Living Well Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive or Hard
“I definitely feel like this saved my life.” As downtown Baton Rouge basked in the sunlight on Saturday, May 14, William and Vicki Sutton were cooling off with Italian ice in between screenings at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s Live Well Baton Rouge event. The annual day of wellness includes free cancer screenings and other […]
Fight Together, Win Together
Nineteen months after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, Donaldsonville pastor Brad Collins is living life to the fullest. The single greatest factor that made a difference in his recovery? Having access to the best treatment close to home. All along, Donaldsonville resident Brad Collins knew there was a greater plan at work. In August […]
The Right Oncologist is Key when Time is Running Out
“Our experience with Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has been a blessing. You hear about people going through miracles, and you never think you’ll be living one.” When Amanda Breshear’s mother, Bonnie Gamso, was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in October 2020, she immediately knew Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center would be the place to […]
No Slowing Down for an avid outdoorsman after a three-year battle with prostate cancer.
After a three-year battle with prostate cancer, avid outdoorsman and Louisiana native John Brumfield is back to doing what he loves most. A blessing made possible, he says, thanks to his care team at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. Like many people born and raised in the Bayou State, Baton Rouge resident John Brumfield is […]
Crocheting for a Cause
When Northshore resident Sondra Wells won her battle with breast cancer in 2018, she knew she wanted to find a way to give back to the people who helped her become healthy again—Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. Sondra had a routine of getting an annual mammogram, but when she went in for her yearly check-up […]
Cancer Care Unique To Your Needs: Cherise Butler’s Story
“When you hear cancer, you automatically think death. And I was not ready to die.” Cherise Butler recalls feeling overwhelmed after being diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2020. She first spoke with a surgeon about breast removal options but was hesitant to undergo a mastectomy. She then reached out to Dr. Daniel LaVie, medical […]
Home Away From Home: Alexandria Bates’ Cancer Care
When Hurricane Ida made landfall in August 2021, Alexandria Bates and her three teenage children evacuated from Chauvin, Louisiana to Galveston, Texas. The damage was so extensive, the roads to return were unpassable for two weeks. When Alexandria and her family returned home, they found the roof so badly damaged that all but one room […]
A Breath of Fresh Air
Throughout his lengthy career, Jimmie Brown has toured around the world, in addition to playing many local festivals such as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. When the New Orleans-born singer and musician was diagnosed with lung cancer, he wasn’t sure if he’d ever get to play music again. Thanks to the care he […]
After Diagnosis: Can I Afford Cancer Treatments?
After Diagnosis: Can I Afford Cancer Treatments? A cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event. And cancer doesn’t discriminate. For those undergoing hardships, it’s not always easy to coordinate the appropriate care and treatment. Simple items, such as transportation to appointments, access to nutritional support and fresh produce, and bills can quickly become a source of […]
Leading by Example
By anyone’s standards, Lieutenant Donald Burton has led a life of remarkable achievement. The 45-year-old Ponchatoula native has always been committed to serving others in his community, from his 20-year career in law enforcement to his leadership as a local minister for Westside Church of God in Christ. Burton, a former competitive bodybuilder—and winner of […]
Returning to Louisiana: Arizona Resident Chooses Treatment in Home State
Originally a Cajun girl from Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, Kodi’s path eventually landed her in Arizona. Her unique accent often sparks conversation about home, but she never imagined life would send her back to Louisiana to fight cancer as a clinical trial participant. Cancer Has No Boundaries Kodi was diligent, never missing an annual wellness appointment. […]
Individualized Care from the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Team: Charles Castricane’s Story
Charles Castricane was generally healthy when he suddenly experienced trouble swallowing food. His wife Maria, who is a nurse, knew he should see a doctor. After completing a swallow test and subsequent biopsy, the result was gastroesophageal cancer. Charles’ thoughts mirrored what many people likely experience after a cancer diagnosis. “All of a sudden I […]