2008 V2 Perkins Perspective

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PERKINS

PERSPECTIVE Fighting Cancer for Over 35 Years.

Available Online at www.marybird.org

MBP Expands to Houma…Page 2 National Selection for Patient Navigation…Page 4 NCCCP: The First Year…Page 8 Renea A. Duffin, who leads MBP’s early detection efforts, explains the concept of a patient navigator to cancer screening participant Judy Thymes. Read more about Patient Navigation on page 4.

Volume 2 2008

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C O L L A B O R AT I O N I N C A N C E R C A R E

Terrebonne Parish Now Home to Comprehensive Cancer Care

Alliance Formed Provides Combined Expertise, Leading-Edge Technology

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A new cancer alliance has been formed providing the most comprehensive and state-of-the-art cancer care available to patients in the Bayou region. Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC), Cancer Care Specialists (CCS) and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center (MBP) have signed an agreement to provide strategic, long-term solutions for battling cancer in the Bayou region through a comprehensive cancer program located on the TGMC campus.

The program offers a full continuum of cancer care, from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, treatment, Speakers at the press conference included (l to r): Todd Stevens, president recovery and survivorship. The program provides surgery, and CEO, MBP; Donna Saurage, board of directors, MBP; Jerri Smitko, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well as advanced chairwoman, board of commissioners, TGMC; Phyllis Peoples, president and CEO, TGMC; Maurice King, M.D., medical director, MBP; and resources and support services necessary to strengthen Raul Doria, M.D., medical director, MBP at TGMC, and physician cancer care – including medical physics expertise, partner, Cancer Care Specialists. diagnostic imaging, pathology, clinical research, nutrition and social services. In addition to providing expert physicians and physician partner of CCS, whose medical group has over 45 years treatment, the program also brings critical community-based of combined experience in caring for cancer patients. cancer screenings and educational outreach programs to the area.

The new partnership will be known as Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC.

“Together, we are providing an important need – local access to quality cancer care. We are delighted to partner with Mary Bird Perkins and Cancer Care Specialists to meet this incredible and important need.”

Phyllis Peoples, president and CEO, TGMC “This partnership will provide access to high-quality, multidisciplinary cancer care and research in Terrebonne Parish – one of the fastest growing parishes in southeast Louisiana. We believe that local access to enhanced care for the convenience of the community and the combined, expert resources of these three organizations are meeting the vital needs of cancer patients in the area,” said Dr. Raul Doria, medical director, MBP at TGMC, 2 Perkins Perspective • Fighting Cancer for Over 35 Years.

“The resources of Mary Bird Perkins, TGMC and CCS represent a powerful combination in the fight against cancer. We are honored to be a part of this community and to serve cancer patients with this state-of-the-art cancer care team,” said Todd Stevens, president and CEO, MBP. Mary Bird Perkins believes communities benefit when the expertise of hospitals, local physicians, support organizations and the “cancer-only” focus of MBP are linked together to form a comprehensive cancer program – and such is the case with the new partnership with TGMC and CCS. Mary Bird Perkins currently operates comprehensive cancer programs with two other partner hospitals – Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge and St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington. Mary Bird Perkins has a third facility in Hammond and is currently developing a 5th location in Gonzales in partnership with St. Elizabeth Hospital.

For further details about MBP at TGMC, please visit www.marybird.org.

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My Perspective A message from

Todd D. Stevens, president and CEO

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Fighting cancer cannot be done alone. Partnerships and legions of people are needed to expand multi-faceted initiatives to build healthier communities. We are grateful to our longstanding and dedicated partners. Our reach continues to grow wider and deeper as we develop more partnerships to serve even more cancer patients.

The vision of MBP’s founders – to provide local access to high quality cancer care – is being realized today in communities across southeast Louisiana. Our newest partners are Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) and Cancer Care Specialists (CCS) in Houma, LA where we have joined forces to provide comprehensive cancer services on the TGMC campus. And, construction at the Mary Bird Perkins location in Gonzales in partnership with St. Elizabeth Hospital is moving forward.

Mary Bird Perkins received further national recognition this year as we received one of only five patient navigation grants in the United States – a grant that will make a real difference for cancer screening patients.

