Cancer Center Urges Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer, Offers Free Online Risk Assessment, Screenings

March is National Colorectal Cancer Month

  (Baton Rouge, La.) Nationally recognized Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC (MBPCC at TGMC) and Fakier Jewelers are excited to announce the 5th Annual Fakier Open. The event will take place April 20-25 at Ellendale Country Club and will feature a professional golf tournament with the Adams Pro Tour. The tournament’s signature party – The Taste of the Tournament Par-Tee and Auction – will be held at Ellendale Country Club Friday, April 17 at 6:30 p.m. Since its inception five years ago, nearly $200,000 has been raised through generous support from our local community. Every net dollar from the tournament benefits Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC, helping to provide free cancer screenings for the uninsured in the area. Another way in which MBPCC at TGMC is partnering with our community to improve the wellbeing the residents of South Louisiana by providing health and wellness screenings in our community. Last year alone, a total of 1,500 people attended 87 separate screening events conducted by the Cancer Center for breast, prostate, skin, oral and colorectal cancers. “It is through the heartfelt generosity of our community partners that we are able to make such an impact in our community towards health and wellness screenings, said Phyllis Peoples, President and CEO. “Their support is truly making a difference,” she added. This year’s honorary Chairs for the Taste of the Tournament Par-Tee and Auction are Corey and Tina (DeSalvo) Callais. “We are honored and excited to chair this wonderful event,” said Corey. “The Cancer Center and its caring staff have a very special place in our hearts. We are thrilled to be involved with such a worthy cause.” Tina, Stage III breast cancer survivor, added, “This is always a highly anticipated evening of fun. We encourage everyone to join us and have a good time supporting a very serious cause – the fight against cancer. We really are in this fight together.” The Taste of the Tournament will feature some of the area’s most delicious local cuisine, music and a large silent auction selection. Tickets are $25/person and are available for purchase online at mbpTGMC.org/taste or by calling (985) 851-8661. The Pro-Am takes place Tuesday, April 21 in the form of a four-man shamble. Each team is comprised of three amateur golfers and a professional from the Adams Pro Tour. Sponsorship and team opportunities are still available. Wednesday, April 22 through Saturday, April 25 is the Fakier Open professional tournament featuring Adams Pro Tour players. A free junior clinic for kids ages 6 – 16 is scheduled for Friday, April 24 in association with Adams Pro Tour professionals, weather permitting.   For more information, please contact Amy Ponson at (985) 851-8661 or aponson@marybird.com or visit www.mbpTGMC.org/fakier