2010 V2 Perkins Perspective

Greg Henkelmann, M.D., radiation oncologist, holding the computer-fabricated Bolus.Greg Henkelmann, M.D., radiation oncologist, holding the computer-fabricated Bolus.

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In This Issue

3 My Perspective4 New Individualized Treatment7 Celebrating 40 Years8 Passionate Employees

8 President’s Councils Expand14 Fight Cancer Campaign Update16 Record Year of Screenings17 Gonzales Volunteer21 TeamMBP22 CancerFit Program28 Foundation News

14

Features

What OurPatients SayPatients completing treatment at all Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Centersare given an anonymous quality of care questionnaire. Below are somethoughts patients at each Center shared after completing theirtreatment.

Mary Bird is by far the best center. This is my third cycle of radiation. Theguys in radiation are the nicest people and they really care. That is half thebattle. Susan at the front desk is always so cheerful and helpful. She knowseveryone by name and has a hug and a smile for all of us. I am very gratefulwe have MBP here in Baton Rouge.

Baton Rouge

I would not know how to improve the things I had to go through. Everybodywho took care of me and talked to my wife was wonderful. This has not beenfun but the ones that helped me were fantastic. You have wonderful andcompassionate people working for you.

Covington

The whole staff was very efficient in everything they did. They treated uslike family and reassured me that there is hope after cancer. Enjoyed seeingtheir faces.

Gonzales

My family and I are very happy and grateful for the treatment and care Ireceived. Everyone goes over the top to help the patients through theirtreatments. We give Mary Bird Perkins an A+. Keep up the good work. Godbless you.

Hammond

The therapist explained every step that was being done. Every day beforetreatment, both therapists asked how I am feeling that day. My opinion isthat from when I walk through the front door till I leave every day, it is avery welcoming environment. We are always laughing and joking.

Houma

The Mary Bird Perkins Perspective is published by the Center’sCommunications Department to provide information about news andprograms of interest to the medical community, cancer patients and

their families, donors and friends of the Center.Communications Department (225) 215-1225

2 MARY BIRDPERKINSperspective

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www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2010

As2010 draws to a close, the hard work of Mary BirdPerkins Cancer Center’s extended family – team members,medical staff, volunteers, community leaders and partners –

continues its forward momentum in the fight against cancer. MaryBird Perkins now serves 18 parishes across southeast Louisiana. Weare grateful for the commitment and support of our hospital andphysician partners who are working with us to provide qualitycancer care across the region, resulting in increased access tocomprehensive care close to home, family and friends. Thecommunity’s generosity has made it possible for Mary Bird Perkinsto provide more services than ever before as we work tirelessly toincrease survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer. We aregrateful to everyone who values our mission and chooses to supportit. We couldn’t do it without you!

As of October, we already had a record-breaking year of free cancerscreenings, with many cancers detected – someone’s mother, father,brother, sister, friend, neighbor. We believe the public is benefitingfrom these collaborative outreach efforts as demonstrated byfindings from a recent review of our free screening programs,conducted by our friends and colleagues from Louisiana StateUniversity School of Public Health. One example shows that from2004 to 2009, late stage diagnosis for breast cancer screeningparticipants dropped from 71 percent to 38 percent. This meanswe detected fewer late-stage breast cancers in 2009 versus 2004 forthe populations we screened during this period, indicating theseprograms resulted in catching the disease earlier – when likelihoodof a positive outcome is highest.

Mary Bird Perkins continues to lead innovative research andeducation programs directed toward a better understanding ofcancer. The Mary Bird Perkins-LSU Medical Physics team iseducating tomorrow’s leaders and conducting important research.

One of the primary goals of this collaborative program is todevelop better treatments for patients. This team is pursuingresearch for seven funded grants and as of last count has authored12 articles published in peer-reviewed scientific journals reportingon their findings. Most importantly, their work has translated tonew and improved treatment techniques that have benefitedhundreds of patients cared for at Mary Bird Perkins and manymore throughout the world.

In 2011, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center will celebrate its 40thanniversary, honoring four remarkable decades of positivelyimpacting the lives of cancer patients and their families – regardlessof ability to pay. We humbly thank you for your support and askthat you continue to invest in this unique institution to ensure thatpatients and families have access to its life-saving work, now andinto the future.

Sincerely,

Todd Stevens

A message fromTodd D. Stevens, president and CEO

MyPerspective

CoreValuesCollaboration • Compassion • Innovation • Integrity • Respect

MissionTo improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer through expert treatment,compassionate care, early detection, research and education.

Our promise


New electron beam technology now offers improvedtreatments for complex cancers of the skin, or just belowthe skin, as a result of research by Mary Bird Perkins

Cancer Center (MBP) medical physicists. This new treatmenttechnique called bolus electron conformal therapy (BolusECT™)is the electron beam equivalent to intensity modulated radiationtherapy (IMRT) with X-ray beams. BolusECT™ tailors thepenetration of the electron beams to the cancer, sparing underlyinghealthy tissues for individual treatment. This reduces the chancefor side effects.

“Specific tumors can be treated very well with this technology,especially skin cancers of the head and neck,” said GregHenkelmann, M.D., radiation oncologist, who has used thistreatment for certain cases at MBP. Dr. Henkelmann consulted witha patient at MBP’s Covington location he thought would be aperfect candidate for BolusECT™. “The patient was diagnosedwith a very extensive skin cancer immediately adjacent to the eyeand ear and a large part of the scalp and face area,” he explained.“Although treatment using a specialized IMRT machine at one ofour other locations was being considered, the patient did not wantto travel outside of Covington, so I saw this particular situation asthe optimal opportunity to use utilize this technology. I couldn’t bemore pleased with the results of BolusECTTM and that the patientwas able to stay at home in Covington and receive the treatment heneeded. BolusECT™ is not meant to replace other technology butrather to fill a niche for very specific situations.”

Explained Todd Stevens, president and CEO, Mary Bird Perkins,“BolusECT™ is extremely specialized and may be the treatment ofchoice for a small number of patients each year. However, itsavailability for those cases demonstrates another example of Mary

Bird Perkins’ commitment to putting patients first and providingthem with care customized to their unique, individual needs.”

With the help of MBP medical physicists, the Florida-basedcompany .decimal, Inc. (pronounced dot decimal) recentlydeveloped the product BolusECT™. The world’s largest medicaldevice manufacturer of treatment aids that require precisionmachining, .decimal® fabricates the bolus out of a bluemachinable wax. The wax bolus acts as a method to vary thepenetration of the electron beam dose across the treatment field,providing treatment to the varying depth of the cancer – but nodeeper. One side of the wax bolus is shaped to fit the skin surface.The opposite side, facing the incoming electron beam, conformsthe delivered dose to the patient’s cancer. The secret to the shape ofthe front surface of the bolus is the result of the research.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with the

results of BolusECTTMand that the patient

was able to stay at home in Covington

and receive the treatment he needed.”

Greg Henkelmann, M.D.Radiation Oncologist


Research Leads toNew Individualized TreatmentElectron beam technology for skin cancers now available

Research Leads toNew Individualized TreatmentElectron beam technology for skin cancers now availableDr. Henkelmann, radiation oncologist, and Janis Mayfield, medical dosimetrist, review BolusECTTM patient treatment plan.


Performing a treatment planning CT scan is the first step in theBolusECT™ planning process. The doctor then marks the targetvolume (cancer) on the CT scan and uses the .decimal® softwareto design the bolus shape. Once the simulated dose delivery usingthe designed bolus is approved by the doctor, data is sent to the.decimal® factory in Sanford, Fla., where the bolus is fabricated bya robotic milling machine and returned to MBP the next day. Asecond treatment planning CT scan is then performed with thewax bolus in place, and the resulting dose delivery is calculated.“This final dose calculation is a key step in our quality controlprocess,” explained Connel Chu, MS, one of MBP’s 12 medicalphysicists and the lead medical physicist for clinicalimplementation and utilization of this technology.

MBP currently is in the second year of a research grant from.decimal® in which Kenneth Hogstrom, PhD, Chief of Physics,MBP, is the Principal Investigator. The research team, along withChu, includes two LSU graduate students and one postdoctoralfellow. “Our role has been to advise in the design specifications, totest the computer code and recommend improvements to it, toconsult on any questions from other users, and to help educatetherapy clinics around the world on BolusECT™ and how it canhelp cancer patients,” said Hogstrom. “With the extension of thegrant for a second year, we are looking at ways to makeBolusECT™ even more useful.”

BolusECT™ technology is based on published research conductedby Dr. Hogstrom’s team at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in the1990s before he came to Mary Bird Perkins. Previous efforts thereto translate the technology with other companies wereunsuccessful; however, the patient benefit of this technology waslater recognized by .decimal, Inc. “In summer 2006, two years afterarriving at Mary Bird, I was approached by .decimal®. The clinicalpotential of bolus electron conformal therapy was untapped andattractive to them as a new product. We have helped guide them intheir development of BolusECT™,” said Dr. Hogstrom.

“.decimal is excited about having been able to add BolusECT™ toits product line. Our business, whether electrons, protons, or X-raytherapies, is about producing custom treatment aids forindividually optimized cancer treatments. We derive great

satisfaction in being the first company worldwide to offerBolusECTTM for patient use, made possible by Dr. Hogstrom’sprevious research and the opportunity to collaborate with the MaryBird Perkins’ team throughout the development process,” said.decimal® President Richard Sweat.

“Our role with this research grant has been

to advise in the design specifications, to test

the computer code and recommend

improvements to it, to consult on any

questions from other users, and to help

educate therapy clinics around the world

on BolusECTTMand how it can help

cancer patients.”

Kenneth R. Hogstrom, PhDChief of Physics


Connel Chu, lead medical physicist for BolusECTTM,who worksclosely with Dr. Hogstrom on this initiative.


Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s 2010 Rathbone Society Dinnertook place Thursday, September 23 at the Country Club ofLouisiana. The Rathbone Dinner is dedicated to the memory of

Dr. and Mrs. M.J. Rathbone, Jr. Dr. Rathbone was one of Mary BirdPerkins Cancer Center’s founders in 1971 and was the chairman of theboard from the Center’s inception until his death in 1998.

