Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Breast Surgery

09/27/2025

🩺 Take the next step toward protecting your health.

Cancer is most treatable when caught early — and we’re bringing FREE SCREENINGS straight to your community to help make that possible. Whether it’s your first screening or you’re a screening pro, we’re here for you. 💛

Upcoming Screening Dates:

📍GONZALES: Jambalaya Park, October 4 at 9 a.m. – Breast, colorectal, prostate, and skin

Don’t wait — screenings are free, easy and potentially life-saving. 🎗️

🔗 Visit marybird.com/get-screened to learn more.

09/26/2025

Live Well Ascension is next week! ✨

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is proud to partner with the Gonzales Area Foundation to bring this free community health event to the Ascension Parish community.

📅 Saturday, October 4 | ⏰ 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
📍 Jambalaya Park, 1015 E Cornerview Street, Gonzales
🩺 Screenings available: Breast, Colorectal, Prostate & Skin Cancer

The event is free, but screening appointments are required. Call (225) 425-8034 or visit pogo.marybird.com to schedule your screening.

Early detection saves lives. Don’t miss this opportunity to take charge of your health! 🙌

More info: https://bit.ly/3Iy0pZK

09/25/2025

🎀✂️ A New Chapter for Cancer Care in Ascension Parish!

This week, we celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the newly expanded Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Gonzales!

Thanks to the incredible support of the Ascension Parish community, this expansion brings:
✨ New chemotherapy and infusion bays so patients can receive more treatments close to home
✨ Enhanced technology including advanced radiation systems and diagnostic imaging
✨ Additional space for patient support services and compassionate care

This milestone is more than a building, it’s a commitment to the thousands of patients and families in Ascension Parish who deserve world-class cancer care without leaving their community.

📸 Check out the photos and video highlights from this special day and learn more about what this expansion means for Ascension Parish in our latest blog:
👉https://marybird.org/blog/gonzales/in-gonzales-a-ribbon-cutting-months-in-the-making/

09/25/2025

💜 Thank you, Congresswoman Julia Letlow, for your support!

We are proud to officially offer oncology and hematology services, in partnership with Franklin Medical Center, bringing life-saving cancer care closer to home for patients in northeast Louisiana.

Through this new relationship, patients will receive care from Dr. Manish Dhawan and a dedicated oncology team, supported by Mary Bird Perkins’ multidisciplinary expertise, advanced technologies, and access to the latest research, ensuring world-class treatment is available right in Franklin Parish.

We are grateful to partner with Franklin Parish Medical Center to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer for the communities we serve.

📰 Read the full article below.

🙏 Thank you again, Congresswoman Julia Letlow, for your dedication to the people of your community and for championing access to care.

A new partnership between Franklin Parish Medical Center and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center works to enhance cancer care in Franklin Parish.

09/24/2025

💜 Make a Difference: Volunteer with Mary Bird Perkins!
At Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, volunteers are at the heart of our mission to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer. Whether you’re greeting patients, helping with events, or offering a comforting smile, your time makes a meaningful impact.

✨ Ways to Volunteer:
🔹 Core Volunteers: Provide guest services, clerical support, and a personal touch for patients (adults 18+, 4-hour weekly shift).
🔹 Event Volunteers: Help plan or assist at signature fundraising events (age 16+).
🔹 Student Volunteers: Gain service hours while supporting patients (18+, references required).
🔹 Survivor Volunteers: Share your journey to inspire and comfort others.

💻 Learn more and sign up today: marybird.org/volunteer

Together, we can create moments of comfort, hope, and healing for every patient we serve.

09/22/2025

💜 We’re proud to celebrate the incredible women leading the way in cancer care and beyond!

Recently, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, in partnership with Baton Rouge General Medical Center, hosted the Women in Medicine event. Nearly 70 female providers from across our community gathered to connect and hear from an inspiring panel of six specialists, including our own Dr. Mindy Bowie (breast surgical oncology) and Dr. Constance Blunt (hematology, medical oncology).

Members of the dynamic panel, which also featured Dr. Sarah Baker (colorectal surgery), Dr. Karalyn Bentley (bariatrics & general surgery), Dr. Shashi Gavini (cardiology), and Dr. Ayme Schmeeckle (urology), shared their journeys and insights, encouraging collaboration and empowering the next generation of women in medicine.

👏 We are grateful for Dr. Bowie, Dr. Blunt, and every provider who continues to inspire and champion better care for our patients.

09/20/2025

🩺 Take the next step toward protecting your health.

Cancer is most treatable when caught early — and we’re bringing FREE SCREENINGS straight to your community to help make that possible. Whether it’s your first screening or you’re a screening pro, we’re here for you. 💛

Upcoming Screening Dates:

📍HOUMA: Sam's Club, September 24 at 9 a.m. – Breast, colorectal and prostate
📍CENTREVILLE: Centreville Town Hall, September 25 at 9 a.m. – Breast, colorectal, skin and prostate
📍FRANKLINTON: Jack Brown's Food Store, September 26 at 9 a.m. – Breast, colorectal, and skin

Don’t wait — screenings are free, easy and potentially life-saving. 🎗️

🔗 Visit marybird.com/get-screened to learn more.