Because of the many sponsors, volunteers, players and event supporters, the Taste of Louisiana and the 2008 Mary Bird Perkins Merrill Lynch Open were both awesome events.

Mary Bird Perkins sincerely applauds all of you who participated in these events, in whatever capacity, for your commitment to helping save lives.

I hope you enjoy reading about all of the collaborative initiatives under way, and thank you to all of our many community partners for your tremendous support.

Sincerely,

In addition, Woman’s Hospital and Mary Bird Perkins have come together under the umbrella of Woman’s Comprehensive Breast Care using a multidisciplinary approach to fighting breast cancer.

One of our comprehensive cancer programs, the Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins, recently earned a three-year approval – with eleven total commendations – from the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) Commission on Cancer (CoC).

Todd D. Stevens President and CEO

We have just finished the “First Year” with our national partners as part of the NCI Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) pilot.

www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2008

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P AT I E N T N A V I G AT I O N P R O G R A M

Following Through with Follow-Up

The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins Receives One of Five Nationwide Grants To Develop Patient Navigation Program Despite tremendous scientific advances, some populations in the United States bear a heavier burden of cancer – particularly the poor and underserved. This is evidenced by their high cancer incidence and mortality and lower survival rates. Programs designed to promote the early detection of cancer among these populations are continually faced with health care system and patient-based delays that undermine the effectiveness of early detection. Enter patient navigation. The challenge of clinical follow-up amid the complexities of today’s health care system can present imposing barriers. Patient navigators are there to clear the path to treatment and a timely therapeutic resolution. The Cancer Program of OLOL and MBP can now offer this help.

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Patients participating in free cancer screenings provided by the Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins and its partners will ultimately have additional help when an abnormality is found. The Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention in Harlem, NY, founded by Dr. Harold Freeman, awarded a $105,000 grant to the Cancer Program to develop a patient navigation program. The patient navigation program will enable the Cancer Program to take patient follow-up to the next level by providing a dedicated team member, a patient navigator, to assist screening patients when an abnormality is found. The grant is for one year with an opportunity to apply for up to two additional years of grant support.

When an abnormality is found during a screening, a patient navigator will be assigned to the patient. The patient navigator will be responsible for making sure the patient understands the abnormality and will ensure the patient receives timely followup. This includes answering questions, assisting patients with appointments, and addressing barriers to care such as language, transportation and resolution of the abnormality. Charity Gay, MBP outreach coordinator, explained, “Navigation gives us the opportunity to identify barriers that may prevent patients from receiving follow-up care. Once identified, those challenges can be overcome and the patient can be guided in the right direction.” Gwendolyn Bonton, another of MBP’s outreach coordinators, said, “I see this process as very beneficial as it will give the patient who comes to a screening a sense of comfort in knowing there is someone to guide them through an unknown medical maze.”

4 Perkins Perspective • Fighting Cancer for Over 35 Years.

“The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins is the most comprehensive cancer program in its region. We are pleased to support the development of a patient navigation program that will assist in promoting more timely diagnosis and treatment, and in addition, help to reduce disparities in cancer care.”

Dr. Harold P. Freeman, senior advisor to the Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), director of the NCI Center to Reduce Health Disparities and president and founder of the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention The Cancer Program will operate a pilot patient navigation program for breast screening patients who are seen at screenings conducted monthly at the LSU Mid City Clinic and Leo Butler Community Center from June through August 31, 2008. An evaluation of the pilot will be completed in September 2008, and the formal patient navigation program for all breast cancer screening patients will begin in October 2008. Programs for prostate, skin and colorectal screening participants will be in place by June 2009.

Breast screenings are available to the underserved through a partnership with Woman’s Hospital. Cynthia Rabalais, director, Imaging Service, Woman’s Hospital, is thrilled about the move toward formal patient navigation. “This will take procrastination on the patient’s part out of the equation, and that’s a big plus. The point is to keep everything moving forward toward a timely resolution.”

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“One of our main goals is to reduce disparities in cancer care.