The dinner honors individuals, organizations, corporations andfoundations that support Mary Bird Perkins at its highest levels of giving.It is also when the D. Jensen Holliday Memorial Award is presented to anindividual who has made a meaningful difference in the fight againstcancer. Mrs. Gloria Graham was honored as the recipient of this year’saward. “It’s a beautiful thing to remember Jensen by honoring others,”said Graham in her acceptance remarks.

Grateful patient David Holeman spoke of his journey to survivorship andextended his sincere thanks to both his treatment staff and the Rathbonedonors for supporting Mary Bird Perkins.

(L to R): Jerry Jolly, chair, Mary Bird Perkins Board ofDirectors, David Holeman, patient, and Todd Stevens, CEO,Mary Bird Perkins.

Rathbone Society Donors Honored

(L to R): Donna Saurage, vice chair, Mary Bird Perkins Board of Directors,and Gloria Graham, D. Jensen Holliday Award Recipient with husbandMichael Graham.

Photos courtesy of Eye Wander

(L to R): Stephen McCord, Barbara Rathbone, ShawneeMcCord, Richard Rathbone, Sr. and Richard Rathbone, Jr.


(L to R): Cherie Peters, Bill Peters, chair, Mary Bird PerkinsFoundation Board of Directors, and Gail O’Quin, Mary BirdPerkins Foundation Board Member.


Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our FutureCelebrating 40 Years of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center

To celebrate 40 years of positively impacting the lives ofcancer patients and their families and providing qualitycare for those in the community in need of services

regardless of ability to pay, Mary Bird Perkins is planning ayear-long celebration in 2011. Leading this celebration toshowcase the mission of Mary Bird Perkins will be HonoraryChairs Susan and Richard Lipsey. Honorary Vice Chairs includeShawnee and Stephen McCord, Barbara Rathbone, Michele andRichard Rathbone and Randee and Jack Rathbone. Three keyevents are planned to acknowledge and engage key supportersand increase community awareness of the organization.

Beginning in February 2011, there will be a 40th AnniversaryCelebration Gala at all Center locations. Held in conjunction withthe regularly scheduled quarterly employee luncheon, this eventwill serve as an opportunity to present a formal announcement ofthe 40th year anniversary, engage employees and unveil acelebration timeline.

On April 3, 2011, a 40th Anniversary Volunteer Celebration willbe held in the Riverview Ballroom, Hilton Baton Rouge CapitolCenter. It is at this event that all volunteers will be recognized andleadership donors will be acknowledged. The Hillar C. Moore, Jr.Outstanding Service Award, Louis D. Curet Volunteer FundraisingAward and Anna B. Lipsey Memorial Volunteer of the Year Awardswill all be presented at this celebration. Gerry Lane Enterprises willgenerously underwrite the event.

On September 15, 2011, the Rathbone Society Dinner will beheld to celebrate 40 years of philanthropy. Plans for this excitingevent are already under way.

The St. Tammany Memorial Cancer Fund(STMCF) recently made a generous gift ofmore than $13,000 to Mary Bird Perkins

Cancer Center (MBP) in Covington to helpprovide transportation for patients needingassistance getting to and from their treatments.This is the second year the organization has made adonation to support this program, bringingSTMCF’s two-year total donation to more than$20,000.

Alfred W. “Buzzy” Brown, III, president, STMCF,said, “Our board recognizes the importance ofcontinuity of care for cancer patients throughoutthe treatment process and is pleased to providefunds for transportation assistance to thoserequiring it.”

Mike Miranda, program manager, Mary BirdPerkins’ Covington Center, agreed. “Reliable,consistent transportation for patients to and fromdaily radiation treatments for five to seven weekscan present great obstacles to patients and theirfamilies, especially those who live in rural areas.”Miranda said. “We are so grateful for this generousdonation that will help us continue our mission toimprove survivorship and lessen the burden ofcancer in southeast Louisiana.” www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2010

(L to R): Alfred W. “Buzzy” Brown, III, president, STMCF; Cindy Harlan, chair,MBP Greater Northshore President’s Council; Larry Galloway, STMCF boardmember; Mike Miranda, program manager, MBP, Covington; Sharon Landry,executive director, STMCF.

St. Tammany Memorial Cancer FundMakes Generous Transportation Gift


Employees at all Mary Bird Perkins (MBP) locationsgenerously donated more than $37,000 to the 2010Rays of Healing Campaign. This internal giving

campaign took place during the month of May and was ledby employees from various departments. Heading the Raysof Healing steering committee were Chair Brent Parker,Ph.D., one of MBP’s academic medical physicists, andCampaign Co-chair Karen Spriggs, patient services liaison,Baton Rouge.

The more than $37,000 raised will support the Center’smission to improve survivorship and lessen the burden ofcancer through expert treatment, compassionate care, earlydetection, research and education. This includes theCenter’s medical physics research programs as well as theawareness, education and outreach efforts of the CARENetwork, including free cancer screenings throughoutsoutheast Louisiana communities. These funds will also beused to remove any barriers that might otherwise keeppatients from receiving their treatments, such as gas cardsfor transportation to keep their appointments.

Passionate MBP Employees

President’s Councils Expand

Members of the 2010 Rays of Healing Campaign at the kickoff breakfast.

TheMary Bird Perkins Cancer Center (MBP) President’s Council was firstestablished on the Northshore several years ago as a volunteer-driven group.Members were chosen for their leadership and involvement in their community

and their commitment to helping increase support for the services the nonprofit MaryBird Perkins provides. The initiative has proven to be quite successful and is nowexpanding to other locations.

“We have such an incredible mission and story to tell,” said MBP board memberBrett Furr (Taylor Porter), who is heading up the inaugural Baton Rouge President’sCouncil. “Our goal is to grow our membership to represent a wide cross-section ofthe local business and philanthropic community as well as expand our volunteermembership to third-party event organizers and Fight Cancer Campaign volunteers –people already helping support Mary Bird Perkins.”

This is now an avenue for talented people to get involved with Mary Bird Perkins inall its markets. “The President’s Council in each Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Centercommunity will provide visibility, credibility and active participation in philanthropicefforts by serving as a link between the community and the Center,” said Ethan Bush,senior development officer, Mary Bird Perkins.

MBP board member G. Lee Griffin (Chase, retired) sees this as a strategic effort toincrease community involvement in our mission and the impact it is having on thepeople of southeast Louisiana. “We want to engage talented people to get involvedwith Mary Bird Perkins,” Griffin said. “In this way we are developing our nextgeneration of leadership and board members.”

If you are interested in learning more about the President’s Council in your area, please contact Ethan Bushat [email protected].

Lisa AdamekDiane AllenKathy ArnesThomas BellKenneth ChampagneStacey ChiassonDarian ChustzSandra HolubRose HudsonClint HurstJeanne JamesAshley JohnsonDee KellerMarielle Land-HowardShannon Lavigne

Suzanne MarquetteElizabeth McKnightShelley MocklerHillar MooreMatt MullinsBill O’QuinGail O’QuinMike PittsElisabeth PrescottSanford RoyBlanchard SanchezHank SaurageJohn SchillerBrad SuppleOwen Weber

Baton Rouge President’s CouncilRoster 2010-11Brett Furr, Council Chair and MBP Board ofDirectors member



The artist renderings and construction blueprints will soonbecome reality when Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center atTerrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) open its doors

in late Spring 2011. Work on this state-of-the-art facility, which willserve the residents of Houma and its surrounding communities,began after a festive groundbreaking ceremony in November 2009.

The new Houma Center, connected to TGMC by a sky bridge, willbe the first building in the region and the first hospital in Louisianato earn a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)Silver certification. The U.S. Green Building Council grants thisinternationally recognized certification to buildings that areconstructed with the environment in mind.

The building’s contractor, McDonnel Group, used recycledmaterials throughout the design of the building as well as paint and

adhesive with fewer toxic compounds. An air purification systemwill be installed along with a “green” roof that will help insulate thebuilding. A lush garden will sit atop the Center as well, providingan environmental sanctuary for patients. Like all LEED-certifiedbuildings, Mary Bird Perkins at TGMC will be energy-efficient andreduce carbon dioxide emissions.

The construction of the new Mary Bird Perkins at TGMCstrengthens the organization’s commitment to bringing state-of-the-art cancer care close to home where patients live and work.

Renderings Become Reality

Clinical research is critical in finding the best treatments forthose diagnosed with cancer. As The Cancer Program of OurLady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins enters its fourth year

as a National Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) site, thefocus on expanding the Cancer Program’s clinical research infrastructureto increase patients enrolled in clinical trials continues, especially forminority and other underserved populations.

Focus on Minority AccrualsMore than 200 patients were enrolled in Cancer Program clinicaltrials in 2009 with more than 25% of those patients representingminority groups. This year, clinical research staff extended theiroutreach to minority primary care doctors with a goal of educatingthem and their patients on clinical trial opportunities close to home.

Clinical Trials in Community Cancer CentersAdvances in technology and clinical medicine over the last decadenow allow early phase clinical research to be conducted outsidemajor academic treatment centers—and in community cancercenters—allowing more people to benefit from clinical trials. With

85% of all cancer patients seeking treatment within theircommunities, the opportunity to participate in clinical trials at alocal community cancer opens doors for many people. For example,memers of underrepresented and underserved often lack the meansto travel.

In addition to increasing access for all, the NCCCP’s focus on theunderserved helps increase the reliability of research studies.“Knowing differences in cancer biology and responses to treatmentin specific populations helps medical practitioners improveindividual outcomes,” explained Donna Bryant, executive directorclinical research, Mary Bird Perkins.

ARRA Funds Enhance Clinical ResearchEarlier this year, The Cancer Program announced how its clinicalresearch programs would be expanded by the national AmericanRecovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This includes outreach toprimary care physicians, increasing the number of early phaseclinical trials offered, and expanding accruals to minorities who arefighting cancer within the community.

Clinical Research CornerSpotlight on NCCCP: Clinical Trials



NCI Community Cancer Centers P

The third year of the National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program(NCCCP) ended in June 2010. The competitively chosen sites, which included The CancerProgram of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins, continued advancing the NCCCPpriorities to:

• Improve quality of care in local community cancer programs.• Expand survivorship and palliative care programs.• Reduce health disparities, enhancing outreach in the areas of cancer education, prevention, screening

and clinical trials.• Participate in research that focuses on genes and biomarkers in cancer tissues.• Continue implementation, enhancement and integration of electronic health records.

