Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Gonzales and Gonzales Area Foundation Launch Free Community Health Event

Live Well Ascension to offer free cancer screenings, food and fun for the entire family

(Gonzales, LA) Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Gonzales, in conjunction with the Gonzales Area Foundation, is providing free, convenient access to a host of cancer screenings at its inaugural Live Well Ascension event. Live Well Ascension will be held Saturday, Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Gonzales, 1104 W. Hwy 30. Other health screenings, food and entertainment will also be offered at no cost. Cancer screenings will include breast, prostate, skin, colorectal and oral cavity, along with blood pressure, glucose checks and BMI checks. “We know that certain barriers to care exist in rural areas, and a lack of access to healthcare can result in cancers going undetected,” said Renea Duffin, vice president of cancer support and outreach for the Cancer Center. “Events like Live Well Ascension provide us the opportunity to get in the local community and offer early detection and education in a fun and accessible environment.” Since 2010, the Cancer Center has provided nearly 900 cancer screenings to the Gonzales area and diagnosed seven cancers. “Gonzales is such a close knit community. Everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer,” said DeEtte DeArmond, a founding member of the Gonzales Area Foundation. “We’re thrilled to be able to bring this event to our area and provide potentially life-saving services to our community members.” In addition to the health aspects of the event, Live Well Ascension includes activities for the whole family. Food, entertainment and children’s activities, including hayrides and pumpkin decorating, are all included at no cost. All screenings are available to those who have not been screened for cancer in the past 12 months. Appointments are required for breast cancer screenings only. To make an appointment, please call (225) 215-1234 or (888) 616-4687. For additional information about this event, please visit marybird.org/ascension.   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.