Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Hammond

07/31/2025

🌟 Meet Natasha Gay, our newest nurse practitioner on the Prevention on the Go team!

A Baton Rouge native, Natasha has dedicated her career to helping others, a calling inspired by her own family’s health challenges. From her grandmother’s sudden passing to her mother’s battle with gastric cancer, Natasha knows first-hand how important early detection and compassionate care can be.

Now, she’s bringing screenings and education directly to communities across Louisiana and southwest Mississippi.

Read Natasha’s inspiring story in this week’s blog: https://bit.ly/4lSJFL8

07/26/2025

🩺 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:

📍 GRAMERCY: Winn-Dixie, July 30 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.

07/24/2025

💈Our Fall 2025 Barbershop Bashes are coming to a community near you!

Mary Bird Perkins is bringing free prostate and colorectal cancer screenings, biometric checks, health vendors, food, and music straight to the barbershop, because taking care of your health should be easy.

📍Fall 2025 Dates and Locations:
📅 Baton Rouge – August 23 at Webb's Barbershop
📅 Morgan City – September 13 at Skinner's Barbershop
📅 Natchez, MS – November 15 at Don and Son's Barbershop
📅 Monroe – December 6 at Cloyd's Barber School

These events are free, fun, and focused on health. Bring your crew and take charge of your wellness!

🔗 Learn more at: marybird.org/barbershopbash

07/19/2025

🩺 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: St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, July 22 at 9 a.m. – Breast, colorectal, skin and prostate
📍COVINGTON: ❌CANCELED: Shops of 21, July 22 at 9 a.m. – Breast and colorectal
📍CLINTON: RKM Primary Care, July 23 at 9 a.m. – Breast and colorectal
📍BATON ROUGE: George’s Place, July 24 at 5 p.m. – Colorectal, oral, prostate and skin

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

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

07/12/2025

🩺 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:

📍 BATON ROUGE: Woman’s Hospital, July 15 at 4:30 p.m. – Breast and colorectal
📍 LORANGER: RKM Primary Care, July 18 at 9 a.m. – Breast, colorectal and skin
📍 HAMMOND: Hammond Primary Care, July 19 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.

07/11/2025

☀️ Summer sun is here—are you protected?

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., but it's also one of the most preventable. Learn how to safeguard yourself and your loved ones from harmful UV rays while still enjoying the outdoors.

From sunscreen tips to early warning signs, our latest blog gives you everything you need to stay safe this summer.

🔗 Read more now: https://bit.ly/3IDrtq8

Mary Bird Perkins’ Prevention On the Go (POGO) offers free skin cancer screenings in towns and cities throughout Louisiana and southwest Mississippi. Want to

07/10/2025

📸 Untie the Ribbons 2025: Roots of Wellness 🌿

Last month, we were honored to host our annual Untie the Ribbons educational event at Greater King David Baptist Church, Baton Rouge , with this year’s theme focused on "Roots of Wellness." 🌱

We explored the powerful connection between genetics, family history, and cancer, and heard inspiring and informative messages from:
🩺 Dr. Constance Blunt (Mary Bird Perkins)
🔬 Dr. Jennifer Caldwell (Pennington Biomedical Research Center)
💪 Chris Hitchens, cancer survivor and advocate

More than 40 community members joined us for this empowering evening, with the opportunity to engage with local health vendors, connect with others, and learn valuable tools for wellness and prevention.

🙏 Special thanks to our incredible sponsors, ExxonMobil Baton Rouge and the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, for supporting this impactful event.

Together, we’re growing healthier communities — from the roots up. 💜

07/08/2025

💈 That’s a wrap on Barbershop Bash Northshore! 💈

If you missed it, you missed out!

From lifesaving cancer screenings to local health resources, music, food, and family fun, this event brought the community together in a powerful way. 💪

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and a big thank you to United Health Foundation for sponsoring this important event.

Couldn’t make it? Visit marybird.org/get-screened to learn more about upcoming screenings and events.

07/05/2025

🩺 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:

📍 BATON ROUGE: Star Hill Baptist Church, July 8 at 9 a.m. – Breast, colorectal and skin
📍 WALKER: Stine Home & Yard, July 9 at 9 a.m. – Breast, colorectal and skin
📍 GREENSBURG: St. Helena College & Career Academy, July 11 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.