NCI is using $80 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to expand research benefitingpatients at NCCCP pilot sites. ARRA funding also helped increase the number of NCCCP sites, resulting in a total of30 NCCCP cancer centers in 22 states across the nation that are developing programs to enhance community-basedcancer care and creating a community cancer center network to support cancer research. Two million dollars fromARRA will fund 14 more projects for our local cancer program over the next two years, focusing on making cancerprevention and care available to minority and uninsured populations.

The pilot phase of the NCCCP was a time of laying a foundation. We assessed what was possible in bringing a diversenetwork of community cancer centers together to achieve common research goals and standardized work procedures anddata collection practices so that progress could be measured uniformly. The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lakeand Mary Bird Perkins is sharing our experiences and lessons learned with new sites and with the broader researchcommunity throughout the United States.

The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird PerkinsTomorrow’s Cancer Care – Right Here, Right Now.

Key Accomplishments by Focus AreaReduce Cancer Healthcare DisparitiesOur patient navigators continue to bridge the gap for many minorities and uninsured patients when an abnormal cancerscreening result occurs. From the time the patient navigator becomes aware of a patient’s abnormal finding, they guide thepatient through every step of the diagnosis process, whether it’s scheduling appointments, addressing financial challenges orhelping the patient identify a physician. Our patient navigators’ primary goal is to remove any obstacle that could prevent apatient from receiving the immediate care they require.

In addition to English, screening and clinical trials information is now translated into Spanish and Vietnamese to ensure clearcommunication with these populations. Our Cancer Program data shows that 58% of all patients screened in 2009 wereminorities, with 46% African-American, 4% Asian-American, and 7.5% Hispanic-Americans. Also, 8% of those screened wereover 65, and 25% of all patients screened had never been screened before.

NCCCP Year Three

ARRA Funds Advance NCI Initiatives

Looking Forward

10 MARYBIRDPERKINSperspective


s Program: June 2009-July 2010

Improve Quality of Cancer CareMultidisciplinary care teams for colorectal cancer, head and neck cancer and neurological cancers have been created. These teamsprovide enhance physician collaboration, delivering the most seamless, comprehensive care possible for patients.

As we continue to identify genetic links to more and more cancers, we have enhanced our genetic counseling and testing programto provide important information to patients and their families about their risk of cancer. A board certified geneticist is a member ofour multidisciplinary teams.

Enhance Survivorship and Palliative Care ProgramsWe have developed a breast cancer patient treatment summary and survivorship care plan to provide patients and their primary carephysicians with important records of the treatment they received, including a detailed post-treatment follow-up plan created by bestpractice experiences.

Support Cancer Clinical TrialsOur Cancer Program is expanding its clinical trials research infrastructure to increase the number of patients accrued to clinicaltrials, increase participation by minority and underserved populations, and increase the types of trials that are available to patients.We enrolled more than 200 patients in clinical trials last year, with more than 25% of those patients representing minorities andunderserved populations.

Standardize Biospecimen Collection for Research througha Standards-based ApproachThe Cancer Program continues to partner with the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute to perform state-of-the artcancer research called Total Cancer CareTM (TCC). By combining research efforts, we are creating a new frontier in cancer researchthat will potentially offer personalized cancer treatment to all patients. More than 700 patients to date have been enrolled.

We continue to work with our TCCTM clinical partners at the LSU Minority-based CCOP, Wake Forest University, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and Moffitt Cancer Center and have developed clinical trial workgroups to identify the trials best suited toour patients with gastrointestinal cancers and head and neck cancers.

Enhance Information Technology Capabilities by Converting Paper-basedPatient Records to Electronic Health RecordsCohesive and comprehensive cancer care is only possible through the use of electronic medical records. Our Cancer Programhas reached new levels this year in developing secure information technology systems for sharing patient health records withother providers.




by Kenneth R. Hogstrom, PhD, Chief of Physics, Mary Bird Perkins

Medical Physics Graduate ProgramThe LSU-Mary Bird Perkins graduate program in medical physicsconsists primarily of our MS in Medical Physics and HealthPhysics Program, which is one of 18 Commission onAccreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs, Inc.(CAMPEP)-accredited medical physics graduate programs in theU.S. Our MS in Medical Physics and Health Physics Programrequires a publishable-quality research thesis in addition to itscurricula and clinical rotations at Mary Bird Perkins CancerCenter. Since restructuring in 2004, the LSU-Mary Bird Perkinsmedical physics program has graduated 27 students. Two attributesthat differentiate our MS program from most other programs areour research requirement and the program support jointly providedby Mary Bird Perkins and LSU. The research requisite helpsstudents decide whether they should continue to pursue a PhD inmedical physics, thereby including research as part of their futuremedical physics career. Also, students’ theses contribute to ouradjunct faculty efforts to improve patient care through research.

A New Paradigm: Medical PhysicsResidency EducationUpon graduation, students have typically taken positions as juniormedical physicists where they receive on-the-job clinical trainingunder the supervision of a qualified medical physicist. Three yearsof such clinical experience are presently required to sit for the final,oral component of the certification exam in therapeutic radiologicphysics offered by the American Board of Radiology (ABR).However, this training path will end in 2014, after which the ABRwill require that students must graduate from a CAMPEP-accredited medical physics residency program to be eligible for theABR certification exam. This new requirement, similar to thetraining path of their physician colleagues, will improve the qualityof junior medical physicists entering the workforce.

At present, the national capacity of residency programs isinadequate for the number of medical physicists entering the field,including those graduating from MS or PhD programs in medicalphysics. Hence, in the near future, graduate education programswill be under pressure to affiliate with a residency program untilsuch time as residency programs have adequate capacity. Toaccomplish this strategic goal, Mary Bird Perkins has established aRadiation Oncology Physics Residency Program led by ProgramDirector Brent Parker, PhD, and Chief of Clinical Physics JohnGibbons, PhD. The residency program will replace on-the-jobtraining. During training, residents will perform clinical medicalphysics services under the supervision of a staff medical physicist,which will help offset the costs of the program. The programmatriculated its first resident in July 2009 with a second residentmatriculating in July 2010.

Impact on ClinicResearch activities and the availability of graduate students result inimproved technology for our clinical practice. Research on ourTomoTherapy grant has led to use of a new technology, helicalTomoTherapy, for post-mastectomy chest wall radiation therapy.This modality offers improved normal tissue sparing and morehomogenous dose to the radiation target, the latter providinggreater cosmesis for the patient.

Research with BrainLab led to developing a unique method forevaluating the uncertainty in the volume of irradiated brain whenusing image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), important to theradiation oncologist in specifying the target volume. This method iscurrently being used to measure the accuracy of TomoTherapy andElekta IGRT systems.

More recently, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has been theacademic partner for .decimal, Inc. (see cover story on page 4 formore information).

Future PlansA good academic program continually evolves, and that is the casefor our programs. Over the next year, our goal is to achieveCAMPEP accreditation of our Radiation Oncology PhysicsResidency Program at Mary Bird Perkins and our PhD Program inMedical Physics at LSU. As our research programs at Mary BirdPerkins continue to grow, we hope to increase the number of PhDstudents. We are working to add a research program inbrachytherapy, while maintaining the momentum of our existingresearch programs. As part of these efforts, we expect to grow ouracademic medical physics staff.

This is an excerpt from an article published in the Sept/Oct 2010issue of the Association of Community Cancer Centers’ OncologyIssues magazine, which is distributed nationally.

Academic Medical PhysicsA university and community cancer center partner to train medical physicists

Academic Medical Physicists (L to R): Drs. Mitch Price, JonasFontenot, Brent Parker, John Gibbons and Kenneth Hogstrom.


$2.2 Million Awarded for Innovative ResearchTargeting Radiation at Individual Cancer Cells

The other research initiative to benefit from the recentlyannounced Department of Defense funding will be MaryBird Perkins Cancer Center's first major effort in proton

therapy research.

Historically, proton therapy has benefited a select segment ofcancer patients, mostly in treating localized, isolated, solid tumors,such as brain, spine, head and neck as well as eye tumors, beforethey spread to the rest of the body. As research improves andproton therapy technology becomes more economical for cancercenters to implement, its benefits should expand to many othertypes of cancer patients.

Principal investigator, Kenneth Hogstrom, Ph.D., chief of physics,Mary Bird Perkins, and the Dr. Charles M. Smith Chair ofMedical Physics at LSU, commented, “We are researching howbest to apply radiation calculations, referred to as pencil-beamtheory, to a new proton accelerator, called the dielectric wallproton accelerator (DWPA). This innovative research will result in

the capability to provide greater radiation doses, via protontherapy, to cancer with minimal damage to normal tissue, whichwill increase cures for many cancers.”

This study is consistent with efforts by Mary Bird Perkins and theLSU System to bring proton therapy to Baton Rouge within thenext few years. Compact Particle Acceleration Company (CPAC)will provide Mary Bird Perkins access to its prototype DWPA that isbeing developed for future patient use and is necessary to achievethe aims of the research. Dr. Hogstrom’s expertise in pencil-beamtheory, used worldwide for more than 25 years in electron therapy,will be used to devise proton dose planning for the DWPA.

“That the Department of Defense saw this research worth fundingspeaks volumes for the scientists we have on our team and theinnovative Mary Bird Perkins – LSU Medical Physics partnership,”said Todd Stevens, president and CEO, Mary Bird Perkins.


Expanding Proton Therapy to More Cancers

The U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, a divisionof the Department of Defense, recently awarded Mary BirdPerkins Cancer Center a $2.2 million research contract. The

award will support two important radiation research initiatives. Oneresearch project will be focused on targeting radiation at individualcancer cells. Research will be conducted through the Mary Bird Perkinspartnership with LSU.

Principal Investigator, Kenneth Hogstrom, Ph.D., MBP, commented,“We are researching a new paradigm in which cancer will be treatedon a cell-by-cell basis – targeting cancer cells while avoiding normalcells mixed within the target volume.” It is hoped that such therapieswill allow a greater dose to the cancer with minimal damage tonormal tissue, which could increase cures for many cancers.