With grants like this one and through our participation in the National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) pilot, we can achieve this goal,” said Renea A. Duffin, executive director, Mary Bird Perkins CARE Network. “By providing patient navigators to our patients, we can ensure they receive timely care when it’s needed the most.

That level of care can save lives,” Duffin continued.

Duffin and MBP’s Early Detection Manager, Kate Messina, attended the Harold P. Freeman Patient Navigation Institute 3-day training course in Harlem, New York earlier this year.

Both are now certified in Patient Navigation. “The training helped me understand that the ultimate goal of navigation is reducing the time to resolution,” said Duffin. “Helping the patient overcome barriers often experienced in resolving an abnormal finding in a timely manner may be difficult. Seeing a system that has been in place for a number of years was a very valuable experience.” Messina said it made her aware of how important it is to gain a patient’s trust and to learn to ask the right questions – questions patients may be reluctant to bring up themselves.

Grant funding provided by the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention through the Pfizer Foundation will be used to support a full-time patient navigator, a data tracking system and other miscellaneous costs associated with the program. The Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention was the only program in the United States selected to receive one of 17 worldwide grants from the Pfizer Foundation. From that award, the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention was awarded five patient navigation grants.

Dr. Freeman, world renowned African-American oncologist, is noted for his work addressing cancer disparities. He is a highly sought-after expert on cancer’s impact on minority populations along with poverty and health care access.

Freeman pioneered the Patient Navigation concept in Harlem, the gold standard for patient navigation, to ensure that traditionally underserved people receive the timely and supportive assistance necessary to shepherd them through the complexities of the medical system.

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What Patient Navigation Means to Patients At a recent breast screening at LSU Mid City Clinic, several women were asked to share their thoughts about the new patient navigation program.

“I would take advantage of it for the support and encouragement. Everyone needs encouragement. It would help me to encourage someone else.”

Judy Thymes, featured on cover “To have someone there to go through this with me during this time of need would mean a great deal. I wouldn’t want to go through it alone. It would feel a whole lot better knowing someone was there to go through it with me – to hold my hand.”

Janifer Griffin “I would appreciate any kind of assistance I could get. I’m raising five grandchildren plus one of my own, so I would be most appreciative of someone to just talk to.”

Linda Faye Jackson www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2008

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ON THE LEADING EDGE

MBP Invests $20 Million in Multi-Center Radiation Therapy Systems

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Elekta, a world class leader in advanced radiation therapy and radiosurgery, has been selected to supply new Elekta Synergy® digital linear accelerator systems to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center over the next few years.

The new Elekta Synergy systems will provide expanded capacity for advanced image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) which Mary Bird Perkins began providing to patients four years ago.

The new systems will provide for MBP’s current locations as well as the organization’s long-term regional growth into new markets.

MBP has locations in Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond and Houma and is building a fifth location in Gonzales, LA. “We believe that Elekta is ‘first class in its field’ and provides dynamic, practical and reliable treatment options. Every cancer case is unique and personal, and Mary Bird Perkins makes sure that it has the best radiation therapy options available to our treatment team so every cancer patient has individualized, optimal treatment,” said Todd Stevens, president and CEO, Mary Bird Perkins.

Each of the estimated nine new treatment systems will include 3D X-ray Volume Imaging (XVI) and some will include ElektaVMAT Volumetric Intensity Modulated Arc Therapy, enhancing MBP’s intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and IGRT arsenal.

In its search for the best solution for patient care, Mary Bird Perkins diligently analyzed all proposals and mobilized a team of expert physicians, medical physicists, dosimetrists and radiation therapists to thoroughly research and review all options.

Joseph K. Jachinowski, president and CEO of Elekta North America, stated, “We are extremely pleased to be able to supply our treatment delivery devices to Mary Bird Perkins. They have been a long time user of our Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, and the combination of adding Elekta Synergy treatment systems with the EMR will further enhance the integration of the delivery of cancer care benefiting patients across Mary Bird Perkins’ network of facilities.”

Elekta is an international medical technology group providing oncologists, radiation therapists, neurosurgeons and many other medical specialists with state-of-the-art tools to fight serious disease. Elekta’s systems and solutions are used in more than 5,000 hospitals around the world. With more than 2,500 employees globally, Elekta corporate headquarters are located in Stockholm, Sweden.