07/04/2025

Happy Independence Day from all of us at Mary Bird Perkins! ❤️🤍💙

Celebrate with sunshine and fireworks, and don’t forget to protect the skin you’re in. ☀️

Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Here’s how you can reduce your risk while enjoying the outdoors:

🔹 Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
🔹 Apply 1 ounce (about a shot glass full) of sunscreen each time.
🔹 Reapply every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating.
🔹 Wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
🔹 Stay in the shade when possible and avoid peak sun hours (10 AM–4 PM).

This Fourth of July, protect your skin—because every layer of protection matters.
Stay safe, stay sun smart, and enjoy the holiday! 🎇

07/02/2025

Baton Rouge Pride was our destination this past weekend, where we connected with participants to share the importance of early cancer detection and provide screening information to the community.
Our inflatable colon helped spark important conversations around colorectal cancer awareness, reminding attendees that getting screened can save lives.
Mary Bird Perkins provides free cancer screenings year-round to underserved communities and minority populations. These vital services are made possible through the generosity of community giving.
📍See when we’ll be in your neighborhood: marybird.org/get-screened

07/01/2025

Power comes with community.

Mary Bird Perkins’ support groups and wellness classes are here to help you connect with others, share your journey, and find hope and healing together.

Take a look at this month’s opportunities for support:

Gonzales:
• Mindful Chair Yoga – Thursdays at 11:30 a.m.
• Support Group – Tuesdays at 1 p.m. 🤝
• Healing Arts Workshop: Times Two – Monday, July 14, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. 🎨

Covington:
• Veterans Combating Cancer – Thursdays: July 3 and July 17 at 9 a.m.
• Chair Yoga & Meditation – Thursdays at 1 p.m. 🧘‍♀️
• Meditation Class – Tuesdays: July 1 and June 15 at 9:30 a.m.
• Breast Support Group for African American Women – Mondays: July 14 and July 28 at 6 p.m. 💕
• Breast Support Group – 1st & 3rd Wednesdays at 12 p.m.
• Tai Chi Class – Tuesdays at 5 p.m.
• Facing Cancer Together – Wednesdays: July 9 and July 23 at 12 p.m.

Baton Rouge:
• Metastatic (Stage IV) Cancer Support Group – Tuesdays at 1 p.m.
• Cancer Support Group – Fridays at 10 a.m. 🎗️
• Guided Movement for Wellness – Elena Keegan – Monday, July 7 at 10 a.m.

Houma:
• Together We Can – 3rd Wednesday of each month 🤝

For more details or to join a group, visit marybird.org/survivorship.

06/30/2025

TIP: A healthier future starts with the choices you make today.

Dr. Varnado, medical oncologist at Mary Bird Perkins, encourages men to ditch the ci******es and reduce alcohol intake.

Why? Because to***co and alcohol are linked to cancers of the liver, lungs, and mouth.

Here are the steps you can take:
✔ Quit smoking (or never start)
✔ Avoid secondhand smoke
✔ Limit alcohol to 2 drinks per day

Your health is worth protecting.

06/20/2025

📣 Meet Dr. Michael Dzeda, a board-certified radiation oncologist now serving patients at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center locations in Hammond and at Baton Rouge General.

Dr. Dzeda brings decades of experience and a compassionate approach to treating head and neck, breast and skin cancers, as well as select benign conditions. We're proud to have him on the Mary Bird Perkins team, delivering expert care close to home. ❤️

06/12/2025

“They made my journey easier” – Chris Hitchens, colorectal cancer survivor, on Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s patient navigation program. From answering questions to helping coordinate care and break down barriers, our patient navigation team is 100% focused on helping cancer patients and their loved ones throughout treatment and survivorship.

To learn more, visit marybird.org/service/patient-navigation-and-social-services/.

06/06/2025

What a celebration! 💛

Thank you to everyone who joined us in honoring our incredible cancer survivors.
To our survivors, your courage and determination inspire us every day. We are grateful to walk alongside you and to continue fighting cancer together, every step of the way. 👣

🎗️ Tag a survivor you’d like to honor.