This study would not be possible without the LSU CAMD (Centerfor Advanced Microstructures and Devices) synchrotron, whichprovides the monoenergetic X-ray source used to irradiate cells.Through the award, MBP will collaborate with scientists at the LSUsynchrotron and the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

“This collaborative effort, led by Kip Matthews, Ph.D., subcontractorprincipal investigator at LSU, will allow us to build a new state-of-the-art biomedical beamline at CAMD that facilitates the presentresearch as well as enabling future cancer-targeting research by LSUand other scientists,” said interim CAMD Director Rich Kurtz,Ph.D. If successful, this targeted therapy could be translated intoMary Bird Perkins using future technology called electron-laseraccelerators.

“Mary Bird Perkins is very excited about entering and contributing tobasic science that will help answer questions that could serve asbuilding blocks for future advances in the radiation treatment ofcancer,” said Todd Stevens, president and CEO, MBP.

MBP has multiple radiation devices that effectively and efficientlytarget tumor volumes for each specific patient, and it has multipleapplied research programs aimed at improving these therapies. Thisgrant, however, funds MBP’s first major effort in basic research bystudying a new paradigm for radiation therapy.


Fight Cancer CampaignUnder WayThe 2010 Fight Cancer Campaign kicked off earlier this fall and it’s not over yet! Guided this year by all-female leadership, volunteers

have been busy meeting with individuals and companies to share MBP’s story and raise financial support for the Center’s mission tolessen the burden of cancer. Every dollar donated to the campaign is invested directly back into the community by providing

outreach, education, early detection, survivorship and research programs. These initiatives are available to all residents of southeastLouisiana through charitable support by YOU and your fellow community members.

Will you become our partner in this fight today? For more information please contact the Office of Development at (225) 215-1224.

Volunteers for the Fight Cancer Campaign officiallykicked off the 2010 effort at a campaign celebrationat the home of Tom and Lisa Adamek earlier this fall.

New Facilityin CovingtonMary Bird Perkins looks forward to opening a

new facility in Covington in partnership with St.Tammany Parish Hospital.

Opening in early 2011 – directly across the street from ourpartner St. Tammany Parish Hospital – the new facility willhouse two high-energy linear accelerators, an HDR unitand a fixed PET/CT unit. The combination of incrediblecancer-fighting technology, expert physicians and additionalspace to accommodate community meetings, conferencesand more will provide the infrastructure needed to greatlyexpand the comprehensive cancer services provided topatients in Covington and surrounding areas.

We hope to begin seeing patients in February. MBP Staffare looking forward to once again working with St.Tammany Parish Hospital and the greater Northshorecommunity to deliver on our mission of improvingsurvivorship and lessening the burden of cancer.

Construction on St. Tammany Parish Hospital’s campus is proceeding at arapid pace. The foundation for two linear accelerator vaults and the HDRsuite has been poured inside the building on the first floor, which will beoccupied by Mary Bird Perkins.



The24th Annual Karnival Krewe de Louisiane Mardi Gras Ball will be held in the BatonRouge River Center on Jan. 28, 2011. This year’s theme is “The Lost City of Atlantis,”and The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins will be

the charitable beneficiary of this spectacular fundraising event.

The night will feature an indoor parade complete with marching bands, danceteams and floats. Over the last seven years, this event has raised more than onemillion dollars for the fight against cancer.

Karnival Krewe de Louisiane welcomes new members! Upon joining,members receive two tickets to the Mardi Gras Ball, which includes greatfood and entertainment in addition to the exciting indoor parade.

To learn more about Karnival Krewe de Louisiane and how tobecome a member, go to www.KarnivalKrewe.com orcall (225) 765-5002.

Save the Date:2011 Karnival Krewede LouisianeMardi Gras Ball

Mary Bird Perkins at TGMC participated at theSusan G. Komen Race for the Cure ® inThibodaux on Sat., Oct. 30, to help raise funds

to fight breast cancer. Please visit our Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/marybirdperkins to check out the shortvideo documenting the amazing event.

Houma’s KomenRace for the Cure®

Hammond’sRelay for LifeMary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Hammond is

a proud participant in the American CancerSociety’s Relay for Life. This year’s event was

held Nov. 13 at North Oak Park. According to Relay forLife Facts & Figures 2010, Relay for Life is aninternational event has brought together more than 3.5million participants, including a variety of businesses,organizations and colleges. We are also proud to be oneof the many organizations that will participate in thisspecial event to honor survivors and remember those thathave lost their battle with cancer.

3.5 millionparticipantsinternationally


Volunteers distributed pink backpacks to all Race participants.



Early detection is the most effective way to battle Louisiana’sdisproportionate cancer death rates. Mary Bird Perkins(MBP) collaborates with many partners to provide free

screenings for breast, prostate, colorectal, skin and oral cancers tounderserved and under- and uninsured populations throughoutthe year.

As of the end of Oct., MBP has had a record-breaking year forscreenings. And, our dedicated and passionate CARE Network earlydetection team is out in the community today screening morepeople. Thus far, we have held more than 200 free screening events–-beating our 2009 total. More than 6,100 people have been screened,more than 948 participants with abnormal findings have beennavigated to ensure they received appropriate follow-up, and 35cancers have been detected.

During National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Sept., MaryBird Perkins increased our free prostate cancer screenings to reachmore men who may have seen the increased media coverage ofprostate cancer. This year Mary Bird Perkins partnered with St.Elizabeth Hospital, St. Tammany Hospital, TGMC and Our Ladyof the Lake Regional Medical Center to screen 937 men at 33free events.

In October, in recognition of National Breast Cancer AwarenessMonth, Mary Bird Perkins held five breast cancer screenings in

partnership with Woman’s Hospital and screened 268 women. Breastcancer screenings are held regularly throughout the rest of the year.

Since the inception of the Early Detection Program in 2002through Oct. 31, 2010, more than 1,000 screening events havebeen held and more than 36,000 have been screened.

For more information about dates, times and locations of freecancer screenings, visit www.marybird.org.

Fighting Cancer Through Early Detection

2010 Cancer Screenings to Date*Breast Prostate Colorectal Skin Oral Total

Events 61 23 110 28 3 225

Participants 2,208 1,153 1,361 1,307 122 6,151

518 331 835 1,050 108 2,84223% 29% 61% 80% 89% 46%

581 98 11 249 9 94815%

Diagnosed cancers 15 3 1 17 0 35

*January 1-October 31, 2010

Participants neverbeen screened

Participantsnavigated

Bilingual Outreach Coordinator Grace Espinosa assists minorityparticipants with screening paperwork.



Close to HomeGala Raises$50k

The leadership and enthusiasm of Greater NorthshorePresident's Council member Mike Ford, coupled with theorganization of Strategic Employee Benefit Services

(SEBS) and Northwestern Mutual of Louisiana (NML), made theAugust 19 “Close to Home” summer gala benefiting Mary BirdPerkins Cancer Center a spectacular success. Held at Abita OaksPlantation in Abita Springs, the gala invested more than $50,000toward the fight against cancer. Special thanks to event organizersShelly Pennington and Amanda Lyday and the SEBS/NML team!

"The generous philanthropic support from SEBS and NML employees and donors who attended this unique community event will beinvested into the community to help Mary Bird Perkins and its many partners fulfill the Center's mission to improve survivorship andlessen the burden of cancer close to home," said Todd Stevens, president and CEO, MBP.

Gonzales VolunteerDavid Leader has been a volunteer for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center

since 2001. Completing 350 volunteer hours this year, Leader is afamiliar face at both the Baton Rouge and Gonzales Centers.

Referred to as “the Center’s angel,” Leader is a well-known influence and aconstant helping hand to all patients at Mary Bird. He is also a guide for newvolunteers and always has a positive influence on patients and employees alike.“My wife was treated at Mary Bird Perkins and saw all the services provided.After the loss of my wife, I would ask myself, ‘What can I do to stop the void?’ Ididn’t know where to turn, but I later felt that Mary Bird was a force that hadcome into my life for a reason. This has given me a chance to fill that void.”Although Leader participates in many other organizations that help those inneed, he said volunteering at Mary Bird Perkins has become both a commitmentand a priority.

“Since I have started volunteering at Mary Bird, I’ve

never thought about leaving, because it’s been a great experience. Just being with the patients and

talking to them has been the best therapy. I have my family at home, but Mary Bird has become

a part of my family as well—a complete family. They took me in.”David Leader

(L to R): Kevin Gardner (SEBS), Steve Dugal (NML) andMike Ford (SEBS).

Assurant Employee BenefitsFirst PremiumHumana

Northwestern Mutual of LouisianaPrescription Benefits

Strategic Employee Benefit ServicesUnited Healthcare

Special Appreciation


Fighting Cancer Through CommunityEvents in Southeast LouisianaYOU can help Mary Bird Perkins further our mission to improve survivorship and lessenthe burden of cancer!Consider hosting a community event fundraiser benefiting Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. We would be honored to work with you tocreate an exciting event idea. We are currently seeking applications from organizations and individuals desiring to host a fundraiser. Eventsmay also be held in honor or in memory of a loved one affected by cancer. For information on how YOU can help the Center moveforward with our mission by hosting a community event, please contact the Office of Development at (225) 215-1248.

Runway Mission to RemissionFashion ShowDenham Springs – The inaugural “Runway Mission to Remission”fashion show on June 3, hosted by Bass Pro Shops, was a resoundingsuccess, raising nearly $5,000 in proceeds to support Mary BirdPerkins (MBP). The event featured cancer survivors and familymembers as models, along with local celebrities–including DenhamSprings Mayor Jimmy Durbin.

(L to R): “Runway Mission to Remission” event organizers SamanthaStevenson, Tamara Laurie and Lisa Brady with Danielle Mack,development officer for events, MBP.

Walgreens Honors Local SurvivorAscension Parish – The Donaldsonville Walgreens Pharmacyhosted a Community Health Awareness Day and fundraiseron June 26 in honor of Walgreens’ Department ManagerJoyce Reed, a cancer survivor. The event raised $1,000 for thefight against cancer.

Annual Jeff Boss Memorial ClassicBaton Rouge – With more than 150 participants, the Sixth AnnualJeff Boss Memorial Classic Golf Tournament, held May 14, was atremendous success. Tournament organizers Ashley and GregStringfellow presented Mary Bird Perkins with a $5,000 check. Thisevent honors Jeff Boss, the former LSU Athletic equipment manager,who passed away from brain cancer in 2003. Boss is fondlyremembered for his selflessness and sincere dedication to the teamand players.

MBP Development Officer Danielle Mack with members ofthe Donaldsonville Walgreens staff.

