More Americans are surviving cancer than ever before due to advancements in cancer treatment and research. To help survivors lead healthy, active and fulfilling lives, the Center has survivorship programs that address social, emotional and spiritual needs for the rapidly increasing number of cancer survivors.
Studies show that newly diagnosed cancer patients rate their quality of care higher and report fewer problems if they receive support from a patient navigator. This is why Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, in conjunction with its hospital partners, offers navigation services for every patient from diagnosis through treatment and survivorship. In addition to easing concerns, answering questions, coordinating care and assisting patients and their families with informed decision-making, patient navigators also schedule consultations with other patient support services. Patient navigation services are made possible by the generosity of the community.
Contact a patient navigator today.
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Baton Rouge:Â (225) 215-1126
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington:Â (985) 875-2234
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Houma:Â (985) 850-6309
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center – Essen Location
Saurage Conference Room (2nd Floor)
If you are currently receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment, please join us for a support group where participants can share questions, concerns and feelings, as well as connect with others going through a similar journey.
Support groups are free of charge. For more information, contact Ashlyn Bridges at (225) 215-0829 or abridges@marybird.com.
 Outpatient Infusion Areas
upon request.
 For more information, please call (225) 338-1170 or visit The Red Shoes.
 For more information, please call (225) 338-1170 or visit The Red Shoes.
To view our Healing Arts exhibit throughout the Cancer Center click here.
Cancer Services: A local and independent nonprofit, Cancer Services serves the tangible needs of people living with cancer in Greater Baton Rouge. The agency helps meet the financial, educational and emotional needs that arise during the cancer journey. All services are free of charge.
Anyone who is currently in treatment or who has completed treatment. We will walk at a comfortable pace for a period of about 20 minutes. You are required to obtain a release from your doctor in order to participate.
Walking helps to:
7 A.M. on the 2nd Thursday of the month
12:30 P.M. on the 4th Thursday of the month
Hubie Gallagher Park Pavilion – 601 S. Filmore St. Covington, LA
Talk to your oncologist or call (985) 875-5325 for more information.
Join Anna to stretch and strengthen your body; develop core strength, alignment, and balance; practice breathing techniques and build flexibility.
The class will include mindful meditation promoting inner peace, heightened attention, focus and calmness.
Open to all and free of charge
 First and third Thursday of every month, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
 Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington – 1203 S. Tyler Street, Covington
 Call Maeghan Jacob at (985) 875-5325 for meeting dates, location and more information.
Support for women who are struggling with the impact of their cancer treatment on their appearance and self-esteem by providing mastectomy products such as breast forms and bras as well as wigs and wig fittings in a supportive private setting with trained staff and volunteers.
The Image Recovery room offers wigs, hats, turbans and scarves to patients receiving cancer treatment at no charge in a private fitting area. Make an appointment to come and see our selection or to obtain a listing of additional wig resources. If you have items you no longer need, please consider donating them to the center. Items should be clean and in good condition. If you need a listing of local or online resources for wigs and head coverings, call Maeghan Jacob at (985) 875-5325 or email mjacobs@marybird.com.
Provides support and education to individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. Talking about your cancer experience can really reduce the burden. You may find out ways to deal with your treatment, or meet new friends who know exactly what you are going through.
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First and third Wednesday of every month, 12:00 p.m.
 Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington – 1203 S. Tyler Street, Covington
 Call Maeghan Jacob at (985) 875-5325 for meeting dates, location and more information.
It is crucial for cancer survivors and caregivers to find social support to help manage the many emotions that accompany a cancer diagnosis, treatments and survivorship. Talking can help so much! This support group offers a place to express ones fears and hopes, and gain strength from others who understand the challenges and opportunities of living with cancer. The focus of the group is on sharing experiences and discovering new ways to experience quality of life after a cancer diagnosis.
 Second Wednesday and fourth of every month, 12 p.m.
 Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington
 Contact Maeghan Jacob at (985) 875-5325 for more information.
 Contact Colleen Hughes at (985) 276-6832 or chughes@marybird.com for more information.