09/19/2025

Diversity in clinical trials isn’t just a statistic, it’s essential to ensuring research findings are relevant and equitable for every patient.

At Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, we are committed to rebuilding our clinical trials program from the ground up with diverse enrollment as a core priority. Under the leadership of Victor Lin, MD, PhD, medical director of Clinical Research and Genetics, we are taking concrete steps to expand access and improve representation, supported by a $400,000 grant from the Gilead Foundation.

📖 Read more about our approach and vision for the future in this Association of Cancer Care Centers Buzz feature:
👉 https://bit.ly/4ntebwh

About 85% of current participants in cancer clinical trials are White middle-class men. This lack of diversity results in findings that are not necessarily replicable to all patients.

Leaders at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center are addressing this disparity by rebuilding their clinical trials program from the ground up, with diverse enrollment a cornerstone of their philosophy.

To learn more about Mary Bird Perkins’ approach to clinical trials and the center’s plans for their $400,000 grant from the Gilead Foundation, ACCCBuzz spoke with Victor Lin, MD, PhD, medical director of Clinical Research and Genetics.

Read more at https://hubs.li/Q03JNSkx0

09/18/2025

We're rolling out a new way to say thanks. ❤️ Introducing our online Gratitude Gram Wall!

Every day at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, we witness extraordinary moments of compassion and strength. Now, you have a way to honor those who have impacted your cancer journey by sharing a few words of appreciation.

Patients, caregivers, and loved ones are invited to post messages of thanks, whether anonymously or signed with your name. Either way, your words can uplift and inspire others along the way.

✨ Visit our Gratitude Gram page to share your message: https://marybird.org/giving/gratitude-gram-wall

We thank you for recognizing the people who make a difference and spread joy and gratitude across our community.

09/17/2025

Free cancer screenings coming soon to a community near you! ✨🎉

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center invites you to our Live Well this Fall — with free, family-friendly community health days where you can access cancer screenings and health resources.

Save your date!

📍 Live Well Ascension (Gonzales Area Foundation)
Oct. 4 • 9 AM – 1 PM • Jambalaya Park

📍 Live Well Northshore (Benjamin Blanchard Memorial Foundation)
Oct. 18 • 9 AM – 1 PM • Covington Trailhead

📍 Live Well Bayou
Nov. 1 • 9 AM – 1 PM • Terrebonne General Health System

🩺 Screenings include breast, colorectal, prostate and skin cancer. Additional health resources will be available onsite.

Appointments are required. Sign up today: pogo.marybird.com

Early detection through screenings saves lives—don’t miss your opportunity to take part in these important community events.

09/17/2025

We were proud to be out in the Opelousas community, connecting with local leaders at the Opelousas Kiwanis Club meeting to share how Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is working to expand access to early detection, education, and cancer care across Louisiana.

Special thanks to Renee Fontenot for representing Mary Bird Perkins and helping spark great conversations about how we can work together to lessen the burden of cancer in the region.

Thank you to the Opelousas Kiwanis Club for the warm welcome and for your commitment to building healthier communities. 💜

Opelousas General Health System

09/16/2025

✨ Tomorrow night in Covington: Together We Triumph Cancer Series ✨

Join us for a free evening of resources, expert insight, and community support for survivors, caregivers, and anyone impacted by cancer.

📅 TOMORROW, September 17
🍽 Dinner: 5:00 p.m. | Panel: 6:00 p.m.
📍 Greater Covington Center

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and leave empowered to thrive beyond cancer.

RSVP here ➡ https://marybird.org/covington/cancer-series/

05/30/2025

In the latest Still I Rise podcast episode, Vera Hendrix, MD shares expert insights on cancer care, fertility, survivorship and what it means to support others while navigating her own journey. 🩷

Listen to the episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2205590/episodes/17246464

What happens when a leading breast cancer surgeon faces unimaginable personal loss—and still shows up with strength and compassion for her patients?

In this powerful new episode, Dr. Vera Hendrix shares expert insights on cancer care, fertility, survivorship, and what it means to support others while navigating her own journey.

“Other people have done this, and there’s no reason why you cannot do this.”

Now streaming on Still I Rise https://youtu.be/85DCA3qFwuU

12/29/2024

Make your year-end gift count! ✨ As 2024 comes to a close, you have the opportunity to bring hope, healing and life-changing care to those facing cancer. Your generosity will help support our mission to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer. Why Give Before December 31?

👉 Your donation will make a difference today for someone battling cancer.
👉 Year-end contributions may qualify for a tax deduction.
👉 Together, we can start 2025 with renewed hope and strength.