(L to R): Danielle Mack, development officer, MBP, EthanBush, senior development officer, MBP, Karen Boss, BJ Boss,and Greg and Ashley Stringfellow.




Gonzales – The Ascension Tennis Association(ATA) hosted its first “Hit for Hope” tennistournament April 24 – 25 at the Gonzales TennisCenter in honor of Wanda Mayers, long-timeGonzales tennis coach and breast cancer survivor.Chairs of the event, Stephanie Purdy and LoriLeblanc, presented MBP with more than $6,000for the fight against cancer.

Hit for Hope

Crawfishman TriathlonSt. Tammany Parish – Despite the inclement weather, the Crawfishman Triathlonheld in Bush, La., on May 2 was a great success. The triathlon has been a proudsupporter of the fight against cancer since 2006 and continued this year with 420participants, raising $4,000 for MBP.

(L to R): Mark and Kirsty Salvetti with Crawfishman Triathlon, Jenni O'Neil,development officer, MBP and Sarah Bennett, Outreach Coordinator, MBP.

DISCOver a Cure - Baton RougeStevie and LeLe Keller, young Baton Rougephilanthropists, hosted their second annual“DISCOver a Cure” charity dance for approximately350 seventh and eighth graders on August 5 at theCrowne Plaza Hotel. Together with their friends,Stevie and LeLe were able to donate $8,800 to MBP.

DISCOver a Cure - HammondMore than 155 students from Holy Ghost Catholic School,Southeastern University Lab School, Mater Dolorosa, St.Joseph’s and Trafton Academy gathered on August 27 for thearea’s first “DISCOver a Cure” back to school dance, whichraised $3,700 to benefit MBP.

(L to R): Back Row - Students from Holy Ghost CatholicSchool - Bailey Barker, Skylar Compton, Carlye Galloway.Front Row - Jessica Camelo, Taylor Ridgedell, and JenniO'Neil, development officer, Mary Bird Perkins.

(L to R): Stevie Keller, Carolyn Chassee, VP,CDO, MBP, Danielle Mack, development officer,MBP, and LeLe Keller.

(L to R): Danielle Mack, development officer, MBP, Stephanie Purdy, Taylor Purdy, CoachGraylin Mayers, Danielle LeBlanc, CoachWanda Mayers, and Lori LeBlanc.


GolfTournamentFollow-up

Marking 20 years of making adifference in the lives of localcancer patients, the 2010

Mary Bird Perkins Merrill Lynch Openexemplified the community’s continuedsupport in the fight against cancer. Netproceeds of more than $160,000 will directly support thousands ofpeople throughout the Center’s 18-parish service area to improvesurvivorship and lessen the burden of cancer through experttreatment, compassionate care, early detection, research andeducation.

The Taste of the Tournament Par-Tee and Auction, underwrittenby Our Lady of the Lake Regional MedicalCenter and presented by the Hilton BatonRouge Capitol Center, kicked off this year’sfundraising activities on June 2.

“The net proceeds from the Taste of the Tournament Par-Tee andAuction will expand our resources in furthering the treatment ofcancer and its prevention,” said Ethan Bush, senior developmentofficer for Mary Bird Perkins. “The event wouldn’t have beenpossible without the 2010 Taste committee, businesses andindividuals who donated auction items, our wonderful sponsors,

the restaurants donating food and, of course, those who weregenerous with their bids.”

The Amedysis Pro-Am benefiting Mary Bird Perkins took placeJune 8 at BREC’s Santa Maria Golf Course. Then, Adams Golf ProTour Series golfers shared their talents with more than 70 aspiringyoung golfers, ages 6-16, at the Coca-Cola Junior Clinic on Friday,June 11. The youngsters received an hour of personal instruction,professional tips and pointers, and a free sleeve of golf balls. Thisyear, Mary Bird Perkins also partnered with BREC and The FirstTee, an organization that promotes character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.

The four-day professional event began June 9, with 107 players onthe roster playing at the Santa Maria Golf Course. At the end ofthe 72-hole professional event, Missouri native Brice Garnett tookhome winnings of $18,000 as champion of the tournament. Thismarked Garnett’s first win on the Adams tour.

“Even the heat indexes couldn’t hamper the enthusiasm around thisyear’s tournament,” said Randy Haddad, Mary Bird Perkins MerrillLynch Open chair. “On behalf of the entire tournament organizingcommittee, I’d like to thank Santa Maria Golf Course, the AdamsGolf pros, our tremendous sponsors, our media partners WAFB

Channel 9 and Guaranty Broadcasting and all of thisyear’s volunteers. It was truly a team effort.”


Adams Golf Pro helps kids with their golfswing at the 2010 Junior Clinic

(sponsored by Baton Rouge Coca-Cola)

(L to R): Kurt LaCroix, 2010 MBP Golf Committee Member, RandyHaddad, 2010 MBP Golf Committee Chair, Todd Stevens, MBPPresident and CEO, and Ken Caldwell, Director of Golf, BREC.

Pictured above are MBP 2010 Golf Committee and Volunteers.


Join TeamMBP and help Mary Bird Perkins raise funds and further our mission toimprove survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer in our community.

Gather a group of friends and organize a walk, run or competition and helpraise funds through TeamMBP, a great new fundraising tool that allows you tomaintain your own personal website and obtain support from friends, familyand colleagues.

Get started TODAY with your TeamMBP site!Visit: http://fightcancer.marybird.org/TeamMBPChampion

For further information on customizing your own personal page for an eventor tribute, contact Danielle Mack at (225) 215-1248 [email protected].

Join today in 5 easy steps!Step 1: Register Step 4: Customize your PageStep 2: Choose your Challenge Step 5: Begin the Fight!Step 3: Set your Goal

MBPTeamTeamWilson Foundation Supports Screening

The staff of the Huey and Angelina WilsonFoundation visit a rural cancer screeningfunded this year through the Foundation’s

grant program. Pictured at right are Dan Bevan,president, Wilson Foundation, Donna Saurage,who serves on the Boards of MBP Cancer Centerand the Wilson Foundation, Dianna Stephens, V.P.of Administration of the Wilson Foundation, JanRoss, V.P. of Grants Administration at Wilson,and Todd Stevens, CEO of Mary Bird PerkinsCancer Center.




Research shows that regaining one’s health after a cancer diagnosis is easier through physical activity and healthy living. Many cancersurvivors enrolled in CancerFit would agree with this research, as they, too, have seen the benefits of a specialized fitness plan.

CancerFit is offered by The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins and is directed by physical therapists,occupational therapists and nurses. The program helps survivors combat fatigue, nausea, anxiety and depression and general weaknesstypically brought on by treatment.

CancerFit includes:• Private evaluations to assess flexibility, strength and balance• Aerobic and therapeutic exercises• Wellness education

“Research now shows that movement is highly beneficial to patients’ wellness during and followingtreatment,” said Dr. Mitch Berger, Director of The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake andMary Bird Perkins. “Our CancerFit patients are seeing how we can address their individual needs andcapabilities so they can get back to living rich, full lives as soon as possible.”

Physician referral for CancerFit is required, and sessions are typically covered byinsurance. For more information or to enroll, please call (225) 231-3800.

Exercise andWellness ProgramHelps Survivors FeelBetter, Sooner

John Gibbons, Jr., Ph.D., Chief of Clinical Physics, MBP, was apresenter at the 2nd SANTRO (Sino-American Network forTherapeutic Radiology and Oncology) symposium in Hangzhou,China in October. Dr. Gibbons spoke on image-guided radiation

therapy for head and neck cancer.

Jointly hosted by SANTRO/CSTRO (Chinese Society of TherapeuticRadiology and Oncology), the conference featured invited speakers from boththe United States and China and brought together world-class faculty todiscuss the most current advances in radiation oncology. Issues discussedincluded clinical practice, clinical trials, translational research, and qualitymanagement of modern radiation therapy.

Gibbons Presentsin China


Photo to right: (Left) Todd S

tevens, MBP

President andCEO and Mark Dearman,

Rubicon PlantManager.

Rubicon employees were presente

d with corporaterecognition for

their continued support of MBP. They have co

ntributed through

their annual golftournament almo

st $200,000 to support the fight

against cancer!


The “Helps Cancer Outreach” of Healing Place Church in Baton

Rouge serves nutritious snacks to patients in waiting rooms at Mary

Bird Perkins. Healing Place Church started its food services in May

2010 and now has more than 34 people volunteer weekly. As a former

patient at Mary Bird Perkins, Maurine LaCour, founder of the Helps

Cancer Outreach, wanted to give to patients what was given to her. (L

to R): Pastor Jim Rentz, Terri Anderson, Maurine LaCour, Jacey Prince

Schuette, Brother Ken Spivey and Vivian Wilkerson.


Salt of the EarthDelos and Evelyn Knight were the salt of the earth – known

by all as genuinely good people. Both grew up in ruralWashington Parish during the Depression. “When I think

of Daddy, I think of him as truly a member of the greatestgeneration,” said youngest son Tim Knight. “He volunteered toserve his country in World War II and was assigned to a Navydestroyer. For three years he fought in both theaters of the war,participating in the invasions of Normandy and Okinawa, amongothers,” he explained. Delos returned home to become a rural lettercarrier, a position he held until he retired from the U.S. PostalService. After an annual colonoscopy, he was diagnosed with coloncancer and chose Mary Bird Perkins in Covington for his treatmentdue to its closeness to his home and the reputation of the facility.

Evelyn Knight grew up on a dairy farm, milking cows and workingin cotton fields. She was employed by the Clerk of Court Office inFranklinton for more than 48 years and was an avid gardener. Herlove of gardening and overexposure to the sun would eventually leadto a serious skin cancer, melanoma, on her nose. She was treated inBaton Rouge where her daughter could take her to her treatments.

Granddaughter Erin Knight Credo honors her grandparents throughtribute giving. “My husband and I donate to Mary Bird Perkins inmemory of both of my grandparents because of the support MaryBird gave all of us and because of how beautiful the organization’smission is. It not only treats those diagnosed with cancer, but it’sdedicated to prevention and early detection.” Sunscreen wasn’tsomething that was available to people during Evelyn Knight’s time.She was lucky they were able to treat her melanoma successfully.“Pappy and Maw Maw didn’t die from cancer, but they could have.”

ribute gifts are a wonderful way to commemorate or honor a specialperson or occasion in your life while supporting the fight against cancer.