THRIVE offers an array of free services for survivors and caregivers with the goal of helping you live a full and meaningful life during and after treatment. This integrative program aims to treat the physical, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of survivorship, combining research-based complimentary therapies with traditional cancer care. We seek to provide options that are respectful of your personal needs and preferences, allowing your values to guide the support services you receive.
 Every Tuesday from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Haven of Ascension, 12138 W. Main St. Gonzales, LA 70737
 To RSVP or for more information, please contact Sarah Carbo (225) 644-1205 or scarbo@marybird.com.
 Every Wednesday from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Haven of Ascension, 12138 W. Main St. Gonzales, LA 70737
 To RSVP or for more information, please contact Sarah Carbo (225) 644-1205 or scarbo@marybird.com.
Outdoor walk to improve health, increase energy and connect with others affected by cancer.
 Every Thursday from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
 Lamar Dixon Walking Path, 9039 South Saint Landry Avenue, Gonzales, LA 70737
 To RSVP or for more information, please contact Sarah Carbo (225) 644-1205 or scarbo@marybird.com.
Individual counseling sessions for support in adjusting to life after a cancer diagnosis.
 By appointment only. Please contact Sarah Carbo at (225) 644-1205 or scarbo@marybird.com.
 By appointment only. Please contact Sarah Carbo at (225) 644-1205 or scarbo@marybird.com.
Educational workshop on topics of interest related to cancer survivorship.
OFFERED QUARTERLY
 To RSVP or for more information, please contact Sarah Carbo: (225) 644-1205 or scarbo@marybird.com.
OFFERED MONTHLY
Haven of Ascension, 12138 W. Main St. Gonzales, LA 70737
 To RSVP or for more information, please contact Sarah Carbo (225) 644-1205 or scarbo@marybird.com.
 For more information, please call (504) 641-4629 or visit www.doseofthecoast.org.
Provides support, education and resources to breast cancer survivors.
 Every last Thursday of the month, 4 p.m.
 Call (985) 542-9246 or email survivorsthroughfaith@yahoo.com for meeting location and more information.
A cancer diagnosis and treatment often evokes unexpected emotions and feelings. By attending this cancer support group, you have the opportunity to share your unique experiences, or just listen to others. Our Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Kate Walker, will lead the group discussion and light refreshments will be provided. Together, we can help each other to make the journey a little easier. Together, we are stronger.
 Third Thursday of the month, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
 Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Hammond
 Call (985) 542-5000 or email kwalker@marybird.com for meeting location and more information.
Can’t get to a meeting? Treatment and travel can hinder participation in meetings or you may need more support than a once a month meeting. Cancer Care, a nonprofit organization, offers numerous telephone or online support groups. All groups are free of charge and are led by an oncology social worker.
 Call Cancer Care at (800) 813-4673 for more information.
The U-Thrive Program includes:
1. Nutritional consultations by an Oncology Certified Registered Dietitian
2. Exercise program with a Certified Personal Trainer Wellness Specialist
3. Awareness and treatment for lymphedema with a Certified Lymphedema
The program is FREE of CHARGE
Patients will need to be referred by their physician before beginning the exercise program
 For more information, call (985) 850-6214.
For all cancer patients and their families.
 Third Monday of each month, 6 P.M.
 Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Conference Room
 For more information, call (985) 876-9045.
An adult cancer camp (no outside camping) that allows participants to enjoy various fun activities with other campers.
 Held annually in October.
 For more information, call Toni Armstrong at (985) 860-3215.
American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery and Man to Man Peer Support
Breast and prostate cancers
(800) 227-2345
www.cancer.org
Cancer Care Free Counseling Support for Survivors, Caregivers, and the Bereaved
(800) 813-4673
www.cancercare.org
Caregiver Support Group for Women
Women’s Center for Transformation
Abita Springs
(985) 892-8111
www.womenscenterforhealing.org
Imerman Angel’s Peer Mentoring
1-on-1 Cancer Support for Survivors and Caregivers
(866) 463-7626
www.imermanangels.org
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society First Connection Peer Support
(800) 955-4572
www.LLS.org/FirstConnection
LiveStrong Foundation Free Counseling for Survivors and Caregivers
(850) 220-7777
www.livestrong.org