A Powerful Combination of Resources Unique to MBP Mary Bird Perkins has a variety of the best of class radiation therapy options. This means we can treat the most simple cancer cases to the most complex cases – without accepting the limitations of a one size fits all solution. MBP currently offers the latest

“Elekta won a very competitive award, and we chose them because they offered a better solution for our patients.”

Dr. Ken Hogstrom, chief of physics, MBP Mary Bird Perkins’ commitment to providing leading-edge technology to cancer patients is evident in the Center’s history of significant technology investments. Since 2001, MBP has invested nearly $19.8 million in direct patient care equipment, technology and facilities. During 2007 alone, MBP invested nearly $800,000 in expanding and supporting both the LSUMBP academic and research medical physics partnership, as well as its clinical research program.

6 Perkins Perspective • Fighting Cancer for Over 35 Years.

advances in radiation treatment technology, including IMRT, advanced IGRT through BrainLAB Novalis and the TomoTherapy Hi-Art System, stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic body radiotherapy, adaptive radiotherapy localization.

and

4-D

CT

tumor

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NCCCP Pilot

CANCER PROGRAM OF OUR LADY OF T the First Year

The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins

Local Care. National Recognition.

The first year in summary

As the pilot phase of the NCI Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) concludes its first of three years, each participating community hospital has taken steps to accelerate cancer research and raise the quality of care — and to do both with a special emphasis on minority and underserved patients.

The 14 participating sites have made considerable progress toward achieving the major goals of the pilot. All sites are accruing more patients to clinical trials. Some have begun moving their decentralized, paper-based records systems into computerized data that will improve both cancer research and patient care, while enabling minorities and underserved patients to more effectively benefit from the most up-to-date, evidence-based care.

NCCCP pilot hospitals are at the forefront of putting into place national standards for handling biospecimens bound for research laboratories. These standards will improve cancer research and the development of advanced therapies custom-tailored to individual patients.

These community hospitals have entered into new collaborations with NCI-designated Cancer Centers located at major research institutions around the country and expanded their relationships with local private medical practice oncology physicians. Through these connections, NCI is extending the reach of its research programs into rural, inner-city and underserved communities.

The pilot is beginning to define for NCI what it will take to build a national network of community cancer centers that are fully engaged with the research community and that provide the latest evidence-based, multidisciplinary care and treatment to patients of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, and socioeconomic standings in their home communities.

Looking forward

In the remaining two years of the NCCCP pilot, the sites are working on their individual plans to meet the long term goals of the initiative. In addition, they will continue collaborating to further strengthen this network of community cancer centers and keep looking ahead to continue learning from this public-private partnership for the best ways to advance state-of-the-art cancer care and research in the community setting.

“With the success of the NCCCP pilot, we hope to expand the number of participating hospitals to reach an even broader range of communities in the future. And we will achieve ultimate success by the cancers prevented or diagnosed at their earliest stages, and by the number of lives saved.”

Dr. John E. Niederhuber Director, National Cancer Institute 8 Perkins Perspective • Fighting Cancer for Over 35 Years.

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NCCCP Pilot

T H E LA K E A N D M A RY B I R D P E R K I N S the First Year

A Few Highlights

Sites launch concerted effort focused on three phase III clinical trials NCCCP pilot hospitals began screening patients for three NCI Clinical Trials Support Unit (CTSU) trials in February 2008. Initial evaluation suggests that this effort has increased the patient accrual rate to each of the three trials for breast, colorectal and lung cancers.

An increase in relationships with major research institutions

Pictured (l to r): Dr. David Hanson, chairman, Integrated Cancer Committee; Kevin Guidry, cancer center administrator, OLOL; and Todd Stevens, president and CEO, MBP at the first NCCCP Annual Meeting in Bethesda, Maryland.

NCCCP pilot sites have increased from 30 to 35 the number of collaborations and other linkages they have with NCI-designated Cancer Centers and other academic biomedical research institutions. This benefits research by linking patients with early- and later-stage clinical trials and gives patients greater access to the latest advances in medical science.