•••••

birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, births, graduations

family members and friends

special people

condolences

achievements and life milestones

T

“ I know that through the tribute gifts we make, people are educated about prevention and the importance of earlydetection, and that there are free cancer screenings for those who need them. That way they have a fighting chanceat either staying cancer-free or having it detected early enough to have treatment options.”

Erin Knight Credo




In Honor of:RRaannddyy AAlllleemmaannMs. Pearl Alleman

RReeggiinnaa SSiiddnneeyy AAlllleemmaannMs. Pearl Alleman

SSuussaann AAllttaarraassMary Lou Hutchinson

NNeeddrraa WW.. BBaannkkssttoonnMr. Russell Bankston

JJooyy BBeerrnnsstteeiinnDr. Mitchell Berger

MMaarriiaa CCllooeessssnneerrMs. Lori Marionneaux

WWiilllliiaamm CCoonnggeerrMr. Randal Daniel

EEaarrll RRaayy CCrroowweeMr. and Mrs. W. R. Nobles

JJoosseepphh DDaaiigglleeCraig and Bridget Soileau

MMrr.. aanndd MMrrss.. RRuusssseellll FFiisshhDr. and Mrs. Mortimer F. Currier

DDiieeddrraa MM.. HHaarrrriiss--GGuuiiddrryyMrs. Diedra M. Harris-Guidry

WWaalltteerr HHaalleeyyMs. Carolyn H. Whaley

AAggnneess HHaarrrrooppLynn and Bill Guggolz

DDrr.. GGrreeggoorryy CC.. HHeennkkeellmmaannnnMs. Ora Leblanc

KKiirrbbyyee HHoolllliieerrMs. Lori Marionneaux

DDrr.. SShheellddoonn JJoohhnnssoonnMr. and Mrs. Michel V. Wall

BBaarrbbaarraa JJoouurrddaannMr. W. Donald McCarter

DDeeee aanndd JJoohhnn KKeennttMr. James Robinson

MMaarrggaarreett LLaawwCraig and Bridget Soileau

DDaann aanndd MMaarrcciiaa MMaarrsshhMr. and Mrs. Alexander Chappo

MMoocckklleerr BBeevveerraaggeeStarmount Life Insurance

HHiillllaarr MMoooorreeAnn Wilkinson

LLooyyccee VV.. PPaattiinnMs. Cherine Patin

AAnnttoonn PPeerrkkoovviiccMr. W. Donald McCarter

TThhoommaass RR.. RRaammssaayyMs. Jane R. Hodges

SSttaacceeyy RRiicchhaarrddMr. and Mrs. Robert Evans

KKaarreenn SScchhiilllliinnggMr. Benjamin Meyers

DDrr.. DDeerrrriicckk SSppeellllMs. Donna White

RRaajjuu TThhoommaassMr. and Mrs. Michel V. Wall

JJaacckk WWiillssoonnMr. Jason Arms

TTrriisshhaa WWrriigghhttColorado Business Group on Health

In Memory Of:HHuueeyy PP.. AAddaammssMr. and Mrs. John Guerin

CCoonnrraadd SS.. AAddkkiinnssMs. Christine Lipsey

BBeenn AAlleexxaannddeerrOut to Lunch Bunch

DDaannnnyy MMyyeerrss AAlleexxaannddeerrOut to Lunch Bunch

LLaarrrryy AAlllleennMrs. Monica AllenMs. Susan Allen

EE.. KKiimm AAllmmeennddiinnggeerrMr. and Mrs. Kerry L. Cook

RRoossee MMaarryy AAnnggeelllloozzMr. and Mrs. Marvin Harrell

TThheellmmaa MMeesssseerr AAnntthhoonnyyMr. Theodore W. Anthony

JJaanniiee VViicckkeerrss AArrggrraavveeMr. and Mrs. Dale Diez

EElleeaannoorr WW.. BBaaeerrDr. Bruce L. Baer

GGeerraallddiinnee SS.. BBaaiilleeyyMr. and Mrs. Felton Ceasar

MMaarriiee RRuubbyy BBaaiilleeyyMr. and Mrs. Harold S. Seaton

CChhaarrlleess NN.. BBaakkeerrMrs. Gladys V. BakerLakeview Regional Medical Center

JJoosseepphh LL.. BBaarrbbee,, IIIIIIMr. Joseph Barbe

EE..SS.. ““BBuuggss”” BBaarrnneessPat and Billy Smith

MMaarrcc BBeecckkeerrMs. Karen Klienman

GGaayyllee BBeeeebboowweerrLouisiana Cancer Registers Association

JJaammeess DDuuddlleeyy ““JJiimmmmyy”” BBeennttoonnMr. J. Michael Benton

CCyyrruuss BBeerrggeerrMr. and Mrs. Morise DuffinDianne H. Griffin

JJoosseepphh AA.. BBeerrttoonneeMs. Elizabeth McIntyre

CCooddyy BBllaacckklleeddggeeMr. and Mrs. Neil Record

A Gift That LastsWhen you make a tribute gift, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center will both acknowledge your contribution while keeping the amountconfidential, and notify the honoree or other designated individual(s) such as family members (when provided).

To make a tribute gift by mail, send your check payable to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Development Office, 4950 Essen Lane, BatonRouge, LA 70809. If you would like notification of the gift sent to someone, please be sure to include the reason behind your contribution(as in, “in honor of the 65th birthday of John Miller”), plus the name(s) and address(es) of those to receive the notification.

Your generous contribution will honor someone special while helping Mary Bird Perkins continue to provide the highest quality radiationtherapy and compassionate care in Southeast Louisiana. For further information on making a tax-deductible tribute gift, contact DanielleMack at (225) 215-1248 or [email protected].

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center gratefully acknowledges the following gifts made in memory of or in honor of a special person or lovedone during the period of 3/01/10 - 8/31/10.

ribute gifts are a wonderful way to commemorate or honor a specialperson or occasion in your life while supporting the fight against cancer.


PPeeggggyy BBoonnnneeccaarrrreerreeMr. Donald Bonnecarrere

KKeennnneetthh BBoouurrggeeooiissDEMCO Employee Plan Compliance Co.Dr. Julie Gayle Mrs. Carey Jackson Mr. Joseph James Mr. Whitney LangloisMrs. Janie Mills Project Consulting Services, Inc.

OOlllliiee BB.. BBrrooookkssShirley Brooks

BBeerrttiiee BBrroowwnnMr. and Mrs. John Lapenas, Jr.

AAnnnn BBrroowwnnlleeaaddeerrMr. and Mrs. Derek Brownleader

CCaatthheerriinnee GG.. BBrruunnooBoard of Directors, Management andEmployees of Associated Grocers, Inc.

EEdd BBuuggggss,, JJrr. Board of Directors, Management andEmployees of Associated Grocers, Inc.

JJooaann JJ.. BBuuttttMr. Herbert H. Butt

DDoonn CCaanncciieennnneeBoard of Directors, Management andEmployees of Associated Grocers, Inc.

EEtthheell CCaarraawwaayyMrs. Cathy F. Carraway

HHeennrryy BB.. CCaarrrroollll,, JJrr..Production Services Network

GGlleennddaa CCaattaannzzaarrooMr. Eddie BryantMr. Blake ChiassonMr. and Mrs. John FirminJanet HubbardPoolCorpJanet ShafferSouth Central Pools - Baton Rouge Branch,Metairie Branch, Mandeville Branch andLafayette Branch

Ms. Kilo SunderlandIIrrmmaa LLeeee CChhaammbblliissssBeth Rabalais and Susan Myrick

TToommmmyy CChhaammbblliissssMr. and Mrs. Herman Hunt

PPaattttyy LLuukkee CChhaattaaggnniieerrMs. Katherine Porche

AAnntthhoonnyy ““LLaarrrryy”” CChhuussttzzBeverly Honore Mr. and Mrs. Ron Mitchell Ms. Rita Myers Dr. and Mrs. Max Scott Mr. and Mrs. Ross Whitfield

PPrreessttoonn CChhuussttzzMrs. Mary A. Chustz

RRoonnnniiee CChhuussttzzDana and Myles Kirkland

WWaayynnee CChhuussttzzDana and Myles Kirkland

DDoorrootthhyy CCllaayyMark and Edie Michel

JJeessssiiee CCooaatteessMr. and Mrs. John L. Kaiser, Sr.

DDoommiinniicckk GG.. CCoonnggeemmiiMs. Dorothy Hitt

SStteepphheenn CCoouuvviilllloonnBoard of Directors, Management andEmployees of Associated Grocers, Inc.

DDeelloorreess CCoovviinnggttoonnMr. and Mrs. Bradley G. Mayeux

GGrraaccee RR.. CCrraaiinnMr. Norman Crain

NNoollaann PP.. DDaaiiggllee,, SSrr..Craig and Bridget Soileau

EEtthheell MMaarriiee DDaalleeMr. and Mrs. Neville L. Wilkerson

AArrtt DDaarrddeeaauuMrs. Jeanie Dardeau

HHeelleenn DDeemmeerrssMr. Larry Rolling

GGaassssiiee DDeevviilllleeBoard of Directors, Management andEmployees of Associated Grocers, Inc.

CCaammiillllee DDiiaazzMr. and Mrs. Alvin Leblanc

PPeeggggyy DDiiBBeenneeddeettttooMs. Billie Langlois

MMaabbeell DDiixxoonnMr. Thurman J. Tanner

GGaarryy MM.. DDooffffiittttBoard of Directors, Management andEmployees of Associated Grocers, Inc.