05/21/2025

🎉 Join us for a special celebration during National Cancer Survivor Month!
You're invited to our Survivorship Celebration on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Hammond (15728 Jay Smith MD Drive).

🦋 Enjoy a monarch butterfly release, cupcakes, and special guests as we honor and celebrate survivors.
Dedicate a butterfly in honor of a loved one. Purchase here: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/f/5d3q/n?vid=1joy4m

📞 RSVP encouraged: (985) 875-5325

04/23/2025

The Bourbon Raffle drawing is tomorrow! 🥃 Don't miss your chance to get tickets today: rafflecreator.com/pages/46375/bourbon-raffle-2025

DON’T WAIT – LAST CHANCE! 🥃

The Bourbon Raffle ENDS TONIGHT at 11:59 PM (April 23) – don’t miss your shot at winning rare bourbon bottles! While you're at it, you’ll also be supporting life-changing cancer care at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington and Hammond.

📅 Live Drawing: April 24th
🎟️ Get your tickets before it’s too late: https://bit.ly/4iYS3XN

Every ticket purchased helps enhance cancer care in our communities.❤️

03/17/2025

🎉 The 2025 Bourbon Raffle is here! 🎉
Help us reach our $120,000 goal this year—and $500,000 in five years—by purchasing your $20 ticket today! With 50+ incredible bourbon prizes up for grabs, this is your chance to win big while making a difference.
🎟️ Get your tickets now: rafflecreator.com/pages/46375/bourbon-raffle-2025?fbclid=IwY2xjawJFPvVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcmKl4D_9IhZfLSJh8xzOTskhQHC40geo-0ih6tU6i5U-B3ZaxkGKcIWTg_aem_k0ZDLpGjjxB0uzrwwTlfRw
📅 Live drawing: April 24
Every ticket goes back to support our patients, so let’s raise a glass and reach our goal together! 🥃

03/12/2025

Cheers to our amazing Sweetheart Court for their dedication and hard work in raising $10,000 to support local cancer patients! 💖 Your passion for making a difference is truly inspiring, and we are so grateful for each of you.

A special congratulations to our Queen of Hearts 2025, Jennifer Owens! 👑 Thank you all for being part of this incredible inaugural Sweetheart Court. We can't wait to see this tradition grow!

03/10/2025

Thank you to our incredible sponsors for making Gal’s Night Out such a meaningful and impactful evening! 💖 Your support helps us provide vital care for local cancer patients, and we couldn’t do it without you!

Charles Partsch, Cretin Townsend Homes, Hancock Whitney, Niagara Bottling, Picsey Photo Booth, Rebecca Davis Lee, Ross Downing Chevrolet, Star Service, Inc, Cashe Coudrain & Bass Attorneys at Law, Cate Street Seafood Station, Emery & James, Ltd. Gohres Insurance, First Bank, Streetside Market, Team Automotive Group and The Boston Restaurant

03/07/2025

Thank you to our incredible presenting sponsor, Republic Finance, for making Gal’s Night Out a night to remember! 💖 Your generosity and support help us make a meaningful impact in the lives of local cancer patients, and we couldn’t have done it without you.

We’re so grateful for your commitment to our mission!

02/27/2025

Thank you so much to everyone who made Gal's Night Out in Hammond, presented by Republic Finance, such a success! 💖

We’re honored to serve our community and help those in need. A huge thank you to Jacmel Inn Restaurant for hosting us in such a beautiful space, and to our amazing emcee, Kati Morse LeBreton, for keeping the night lively!

A special shoutout to our Sweetheart Court for their dedication to raising funds for local cancer patients. 👑 Together, we raised over $48,000 to provide life-changing care for those in need!

We’re also so grateful to our sponsors and host committee for making this event possible, to Picsey Photo Booth for adding extra fun to the night, and Modern Glow Photography for capturing every special moment. And of course, a big thank you to DJ Keaton Carter for keeping the vibes high throughout the night!

Thank you all for coming together and making a difference. We’re already excited for next year! 🎉

02/27/2025

A huge thank you to Modern Glow Photography for capturing all the special moments at Gal’s Night Out in Hammond! 📸💖 Your beautiful photos help us relive an unforgettable night. Check out all the photos in our event album!