Breast cancer screening tracking tool improving care and expanding clinical trials The tracking tool, developed jointly by the pilot hospitals, is being tested as an effective mechanism for monitoring the lag time between initial screening, diagnosis and care, and recruitment for clinical trials, particularly for underserved individuals. One hospital has used the tool to cut one week off the average time between cancer screening and follow-up.

Multidisciplinary Care Model driving patient care improvements NCCCP pilot hospitals have defined a Multidisciplinary Care (MDC) model for cancer care in a community setting that describes aspects of team care that are critical to overall quality of care.

NCCCP pilot takes first step in standardizing collection of medical specimens for research This group of hospitals is among the early adopters of the NCI Best Practices for Biospecimen Resources, which aims to improve the quality of medical specimens that are becoming increasingly important for research.

For a complete listing of the many significant accomplishments, please visit www.marybird.org.

ncccp.cancer.gov www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2008

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IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Woman’s Hospital and Mary Bird Perkins Announce Woman’s Comprehensive Breast Care Program

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Woman’s Hospital and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center announced the formation of the Woman’s Comprehensive Breast Care program. The program offers a full continuum of breast care, from the initial identification of an abnormality to diagnosis, treatment, recovery and survivorship.

A vital component of the program is the addition of a Patient Navigator to the process. A licensed nurse practitioner, the Patient Navigator, works directly with each woman who is referred into the program to help her understand her current situation and the next step in her treatment plan. Based upon the direction of the patient’s physician, the Patient Navigator assists her by answering questions, helping to obtain necessary appointments, and serving as an ally in her fight against breast cancer.

“The Comprehensive Breast Care program created by Woman’s Hospital and Mary Bird Perkins is truly a unique offering for Baton Rouge and the surrounding region,” said Claudia Lee, a national expert in comprehensive breast care with more than 20 years of experience in the development and operation of such programs. “This depth of service, with the wealth of technology and expertise to support it, is usually found in academic settings or large medical centers. I am so pleased that the women in that area of the country will now have immediate access to the most comprehensive tools needed to survive breast cancer.”

The Comprehensive Breast Care program encompasses the following services: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Screening and diagnostic mammography Computer assisted detection Stereotactic and ultrasound-guided biopsy capabilities High resolution breast ultrasound and breast MRI Quality assurance program for radiologists Multidisciplinary conferences Patient navigator available onsite Social services support Genetic counseling Nutrition counseling Surgical program offering lumpectomies, mastectomies, breast reconstruction, sentinel node biopsies Individualized, comprehensive radiation therapy services Medical oncology services Clinical research Range of physical therapy services for during and after cancer treatment

10 Perkins Perspective • Fighting Cancer for Over 35 Years.

Referring physicians find the program very beneficial to their patients, as well. Susan Puyau, M.D., an OB/Gyn based in Baton Rouge, is very familiar with the importance of the Patient Navigator to the treatment process. Dr. Puyau participated in a pilot study for the program.

“From the moment a breast abnormality is found, I know that my patient will be fully communicated with and assisted through her course of treatment,” said Dr. Puyau. “Finding out that you may have breast cancer is one of the most difficult things a woman can deal with during her life. Having someone there to help her each step of the way is very comforting to me as her doctor. And, I’m sure it’s a great stress reliever for the patient.”

Woman’s Hospital and Mary Bird Perkins share a long history in working together to fight breast cancer. Several years ago, the two organizations formed a mobile breast diagnostic program designed to provide mammography services to underserved and underinsured women in the area. The program has received funding from the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program and enables women who otherwise would not have access to vital breast screenings to receive the care they need as early as possible if breast cancer is detected.

“The strong working relationship between our two organizations goes back many years,” said Teri G. Fontenot, president and CEO, Woman’s Hospital. “We are excited to be able to come together and provide the first Comprehensive Breast Care program to the women in our area. It’s a major step in giving women the tools they need right here in Baton Rouge to win the fight against breast cancer.”