KKaatthhlleeeenn ““KKaayy”” DDoouugghhttyyFran AucoinMr. and Mrs. John S. Barry, Jr. Lamar and Frances Brumfield Friday Night BunchMs. Audrey Fry Carolyn and Julian Honeycutt Members of the Republican LegislativeDelegation and June Peay

Oakcrest Baptist Church Mrs. Sylvia RodrigueMr. and Mrs. Alfred W. Speer

BBoobbbbiiee DDuubboosseeMr. and Mrs. William Dobson

CCoorreeyy DDuuffrreenneeMr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Goscha

KKaatthhyy DDyyeerrMr. John P. Dyer

CChhuucckk EEddwwaarrddssMr. Horace White

TTrriillbbyy EEsstteessPat and Billy Smith

LLooiiss FFaahhrreennbbaacchheerrMrs. Melva Burgess

HHoorraaccee DD.. FFeennnn,, JJrr..Mrs. Ann Fenn

JJooyyccee FFeennoorreeMr. Thurman J. Tanner

RRoobbeerrtt EEuuggeennee FFlleettcchheerrSherri and Richard Hayden

VViioolleett NN.. FFoonntteennoottMr. and Mrs. Eddie McClure

EEaarrll JJ.. FFoouurrrroouuxxMs. Beryl Fourroux

CCllyyddee DD.. FFrraammeeDr. and Mrs. A. James Klein

RRoobbeerrtt MM.. FFrraannkklliinnMrs. Hella M. Franklin

LLiinnddeenn GGaassppaarrddWayne and Debbie Landry

SSaallllyy BB.. GGiigglliiooMr. and Mrs. Erwin Gruettner

CChhaadd TThhoommaass GGoollssoonnMrs. Lynn Dalier

CCoollaann GGrriiffffiinnDianne H. Griffin

AAuurreelliiaa GGrriiffffiitthhMrs. Naomi Vince

TTaarraa HHaayyddeellTeresa Duplantis

RRaannddaallll HHeellmmMr. and Mrs. Charles L. Harrington

CChheesstteerr HHeerrnnaannddeezzMr. and Mrs. Francis Becnel

PPeeggggyy HHooffffmmaannMr. and Mrs. Donald Houde

RRoobbeerrtt HHoolliiffiieellddMerlie and Herman Hunt

RRoobbiinn HHoooodd,, SSrr..Mrs. Bertha D. Hood

DDaallee HHoottaarrddMs. Peggy David

RRuuddyy HHuuddssoonnClay and Merlie Hunt

MMaarrggaarreett HHuulliinnMrs. Mary L. Welsh and Family

MMaarrggiiee BBooyylleess HHuuttcchhiinnssoonnMr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Graner

JJoohhnn CC.. JJaacckkssoonn,, JJrr.. Mr. and Mrs. Dale Diez

MMiillddrreedd IIssssaacc JJaacckkssoonnMs. Marie J. Williams

VVeerrlliinn JJaacckkssoonnDot O’Neal

SSaarraahh ““SSooookkiiee”” JJaanneeMrs. Hella M. Franklin

DDoolloorreess LL.. JJeennkkiinnssMr. Hubert O. Jenkins

AAlleettoonn JJoohhnnssoonnMr. and Mrs. David Brown

EEmmeellddaa JJoohhnnssoonnMrs. Margaret Brown

JJ.. JJ.. JJoohhnnssoonnMrs. Frank Norwood

AArrtthhuurr JJoonneessMrs. Elizabeth Jones

JJeerrrryy aanndd GGeenneevvaa JJoonneessMrs. Kathryn Landry

JJoohhnn WW.. JJoorrddaannBoard of Directors, Management andEmployees of Associated Grocers, Inc.

MMaarrcciiaa KKaappllaann KKaannttrroowwMr. and Mrs. Byron R. Kantrow, Jr.

FFaaeeqq SSaalleemm KKaarraaddsshheehhMr. Richard BankstonMr. Richard Bisson Mr. and Mrs. Ron Mitchell Mr. Mark MurphyMs. Heidi ThompsonMr. and Mrs. James Vilas

CCllaauuddee KKiimmbblleeMr. and Mrs. Alex Wall, Jr.

MMiillddrreedd KKiimmbbaallllMr. and Mrs. Alex W. Wall, Jr.




WWaallllaaccee AA.. KKiittcchheennssMrs. Edith Kitchens

EEvveellyynn KKnniigghhttJake and Erin Credo

MMaarrttiinn KKoocchhDr. and Mrs. Mortimer F. Currier

NNeellll BB.. LLaaccoouurrMs. Gert Lacour

EEnnrriiqquuee LLaalluuzzDr. and Mrs. C. Verne Brian

DDeennnniiss EEaarrll LLaannddrryyMrs. Kathryn Landry

SSaabbiinn aanndd LLaauurraa LLaannddrryyMrs. Kathryn Landry

EEdd LLaanneeDr. Dominique Homberger

SSaannddyy LLaannggssttoonnMr. and Mrs. Wade Millet

MMiiggnnoonn PPaattttoonn LLaasssseetteerrMr. and Mrs. George BogganMrs. Millie EdwardsTom and Pat Hightower Mr. and Mrs. Jay Parker Ms. Janet PoundsFamily of Annette P. Ward

CCaarrrroollll LL.. LLaarrttiigguueeMr. Robert Lartigue

PPiixxiiee BBrriiddggffoorrtthh LLaauuffeerrsswweeiilleerrMrs. Barbara Parker

MMaarryy KKlliinngg LLeeaaddeerrMr. David Jordan

AAnnnnaa LLeebbllaanncc LLeeBBeeaauuMs. Ruth BergeronDr. Harry Brown Dr. and Mrs. Thomas FosterMr. Herman Frederic Mr. and Mrs. Scott Irwin Mr. and Mrs. Richard Skolny Mr. William Somers St. Ignatius Home and School AssociationMr. and Mrs. Glynn VillemaretteMs. Monica Wiley

JJaanniiccee PP.. LLeebbllaannccBoard of Directors, Management andEmployees of Associated Grocers, Inc.

LLiinnddaa VV.. LLeeeeMr. and Mrs. G. Lee Griffin

WWiilllliiaamm LLeevviinneeDr. Francine RebhunDr. Susan TragerTerri-Ellen Wasserstein

JJeeffff LLoocciicceerrooMrs. Frances B. Ray

EEddwwiinnaa LLuueeddttkkeeMr. Alton Luedtke

EErriicc LLuuggeennbbuuhhllSalmen Family Foundation

CCyynntthhiiaa AAnnnn MMaalliinnaaDianne H. Griffin

MMaarrjjoorriiee MMaalloonneeMr. and Mrs. Jerry Baldwin

DDoorriiss MMaassccaarreellllaaMr. and Mrs. James Mascarella

DDiixxiiee TTaanngguuiiss MMccCCuuttcchheeoonnMr. and Mrs. John Kaiser

KKaattiiee AAlllleenn MMccNNaabbbbMrs. Mary Allen

FFaatthheerr ooff KKeenn MMiilllleerrBrowns Ferry Nuclear Plant

MMaauurriiccee LL.. ““RRooyy”” MMiilllleerrGary and Susan KoederitzMr. and Mrs. Darrin SimpsonMrs. Stacey Simpson-Calvert/State Farm Insurance

LLaarrrryy MMuussggrroovveeMrs. Frank Norwood

GGeerraallddiinnee GG.. NNeerrrreeMr. Michael F. Cammarosano

DDaavviidd NNooeellMr. and Mrs. Kenneth D. Maher, Sr.

TTeerrrreell RR.. PPaallmmiissaannooBoard of Directors, Management andEmployees of Associated Grocers, Inc.

CCeecciill SSllooaann PPaarrkkeerrOut to Lunch Bunch

SSaannddrraa AAnnnn PPaarrssoonnssHelen Parsons

RRaannnnyy GG.. PPeeaarrcceeMr. and Mrs. Frank Pearce, Jr.Mrs. Judy B. Pearce

BBaarrbbaarraa PPaattrriicckk PPaayynneeAudubon General Contractors, Inc.

TToorrrriiss JJ.. PPeelliicchheettMr. and Mrs. Morise DuffinOur House for Respite

MMaauuddiinnee SSppeeaarrss PPeeppeeMr. and Mrs. Angelo J. Pepe

FFrreedd PPiicckkeerreennMr. and Mrs. Stephen McCord

CChhaarrlleess AA.. ““BBooooggyy”” PPrreejjeeaannPhi Lambda Epsilon National Fraternity Komal Shah

ZZooee KKeeeeffee PPuurrsseellllMr. Wallace G. Pursell

TThhoommaass RR.. RRaammssaayyMs. Jane Hodges

MMaarrjjoorriiee RReeeeddMr. G. E. Reed, Jr.

AAllbbeerrtt JJ.. RRiicchhaarrddssoonn,, JJrr..Mrs. Dora J. Richardson

JJoohhnn aanndd LLaalleettttee RRoobbeerrttssMr. and Mrs. Adrian Harris

KKeennnnyy RRooyyMrs. Carolyn Fernbaugh

SSeeddoonniiaa RRuuggggiiaaMr. and Mrs. James N. Prine

RReeggiinnaa SSaanncchheezzMs. Dorothy Webre

HHiillmmaa SSaassssaauuMr. and Mrs. Leroy Washington

EElliizzaabbeetthh CCrraavveenn SSaavvooiieeMr. and Mrs. M. E. Hoover

EEddwwaarrdd SShhaannkklliinnBoard of Directors, Management andEmployees of Associated Grocers, Inc.

BBeerrnniittaa MM.. SScchhooffiieellddPat and Billy Smith

RRooggeerr WWaayynnee SSiigglleerrMs. Molly S. Morgan

DDaavviidd SSiimmssMs. Clara Earl

AAllmmoonn CC.. SSmmiitthhMrs. Carolina S. Smith

MMiikkee SSmmiitthhMr. and Mrs. Ronald H. Lock

GGaaiill SSttaallllccuuppMr. and Mrs. Luther Despino

JJoohhnn SSttaanneeffffMr. and Mrs. A. Steve Allison

MMaarryy EElllleenn SSttaapplleettoonnBoard of Directors, Management andEmployees of Associated Grocers, Inc.

MMaallccoollmm aanndd SStteellllaa SStteeiinn,, SSrr..Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm T. Stein, Jr.

CCaarrllooss TTeerrrreellllMr. and Mrs. Donald Piatt

SSaannttiinnaa TTiittoonneeDr. and Mrs. C. Verne Brian

JJoossiiee TToorrrreessDana and Myles Kirkland

HHeennrryy OO.. TToouuppss,, IIIIIIBoard of Directors, Management andEmployees of Associated Grocers, Inc.

MMaarryy BBeetthh TToowwnnsseennddAcadiana Bridge Association Ken, Gerri and Pat Lacour

MMaarryy SSuuee TTrruullllMr. Kenneth I. Trull

SSaallvvaaddoorr ““SSaammmmyy”” TTrruuppiiaannooGayle and Ronnie CheekMs. Lois Falk Mrs. Mindy GibbonsBlanche Gulotta C.J. and Keith Ladner Alice F. Mathews Jacki and Larry Perrin Mr. George Peterson Jim and Connie SeitzMettery and Mary Ann SherryMr. and Mrs. John Stumpf, Jr.

