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: (225) 215-1126
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington: (985) 875-2234
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Houma: (985) 850-6309
The Cancer Center 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.
Massage involves gentle manipulation, rubbing, and kneading of the muscles and soft tissue. Massage for cancer patients is used to decrease stress, anxiety, depression, pain and fatigue. Program is free to our patients.
Outpatient Infusion Areas
Mindfulness meditation is the practice of using our breath to help focus our attention. Mindfulness meditation can help reduce stress, enhance immune function and lower blood pressure. Individual and group instruction on how to practice mindfulness meditations, both sitting and walking, is available
upon request.
Group classes that improve strength, flexibility and stamina. Program is free to the public.
For more information, please call (225) 338-1170 or visit The Red Shoes.
The Red Shoes, a local non profit provides yoga, meditation, book and film studies, creative arts and more.
For more information, please call (225) 338-1170 or visit The Red Shoes.
People with cancer who engage in creative arts experience less depression and anxiety than those who do not, according to a review of research trials conducted over 23 years. This is the backbone of the Mind-Body Medicine approach, which uses art, meditation, massage and other proven techniques to bring about healing results.
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.
Because caring for a loved one with cancer can be challenging, and caring for yourself is important too! It is crucial for caregivers to find social support to help manage the many emotions that accompany a cancer diagnosis, treatments and survivorship.
Fourth 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) 839-2256 for meeting dates, location and more information.
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, 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.
First Monday 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) 839-2256 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 of every month, 12 p.m.
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington
Contact Maeghan Jacob at (985) 276-6832 for more information.
My BC Team is a FREE social network for women facing breast cancer. Instead of utilizing a networking structure that promotes anonymity, MyBCTeam provides a safe environment for women to get to know one another and make real, lasting connections. These connections create the foundation of their individual “breast cancer team,” women and providers they personally connect with and recommend.
Local pet therapy groups visit patients and visitors at the Cancer Center on a regular basis. The goal is to promote health and a sense of well-being through positive interactions between people and animals. All pet therapy teams have completed behavior evaluations and training, and animals have up-to-date vaccinations.
Contact Colleen Hughes at (985) 276-6832 or chughes@marybird.com for more information.
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.
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.
These services are provide to Ascension patients thanks to the generous support of the Gonzales Area Foundation. Learn more about our partnership with GAF here.
Individual counseling sessions for support in adjusting to life after a cancer diagnosis.
By appointment only. Please contact Rachel Mumphrey at (225) 644-1205 or rmumphrey@marybird.com.
Table massage to improve circulation, relieve tension and promote relaxation.
By appointment only. Please contact Rachel Mumphrey at (225) 644-1205 or rmumphrey@marybird.com.
Educational workshop on topics of interest related to cancer survivorship.
OFFERED QUARTERLY
To RSVP or for more information, please contact Rachel Mumphrey: (225) 644-1205 or rmumphrey@marybird.com.
Art workshops to encourage healing and self-expression through the creative process.
OFFERED MONTHLY
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Gonzales
To RSVP or for more information, please contact Rachel Mumphrey (225) 644-1205 or rmumphrey@marybird.com.
Group support to reduce stress, improve self-care and connect with others affected by cancer.
Every Wednesday from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Gonzales
To RSVP or for more information, please contact Rachel Mumphrey (225) 644-1205 or rmumphrey@marybird.com.
Group classes to improve strength, balance and promote mindfulness.
Every Wednesday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Virtual via Zoom
To RSVP or for more information, please contact Rachel Mumphrey (225) 644-1205 or rmumphrey@marybird.com.
Outdoor walk to improve health, increase energy and connect with others affected by cancer.
Every Thursday from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Lamar Dixon Expo Center, 9039 South Saint Landry Avenue, Gonzales, LA 70737
To RSVP or for more information, please contact Rachel Mumphrey (225) 644-1205 or rmumphrey@marybird.com.
Dose of the Coast, a local non-profit, provides fishing, sailing and sunset cruises.
For more information, please call (504) 641-4629 or visit www.doseofthecoast.org.
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.
A cancer diagnosis can often lead to many mixed emotions, including distress. Click here for three tips to minimize distress and learn skills to cope with the diagnosis and treatment.
For more information, contact an oncology patient navigator at (985) 876-9045.
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