“We are excited to be a part of this unique partnership bringing together the expertise of area health care providers and patient support organizations,” said Todd D. Stevens, president and CEO of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “Combining resources to form Woman’s Comprehensive Breast Care program promises to further improve health outcomes for women who entrust Woman’s Hospital to provide them with state-of-the-art and comprehensive care.”

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MBP and St. Elizabeth Hospital Celebrate Partnership

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Mary Bird Perkins’ Board of Directors Elects New Members

Richard Lipsey Re-elected Center’s Board Chairman

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At a 2008 Mary Bird Perkins board of directors meeting, new volunteer leadership was elected to help carry out the mission of the Center.

Pictured (l to r): Past MBP board member Susan Lipsey; MBP Foundation board member Sancy McCool; Judy Waguespack; and Hickley Waguespack, chairman, board of directors, St. Elizabeth Hospital.

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Board members of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and St. Elizabeth Hospital gathered at MBP in Baton Rouge to celebrate their joint cancer care initiative for Ascension Parish and the surrounding areas. The two organizations have partnered to build a new outpatient cancer treatment facility in Gonzales, LA. Speakers included Todd Stevens, president and CEO of Mary Bird Perkins; Sheldon Johnson, M.D., Mary Bird Perkins; and Dee LeJeune, president and CEO of St. Elizabeth Hospital. Each expressed excitement about the opportunity to work together to increase local and regional access to advanced cancer care, affording more people with the opportunity to receive quality care at home, in their own community.

Richard A. Lipsey, chairman of Lipsey’s Inc., was re-elected to serve as the Center’s board chairman. Robert S. Greer Jr. will remain on the board for an additional year as immediate past chairman. Other officers re- Richard Lipsey elected include J. Gerard Jolly, KPMG, vice chair, and Dr. Tom Meek, secretary. Vice Chair Jerry Jolly will concurrently hold the office of treasurer.

Board members re-elected for an additional term include Dudley W. Coates, Shelley Mockler and Gary A. Sligar. New board members elected for three-year terms include Kevin R. Carman, Ph.D., Dean, College of Basic Sciences, LSU; William “Bill” T. Firesheets II, president, Buquet & LeBlanc; and Rose J. Hudson, president/CEO, Louisiana Lottery. Welcomed for a period of one year was Bill O’Quin, Financial Services Online, while he serves as the 2008 Annual Giving Campaign Chairman.

Progress Made on MBP in Gonzales Concrete was recently placed for the vault area of MBP in Gonzales. The concrete vaults are designed to house equipment for radiation therapy treatment. The facility is expected to open this Fall.

www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2008

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MBP and TomoTherapy Sign Three-Year Research Extension

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Gibbons Elected AAPM Secretary

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Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center (MBP) and TomoTherapy Incorporated have signed an agreement to extend their research collaboration for a second three-year term, continuing the partnership into the year 2010. As part of the agreement, TomoTherapy will provide MBP with a grant to maintain the Center’s research computer system. This system is an exact replica of the treatment planning system currently used on patients with added research capabilities.

Co-Principal Investigator and Chief of Physics Dr. Ken Hogstrom said, “Medical physicists at Mary Bird Perkins focus our research on the use of TomoTherapy® technology for treatment of postmastectomy chest wall cancer, head and neck cancers, and quality assurance of treatment delivery. Grant funds are used to support one postdoctoral fellow and two LSU graduate students each year to conduct TomoTherapy® research.”

“Results of our research are important to the clinical use of the TomoTherapy® treatment system at Mary Bird Perkins and other TomoTherapySM treatment facilities throughout the world,” commented Dr. John Gibbons, co-principal investigator and chief of clinical physics.

Look for an extended article about our research initiatives with TomoTherapy in the next issue of Perkins Perspective.

What Our Patients Say:

Patients at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center locations in Baton Rouge, Covington and Hammond are given an anonymous quality of care questionnaire upon completion of their treatment. Results are sent to an independent research consultant who compares the results to those of other similar community cancer centers across the country.

Some of the quotes patients felt compelled to write are below: “You’ve gotten it perfect. I often wondered, seeing so many people come and go, how they made it possible for me to feel like I was the only patient.”

John Gibbons Jr., Ph.D.