DDoorrootthhyy MMaarrggaarreett VVaanncceeMs. Carol PageMr. and Mrs. Brian Plunk

WWaallllaaccee WWaaddddeellllMrs. Cheryl L. Waddell

LLuuee MMaarrggiiee WWaasshhiinnggttoonnMs. Lawona Washington

MMaarrtteeaall WWeebbbbMr. and Mrs. Robert Campbell

DDoollllyy WWeesslleeyyMr. and Mrs. William Persick

HHeelleenn WWhheeeelleerrMr. Gaylan Loveless

SShhiirrllyynn PP.. WWhhiitteeMr. and Mrs. Wayne Roy

HHaazzeell WWiilllliiaammssMs. LaRue JollyMrs. Mary LivingstonMs. Salli PhillipsMrs. Judy PolMs. Karen Spriggs

MMaarrggaarreett EE.. WWiillssoonnMr. and Mrs. Richard L. Wilson

WWiilllliiaamm WWrriigghhttDana and Myles Kirkland

VViioolleett YYaarrbbrroouugghhWarren Wheeler



Aradiation oncologist practicing at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Centerfor the past 29 years, 15 of those years as its medical director,Sheldon Johnson, M.D., grew up on a poultry farm in Poplarville,

Miss.

After graduating from medical school at the University of Mississippi inJackson, Dr. Johnson practiced in several geographic locations over sevenyears before deciding to settle in Baton Rouge. “I like Baton Rouge,”Johnson said. “It’s in the South, it’s close to home, and I like the peoplehere. It’s a good community.” Johnson’s wife Judi, whom he met at MaryBird Perkins, was a radiation therapist at the time. “I enjoyed working withthe patients, getting to see them every day,” she explained. “The patientswith a positive attitude were wonderful. I think attitude makes all thedifference.”

When Dr. Johnson and Judi married almost 17 years ago, they weremindful of the importance of estate planning in light of their newlyblended families. Aside from such things as advanced directives andpowers of attorney, the Johnsons wanted to make a provision in theirwill for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation. “It’s been my

CANCER CENTER FOUNDATION

MARY B

IRD P

ERKIN

S C

ANCER C

ENTER F

OUNDATIO

N THE MISSION IS SIMPLE:Build an Endowment

to Fight Cancer

Continued on page 29

The Future ofCancer CareStarts Now.With your help now,Mary Bird PerkinsCancer Center Foundation willmake a difference in the future.

• Everyone in our community canturn to Mary Bird Perkins for thecancer care they need.

• The most advanced treatment andsupport services available.

• Awareness and preventionprograms that help stop cancerbefore it starts or catches it early soit can be more successfully treated.

• Vital research that improves care andsaves lives. But we need to do more.

With your support, we can make sureservices and new advances in cancer careare available for you, your children andyour grandchildren through Mary BirdPerkins Cancer Center Foundation. Ourmission is simple: build an endowmentto fight cancer. This will ensure thatpatients and families have access to allthe services they need—now and in thefuture—and that valuable cancer researchcontinues.

Our first milestone is to grow theendowment. As gifts are invested andgenerate additional funds, your supportwill have an impact far beyond MaryBird Perkins. The Foundation will awardgrants for both Mary Bird Perkins andother area nonprofit organizationsdedicated to helping cancer patients andtheir families.

Your gift will help patients and theirfamilies receive all the programs andservices they need, when they need them.And with your support, sophisticatedresearch that saves lives will continueuntil cancer is cured.

For information please contact the Office ofDevelopment at (225) 215-1224 or [email protected]



Secret Givers Impact Mary Bird Perkins

life,” stated Dr. Johnson. “The structure of the Center, how itcame to be created – there are so many ways in which it isunique. Judi and I believe it’s something that needs to continue.We wanted to help ensure a strong legacy of cancer care forgenerations to come.”

Cautioning that one must be very thoughtful when consideringleaving a portion of one’s estate to any organization, Dr. Johnsonsaid, “You want the organization to be a good steward. You shouldagree with its mission and know the institution has a structure inplace where the money will be administered wisely. You want togive to an organization that will be there for a long time.” As theCenter prepares to celebrate its 40th birthday in 2011, Dr. Johnsonwould like to see more people make gifts to the endowment to

support research, education and expert treatment. “The mission issimple: build an endowment to fight cancer,” he said. “This willensure that patients and families have access to all the services theyneed – now and in the future – and that valuable cancer researchcontinues.”

Johnson described Baton Rouge as a community where manypeople give back, setting an example for others. “Judi and I want tobe among those setting the example, encouraging others to give,”he explained. “Otherwise, we could have done it anonymously.”Johnson said the work continues. “We want our children to be ableto tell their children that we did some good things here. We wantour children and grandchildren to understand how important it isto give back.”

“You want the organization to be agood steward.”

Dr. Sheldon JohnsonContinued from previous page

Their foresight will leave a legacyfor the future, but we never hadthe chance to say thank you.

Raymond Gettier was a meticulousplanner. After retiring from Uniroyal as aquality control manager, he began tomeet with his attorney, Bob Hawthorne,in 1979. His first estate plans weresimple: leave everything to his wife,Mary. Sadly, Mary passed away in 2001.

“It took him nearly two years to reallydecide what to do,” Bob said.

With thoughtful dedication, this mild-mannered gentleman choseto divide his estate among three nonprofit organizations, includingMary Bird Perkins.

The substantial bequest was an amazing surprise to theDevelopment Staff of Mary Bird Perkins, who had never evenmet Mr. Gettier and learned of his generosity several months afterhe passed away. In his honor, Mary Bird Perkins established anendowed fund bearing the names of both Mr. Gettier and hiswife Mary.

Eleanor Newmann lost her spouse and had no children. While shesuffered from Parkinson’s disease, her husband died of prostatecancer and her mother lost an arm after several surgeries during herbattle with cancer. “Cancer was very near to her heart,” said

Henrietta Jones, Eleanor’s best friend and executor of her estate.With a bubbly, loving personality, Eleanor volunteered at MaryBird Perkins after retiring from LSU. Two weeks before her suddendeath, Eleanor wrote her estate plans with Henrietta, creating alegacy that included a gift to Mary Bird Perkins and two additionalnonprofit organizations.

“Gifts like these—whether large or small—have a significantimpact on Mary Bird Perkins and allow the donors’ names to livein perpetuity,” said Ethan Bush, senior development officer, MaryBird Perkins. “We could not be more grateful, and we wish we hadbeen able to know these wonderful individuals and to thank thempersonally for their thoughtfulness and generosity. I would haveloved the opportunity to meet such benevolent friends who choseto make a difference in the fight against cancer through their estateplans. It would have been an honor.”

If you have named Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundationin your estate plans or are considering making a gift, please give usa call! Your gift can remain anonymous, if you wish, and you arefree to change your mind. We would love to help you write yourown legacy—and extend our gratitude.

By making a gift to Mary Bird Perkins CancerCenter Foundation, your gift—and yourlegacy— will touch people’s lives forever.


M A R Y B I R D P E R K I N S C A N C E R C E N T E R F O U N D A T I O N

Tidying UpYour Year-End PlansSmall Moves that Can Pay OffThe end of the year is an opportune time to be tax-savvy withyour finances. Now is the time to make sure you have a plan inplace to protect your wealth with valuable and often overlookedtax deductions. Making these moves now can help save you froman unnecessary tax bite in 2011.

Start by estimating how much income you expect to bring inby the end of 2010. Knowing this information can help youdecide how much you may want to give to favorite causes,resulting in reduced income taxes.

Below are a few innovative year-end giving ideas that canreduce your potential tax hit or even boost your income thisyear while getting a tax break.

Giving and ReceivingWhen you support our mission, you not only make a difference in the lives of others, but you also receive a tax deduction. Youcan usually itemize and write off the amount you’re donating, resulting in lower taxable income. If you are unsure whether yourgift is tax-deductible, you can always check with us.

Getting Income from Your GiftWhether you’re still working or retired, you may decide after assessing your finances that you need more income. Consider settingup a life income gift to benefit a charitable organization such as Mary Bird Perkins. In exchange for your gift of cash or securities,or possibly real estate, you or a beneficiary you designate receive income for life. Plus, you get a partial charitable tax deduction theyear you make the gift. Once the payment period ends—or you or your beneficiary passes on—the remaining assets go to us.

Using Tax-Smart Strategiesto Make GiftsConsider donating appreciated property instead of cash. If yougive us property you have owned for more than a year, theamount you can write off is the asset’s value on the day you makethe gift. So, if the property has increased in value while you’veowned it, you won’t owe tax on its appreciation. If the property’svalue is now below your original purchase price, you could sell totake a capital loss as allowed by law, thus reducing your taxableincome. Then, donate the cash to us. Both cases are win-winsituations—you help us while smartly managing your taxes.




How to Remember UsSample Bequest Language for Your WillThe official legal bequest language for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation is:

“I, [name of donor, city, state], give to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation [written amount or percentage of the estate ordescription of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose.”

“I, [name of donor, city, state], give to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation [written amount or percentage of the estate ordescription of property]. My unrestricted gift is to be used for the endowment of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation to addressthe evolving needs of the organization based on the mission and vision of the Foundation.”

If you prefer to remain anonymous, your gift will be kept completely confidential. However, recognition of your gift can encourage othersto do the same. Whatever the case, we will honor your wishes–because we appreciate your support immensely.

Thank You!It is through your generosity that together, we can make a difference in the lives of others.

For More InformationIf you need any other specific information about a bequest, please contact the Office of Developmentat (225) 215-1224 or [email protected].


4950 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809Address Service Requested

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDBATON ROUGE, LA

PERMIT NO. 603

COMM-PP-102(11/10)BRP

After Rita was diagnosed with throat cancer, she and herfamily compared treatment facilities all over the country.

Together they determined that Mary Bird Perkins was thebest choice. It had also been Rita’s first choice.

“Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has a great reputation,”she says, “so I knew that’s where I wanted to go.

And they were all wonderful to me.”

Baton Rouge | Covington | Gonzales | Hammond | Houma


2010 V2 Perkins Perspective

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