Mary Bird Perkins 2022 Logo

Volunteer

Volunteers Make The Difference

At Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, our mission is to lessen the burden of cancer by placing the needs of patients at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to delivering innovative, comprehensive care that helps patients feel not only cared for, but truly cared about. 

Volunteers play a vital role in creating a supportive, compassionate environment for patients, families and caregivers. Whether you’re offering a warm blanket during treatment, assisting with a workshop or simply sharing a kind word, your presence provides a different kind of healing – one that brings comfort, connection and hope. 

What Can You Do? 

PATIENT ASSISTANCE 
  • Distribute refreshments, blankets and coffee to patients 
  • Greet patients, provide directions and assist with wheelchair use as needed 
  • Assist patients with portal registration and use 
  • Support staff in providing the best possible care 
CLERICAL SUPPORT 
  • Assemble mail and packets 
  • Make phone calls as directed 
  • Copy, file and scan documents 
SPECIAL PROJECTS 
  • Assist with events, fundraisers, art projects and other initiatives 

Current Volunteer Needs

  • Baton Rouge General – Guest Services: Mon – Thurs 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 11 a.m. -2 p.m.
  • Cancer Services  – Office/Distribution Center : Tues, Thurs, & Fridays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. or 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and 1 p.m. – 4p.m.
  • Essen/Main Center, Baton Rouge – Volunteer Services:  Mon – Fri 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 12 p.m. – 4p.m.
  • Hammond – Guest Services:  Mon – Fri 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Gonzales – Guest Services:  Mon – Fri 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Tues. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and Wed. 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
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Volunteer requirements

  • Volunteers are no longer required to be fully vaccinated, but will need to complete a TB questionnaire (Day of event volunteers are not required to submit TB related information). 
  • During the influenza season (October 1 – March 31), volunteers are encouraged to receive the FLU vaccine, but it is no longer required. As an extra precaution, volunteers may wear masks when in patient-facing areas.  
  • Core Volunteers must commit to at least one 4-hour shift per week. 
  • Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. 
  • Core Volunteers must attend volunteer orientation. 
  • New core volunteers must shadow existing volunteers 1-2 shifts before their first shift alone. 

Fill out an Application Today

For more information on volunteer opportunities at the Cancer Center, please email dg-volunteerservices@marybird.com

Volunteer Application
Student Volunteer Application

For questions or concerns, please email dg-volunteerservices@marybird.com

Baton Rouge: (225) 215-1226
Covington: (985) 875-1409
Gonzales: (225) 644-1205
Hammond: (985) 542-5000
Houma: (985) 850-6304

Awards

Louis D. Curet Volunteer Fundraiser Award

With a devotion to engaging volunteers for major fundraising projects, as well as a commitment to the advancement of philanthropy in support of the Cancer Center, Mr. Curet was honored for his many efforts by the board of directors when they established and presented this award to him in 2009. Each year this award is presented to an individual, organization or foundation that has launched a significant philanthropic effort in support of the Cancer Center.

  • 2020 – Gonzales Area Foundation
  • 2019 – Tom J. Meek, Jr., M.D.
  • 2018 – The Lane Family
  • 2017 – Blanchard E. Sanchez, Jr.
  • 2016 – Merrill Lynch
  • 2015 – Thomas J. Moran (posthumous)
  • 2014 – St. Joseph’s Academy and St. Michael the Archangel High School
  • 2013 – Karnival Krewe de Louisiane
  • 2012 – Rubicon, LLC
  • 2011 – Gail and Bill O’Quin
  • 2010 – Greg and Ashley Stringfellow
  • 2009 – Louis D. Curet

D. Jensen Holliday Memorial Award

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s board of directors established this award as an expression of gratitude for the significant contributions Mr. Holliday made to the organization as a board member for 10 years, including the two years he served as chairman (1998 – 2000) prior to his death from cancer. The annual recipient of this award is one who best reflects his vision and dedication to the greater good of the community while making a sustained and measureable difference in the fight against cancer.

  • 2020 – Dr. Sandra Brown
  • 2019 – Marty and John Engquist
  • 2018 – Sheila Moore, MD
  • 2017 – Ashley Walker Ferguson
  • 2016 – Janet and Bob Leslie
  • 2015 – Kim and Trey Bowman
  • 2014 – Jana Poche’
  • 2013 – Jo Paula Lantier
  • 2012 – Maurine LaCour
  • 2011 – David Leader
  • 2010 – Gloria Graham
  • 2009 – Louis D. Curet
  • 2008 – Warren E. Buckley
  • 2007 – Julia Bradford Moore
  • 2006 – John McNulty, M.D.
  • 2005 – Hillar C. Moore, Jr.
  • 2004 – Mary Jane Howell

Anna B. Lipsey Memorial Volunteer Service Award

In the late 1960s, Mrs. Lipsey helped organize 16 community leaders who founded what was to become Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and established its mission to provide the highest quality and compassionate radiation care. She also served as secretary-treasurer of the board of directors from 1968 until shortly before her death in 1985. This award is presented each year to honor a Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center volunteer who best exemplifies the volunteer spirit and dedication to helping others for which Anna B. Lipsey was known.

  • 2019 – Barbara Barriner
  • 2018 – Jean Wilcox
  • 2017 – Bob and Bev Jones
  • 2016 – Bob Evans
  • 2015 – Evelyn Traylor Gautreau
  • 2014 – Kay Deumite
  • 2013 – Jack Stokeld
  • 2012 – Trudy LeBoeuf
  • 2011 – Judy and Robert Cancienne
  • 2010 – Chuck Stanton and Lou Fitzmorris
  • 2009 – Connie Planche
  • 2008– Ed Burke
  • 2007 – Jack Carmena
  • 2006 – Guy Jenkins
  • 2005 – Marie Bruns
  • 2004 – Tom Harris
  • 2003 – David Leader
  • 2002 – Helen Badeaux and Sybil Metrailer
  • 2001 – Claudia Hebert
  • 2000 – Mary Wade and Margaret Biggio
  • 1999 – Hillar Moore
  • 1998 – Leo Hataway
  • 1997 – Amy Slowey, Sue Edrington and Jean Beskin
  • 1996 – Marion Amedee
  • 1995 – Melva Burgess
  • 1994 – Mary Johnston and Fabien Daigle
  • 1993 – Betty Gold
  • 1992 – Annette Federbusch
  • 1991 – Dot Terito
  • 1990 – Neila Eckler
  • 1989 – Bonnie and Roy Fugler
  • 1988 – Lucile Munson
  • 1987 – Buford Hebert and Virgil Watson
  • 1986 – Betty Perrin

Hillar C. Moore, Jr. Outstanding Service Award

Because of Mr. Moore’s unwavering dedication and sense of responsibility for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and his outstanding leadership efforts, the board of directors established and presented this award to him in 2009 to honor and recognize his extraordinary service. Each year, this award goes to an individual who likewise has made a significant and unique service contribution to the Cancer Center’s philanthropic initiatives.

  • 2020 – J. Gerald “Jerry” Jolly 
  • 2019 – Rose J. Hudson
  • 2018 – Gerald “Jerry” T. Goss
  • 2017 – J.H. “Jay” Campbell, Jr.
  • 2016 – Sheldon A. Johnson, M.D.
  • 2015 – James R. McIlwain
  • 2014 – Bill Peters
  • 2013 – Donna Saurage
  • 2012 – Dudley Coates
  • 2011 – Lee Griffin
  • 2010 – Richard and Susan Lipsey
  • 2009 – Hillar C. Moore, Jr.