Geaux Pink Events Raise Awareness and Funds for Breast Cancer in Gonzales

Individuals, Schools, Businesses and Sports Teams Invited to Participate

  (Gonzales) – Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has once again launched Geaux Pink, a program aimed at raising funds and awareness to fight breast cancer. Individuals, schools, businesses and sports teams are invited to join the Cancer Center in its continuing efforts to defeat this disease by hosting a Geaux Pink event during October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “Geaux Pink is a fun and meaningful way to raise awareness about a disease that affects so many while raising money to help fight it,” said Courtney Nuckolls, development coordinator, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “The fun and creative ideas our Geaux Pink supporters create are endless. No matter how small or large the event, when combined with others, it can truly make a difference. “ Louisiana’s breast cancer death rates are among the highest in the nation. This is due to a lack of access to care, delayed diagnosis and treatment, limited educational awareness and low utilization of preventative services.  Last year, in a continuing effort to combat these statistics, more than 7,000 people were reached through Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s 72 free cancer screenings and 59 educational events. One hundred percent of the funds raised through Geaux Pink will go directly back into the communities raising the funds to help support these early detection and screening programs and raise breast cancer awareness.  Examples of Geaux Pink events might include a pink dress-down day at school or the office for a donation from participants; dedicating a portion of ticket sales from a home football game; or holding a pink car wash. “We are excited to partner with so many community members and organizations,” Nuckolls said. “Everyone has been very supportive of Mary Bird Perkins, and the community’s support in the local fight against cancer has been tremendous. We are so grateful to see such enthusiasm.” To sign up for Geaux Pink or for more information, please call (225) 215-1202 or visit www.marybird.org/geauxpink.     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.