American Cancer Society Grants Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center to Help Patients Overcome Transportation Barriers in Natchez

(Natchez, MS) Cancer patients undergoing treatment frequently require assistance getting to and from facilities, often creating a financial and logistical burden. That’s why the American Cancer Society has awarded a transportation grant to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Natchez. The grant is among 10 transportation grants totaling more than $65,000 across the American Cancer Society’s South Region to address the transportation needs of cancer patients. An estimated 17,050 Mississippi residents will learn they have cancer this year and getting to their scheduled treatment may be one of their greatest roadblocks. To help patients get the critical care they need, American Cancer Society community transportation grants are awarded to health systems, treatment centers and community organizations. These grants are available in select communities across the American Cancer Society’s South Region through an application process and focus on addressing unmet transportation needs of cancer patients, particularly vulnerable populations experiencing an unequal burden of cancer.  The Society’s South Region includes Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. “As we lead the fight for a world without cancer, it is our responsibilty to find new ways to collaborate, innovate and drive support for these patients,” said Jeff Fehlis, executive vice president of the American Cancer Society. “We’re proud to collaborate with community health partners to serve individuals in areas with higher burdens of cancer and limited or no access to transportation because even the best treatment can’t work if a patient can’t get there.” “We appreciate the American Cancer Society’s grant to help improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer in Natchez through transportation assistance,” said Gregory W. Cotter, MD, FACRO, radiation oncologist. “Ensuring patients can receive prescribed, regular radiation therapy is key to effective treatment and this grant will go far in making sure transportation removes a barrier in patients receiving apprpriate care. It takes many generous, supportive indviduals, corporations and organizations to provide the tremendous resources needed when someone is diagnosed with cancer. And we cherish this partnership with the American Cancer Society and hope that others will join the organization in helping remove obstacles patients may encounter.” For more information in fundraising opportunities for Mary Bird Perkins in Natchez, please call Danielle Mack at (225) 215-1248 or visit marybird.org/giving. The American Cancer Society is seeking investors to help fund additional transportation grants. Individuals interested in donating to support the American Cancer Society transportation program may contact Melissa Carlton, senior director of mission delivery, at 404.327.6508. For additional information about the American Cancer Society call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org. Pictured in the photo, l-r: Jennifer Voss, Jessie Knapp, Sylvia Johns, Renea Duffin, Stacie Cross, Lillie Willis and Megan McBeth.   About Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is a regional cancer care organization that has been fighting cancer for almost 50 years. The cancer care organization provides care at nine centers in Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Houma, Gonzales, Zachary and Natchez, Mississippi, and its service area encompasses southeast Louisiana and southwest Mississippi regions. For more information, please visit www.marybird.org. Facebook: @mbpccnat | Twitter: @marybirdperkins | Instagram: @marybirdperkins American Cancer Society The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of nearly 2 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle.