Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Launches Survivorship Services in Gonzales

Gonzales Area Foundation to Fund Thrive Survivorship Program   (Gonzales, LA) Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is pleased to announce that survivorship services are now offered at its Gonzales location for all Ascension Parish residents, thanks to the generous support of the Gonzales Area Foundation. The THRIVE survivorship program offers free services for those undergoing treatment as well as those who have completed treatment at any cancer center in the region. The research-based therapies combined with traditional cancer care can help manage emotional, physical, social and spiritual challenges that many cancer patients experience. These services are also offered to caregivers to help provide enhanced support during their loved ones’ journeys. “We are proud to be able to help fund these services locally for our Ascension Parish residents,” said DeEtte DeArmond, founding member of Gonzales Area Foundation, a community organization that raises funds to support the mission of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Gonzales. She further commented on the generosity of area residents and their desire to help those impacted by cancer, “Survivorship services are a key element of comprehensive cancer care and each person contributing to the Foundation helps make it possible for Ascension Parish residents to have access to these vital services for survivors and their loved ones.” The new THRIVE program helps patients reach their physical and emotional health goals through mind-body support groups, art workshops, walking groups, therapeutic massages, health and wellness counseling and much more. Participants may choose to work with the survivorship coordinator for one-on-one sessions in person and by phone to help achieve their goals. Mary Bird Perkins Survivorship Coordinator Rachel Mumphrey said the new THRIVE program will “help individuals live a full and meaningful life following a cancer diagnosis.” She emphasizes that the program practices “Mind-body medicine that focuses on how our thoughts and feelings affect our healing” and can help in the long-term health restorative process. For more information on the THRIVE program, visit marybird.org/survivorship or call (225) 644-1205.   Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is a regional cancer care organization that has been fighting cancer for more than 45 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.