Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington Hosts Successful Free Community Health Event

Ben Blanchard Memorial Foundation helps fund free cancer screenings, food and fun for Northshore residents

(Covington, LA) Over 250 Northshore residents took proactive measures to protect their health by participating in Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s second annual Live Well Northshore event at the Covington Trailhead. Funded by the Ben Blanchard Memorial Foundation, Northshore residents received screenings for five different types of cancers and other health screenings at no cost at the Sept. 28 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. Last year, the Ben Blanchard Memorial Foundation donated $100,000 to Mary Bird Perkins, designating a portion of the gift to fund this education and early detection event for Northshore residents. Chris Blanchard, president of the Foundation board said this event reinforces the purpose of their organization. “Guaranteeing that Northshore-area residents continue to receive high-quality cancer care is a part of our mission and a way to honor Ben,” said Blanchard. “We know Ben would have wanted events like Live Well Northshore that promote cancer awareness and early detection for his community. He believed knowledge was key to a better life.” Live Well cancer screenings included breast, colorectal, oral, prostate and skin, 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 Memorial Foundation’s generous partnership with the Cancer Center is absolutely critical to the success of Live Well Northshore,” said Erica Kelt, director of development at Mary Bird Perkins. “Bringing prevention and early detection to the community requires many resources, and the Foundation helps us reach as many people as possible in a fun, family-friendly environment.” 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 almost 50 years. The cancer care organization provides care at nine centers in Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Houma, Gonzales, Zachary and Natchez, Mississippi, and its service area encompasses southeast Louisiana and southwest Mississippi regions. For more information, please visit www.marybird.org.