanchard Memorial Foundation’s commitment to early cancer detection and education. In April, the Foundation donated $100,000 to the Cancer Center where Ben Blanchard received a portion of his treatments. Their donation funded the first annual Live Well Northshore, an education and early detection event at the Trailhead in Covington last September. The event resulted in 278 total cancer screenings, 41 patients with follow-ups for abnormal findings and at least one instance of cancer detected. The hand-mixed Kokomo Opalescent Glass art hangs in the Cancer Center waiting area with a plaque honoring the Foundation. Handmade in Indiana, Kokomo glass is found in doors around the world – from Disney World to the Vatican in Rome. “The Foundation’s generosity has already reached hundreds in the community through early cancer detection, awareness and removing barriers to care,” said Ethan Bush, vice president and chief development officer for the Cancer Center. “Their incredible support is a true testament to Ben’s personal motto on the plaque below the art piece: Never retreat, never surrender.” “Part of our mission is to honor Ben by ensuring that our community continues to receive high quality cancer care,” said Chris Blanchard, Ben’s brother and president of the Foundation board. “Ben strongly believed that knowledge was key to a better life, and he was so grateful for the volunteers, donors and clinicians who are making the Northshore a better place.” 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.    About Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center 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. About the Benjamin Blanchard Memorial Foundation The Benjamin Blanchard Memorial Foundation keeps alive Ben’s spirit of love for community and encouraging others through school leadership, educational programs, and scholarships; as well as supporting cancer services in the Greater New Orleans and Covington areas.