Tangipahoa Officials Proclaim October Geaux Pink Month

Citizens urged 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 and save more lives,  Tangipahoa Parish President, Gordon Burgess, and Mayson H. Foster, mayor of the city of Hammond, recently issued proclamations declaring October 2014 Geaux Pink Month, in recognition of the signature awareness and fundraising program of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. Through their respective proclamations, Mayor Foster and Parish President Burgess are urging residents of Hammond and communities throughout Tangipahoa Parish to take part in a fun and meaningful way to raise awareness about a disease that affects so many while raising funds to help fight it. The Geaux Pink program 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 raising the funds to support cancer awareness, early detection and screening programs,” said Randy Haddad, development director, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.   Last year, 172 people were reached through Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s five free cancer screening events in Tangipahoa 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.