Gonzales Mayor Proclaims October Geaux Pink Month

Urges citizens to hold pink events to help raise awareness, funds for local cancer fight

  In rallying the community to get more involved in the fight against cancer, Barney D. Arceneaux, mayor/administrator, city of Gonzales, recently issued a proclamation recognizing October 2014 as Geaux Pink Month in Gonzales. “I call on all citizens in the Gonzales area to help promote Geaux Pink and all other efforts that will one day help to eradicate cancer,” the Mayor urged. Geaux Pink is a signature awareness and fundraising program of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. It encourages individuals, schools, businesses, and sports teams to join the fight against cancer by hosting Geaux Pink events throughout the year, with special emphasis during the month of October – National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Louisiana’s breast cancer death rates are among the highest in the nation. 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 Geaux Pink car wash. “One hundred percent of the funds generated through Geaux Pink go directly back into the communities to support cancer awareness, early detection and screening programs,” said Randy Haddad, development director, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. Last year, more than 114 people were reached through Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s three free cancer screening events in Ascension Parish, including breast cancer screenings. To sign up for Geaux Pink or for more information, please call (225) 215-1208 or visit www.marybird.org/geauxpink. Photo caption: (from left): Randy Haddad; Mayor Arceneaux; Michelle Hyatt, director of radiation therapy, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Gonzales     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.