Every gift, no matter the size, makes an impact. Your gift will allow us to continue to provide cutting-edge treatment and compassionate care to every patient who needs us. Will you help us finish the year strong? Donate now at marybird.org/giving.

12/18/2024

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Vera Hendrix for being named one of the Northshore’s 40 Under 40 by EDGE of the Lake 🏆
Dr. Hendrix, one of our talented breast surgical oncologists at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, is the only oncology fellowship-trained breast surgeon on the Northshore. Her clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care make this recognition well-deserved.
We’re so proud of Dr. Hendrix for this incredible achievement and her dedication to improving the lives of those in our community.
Read Dr. Hendrix's feature here: issuu.com/edgeofthelake/docs/edge_dec2024jan2025/22

12/10/2024

Today, we celebrate the inaugural National Oncology Navigator Day! 🎉 At Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, we’re proud to recognize the incredible work of our oncology patient navigators.

These dedicated professionals guide our patients and their families through every step of the cancer journey, connecting them to vital resources, bridging gaps in care, and ensuring no one faces cancer alone.

Join us in honoring their compassion and commitment to making a difference in the lives of those we serve. ❤️

12/06/2024

Our care goes beyond medicine. Survivorship programs, like tai chi led by cancer survivor Shelley Ford, help patients and survivors rebuild strength, agility and find peace. 🧘‍♀️💪

Dr. Genevieve Maronge and Dr. Vera Hendrix, along with the entire Mary Bird Perkins team, are committed to addressing the whole person-mind, body and spirit. Through offerings like tai chi, yoga and support groups, we provide resources to help those impacted by cancer heal in every way.

See some moments from our tai chi classes and learn more about Shelley by visiting: wwltv.com/article/news/health/tai-chi-healing-cancer-survivors-mary-bird-perkins/289-d5b8d11f-e1e8-4de5-adc4-e10580b8d652

09/12/2024

The Mary Bird Perkins team hopes you and your families are safe and sound. Our location will be open today as scheduled. If you have any questions or can’t make your scheduled appointment, please contact us at (985) 898-0589.

09/10/2024

Due to tropical system Francine approaching the Louisiana coastline, some locations will open for modified hours on Sept. 11 & 12 while others may be closed. We are keeping close watch on the storm path and will provide any updates on this Facebook account, if necessary. Please contact us at (985) 898-0589 with any questions or if you need assistance.

09/01/2024

It’s our birthday! 🍰 🎉
To commemorate the occasion, we’re on a mission to raise $53,000 in honor of each year that we’ve been a part of our community. Through the generosity of our donors and the expertise of our physicians and staff, we have grown to become our state’s leading cancer care organization, with 19 locations across southeast Louisiana and southwest Mississippi. Through it all, we have remained 100% focused on cancer and will continue to provide our patients and their families with expert treatment close to home.
Visit marybird.org/celebration to give now!
Special thanks to all of our amazing Give Day sponsors: Netchex, Northshore Oncology Associates and Franklin - Data Empowered Direct Marketing!

08/22/2024

We are thrilled to see Dr. Vera Hendrix featured by the Society of Surgical Oncology! ❤️ We’re incredibly proud to have her and Dr. Celeste Lagarde on our team as a dedicated breast surgical oncologists. On National Surgical Oncologist Day, we celebrate Dr. Hendrix, Dr. Lagarde and all surgical oncologists worldwide for their extraordinary commitment to improving survivorship and lessening the burden of cancer.

🌟 Today, we honor the extraordinary dedication of our SSO members and all surgical oncologists worldwide.

Your commitment to saving lives and advancing cancer care is an inspiration. Thank you for all you do!

08/21/2024

Our birthday is September 1! Netchex is generously providing a dollar-for-dollar match for the first $5,000 raised toward our Birthday Celebration goal of $53,000. How sweet is that? 🎂
Double your impact today and make a gift at marybird.org/celebration. Your gift as part of our Birthday Celebration will benefit our Mission Fund, which helps power programs like patient navigation, free cancer screenings, clinical trials, financial assistance, nutritional supplements and much more.

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center turns 53 on Sunday, September 1! To commemorate the occasion, we’re launching a special Birthday Celebration to raise

08/14/2024

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center turns 53 on Sunday, September 1! To commemorate the occasion, we’re launching a special Birthday Celebration to raise $53,000 in honor of each year that we’ve been a part of our community.
Make a gift today by visiting marybird.org/celebration! 🔗🎉

Special thanks to all of our amazing Birthday Celebration sponsors: Netchex, Northshore Oncology Associates, and Franklin - Data Empowered Direct Marketing!

04/09/2024

Due to extreme weather, the office will be closed on 4/10 and re-open on 4/11. If you have an emergency, questions or need to reschedule please call the main number.