John Gibbons Jr., Ph.D. was recently elected by members of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) to serve a threeyear term as Secretary commencing January 1, 2009. The Secretary is part of the AAPM Executive Committee, which includes the President, Presidentelect, Chairman of the Board, Treasurer and Executive Director.

Dr. Ken Hogstrom, chief of physics at Mary Bird Perkins and former president of the AAPM, said, “In this position, Dr. Gibbons will have the opportunity to serve his profession and to impact the role of medical physicists in the United States. This is a real honor for him and for Mary Bird Perkins.”

Gibbons currently serves as Chief of Clinical Physics at MBP and Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Louisiana State University.

The AAPM is the premier professional association of medical physicists in the United States with a membership of over 5,000. AAPM’s mission is to advance the practice of physics in medicine and biology by encouraging innovative research and development, disseminating scientific and technical information, fostering the education and professional development of medical physicists, and promoting the highest quality medical services for patients.

“In this position, Dr. Gibbons will have the opportunity to serve his profession and to

Covington patient

impact the role of medical physicists in the

“My care at Mary Bird Perkins far exceeded what I expected. The staff is absolutely wonderful. I plan to volunteer once I have recovered from my treatments.”

United States. This is a real honor for him and for Mary Bird Perkins.”

Hammond patient “It is wonderful and refreshing to be treated with such respect and kindness, especially when you consider the number of patients these professionals see on a daily, weekly and yearly basis. That personal treatment was the first step in my healing process.”

Baton Rouge patient 12 Perkins Perspective • Fighting Cancer for Over 35 Years.

Dr. Ken Hogstrom, chief of physics, MBP, and former president of the AAPM

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Making a Difference in YOUR Community

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Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center (MBP) believes that screenings are the single most proactive way to lower the inordinately high cancer mortality rate in Louisiana. Today, Louisiana ranks number two in the United States in cancer deaths.

With the help of community partnerships, MBP is continuing to fight this disease by offering free community cancer screenings and education programs throughout its 15-parish service area. Through June 30, 2008, MBP has held 89 events and screened over MBP Outreach Coordinator Gwendolyn Bonton assists a participant with 2,500 participants for breast, prostate, colorectal and registration for a prostate screening. skin cancer. The chart below represents the number of participants screened thus far and indicates that 44% had never been screened for cancer.

2008 Cancer Screenings through June 30 Breast

Total participants

1,073

Participants who have 151 never been screened Diagnosis of cancer 1Women

8

1

Prostate

Colorectal

Skin

Total

117

427

440

1,135 (44%)

1

0

0

9

239

695

554

2,561

over the age of 40 who have never been screened for breast cancer.

What Our Screening Patients Say: “I am immensely grateful that such an offer was available to me. Unfortunately, in the society we live in today, some of us have to decide between having insurance and other necessities. If it wasn’t for programs, made possible by generous corporations and the like, persons like me would probably ‘fall through the cracks’ in the diagnosis and treating life threatening conditions.”

“I think this is a wonderful service for people. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. I don’t know what or how I could get my mammogram without this.”

Baton Rouge screening participant

Covington screening participant

www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2008

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IN YOUR COMMUNITY

First-Ever Event Yields Phenomenal Results

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In recognition of National Minority Cancer Awareness week, the Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins – with the help of Southern University School of Nursing, Woman’s Hospital and YWCA ENCOREplus – sponsored a health fair for the whole family. The event promoted increased awareness of the importance of early detection among racial and ethnic minority groups, a segment of the population disproportionately affected by cancer.

The goal was to provide as many screenings as possible for breast, prostate, colorectal and skin cancers in addition to screenings for glucose and blood pressure. The overwhelming success of this event was evident in the exceptional results.

A screening participant takes a break from the day’s activities.

A total of

474 cancer

screenings were provided in one day.

An event volunteer assists a screening participant with registration.

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IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Mayor Kip Holden, honorary chairman of the event, joins members of the Cancer Program team during the first-ever event.

Of the screening participants:

76% of the participants had never been screened for cancer 38% of the participants had never been screened for breast cancer 79% of the participants had never been screened for colorectal cancer 69% of the participants had never been screened for prostate cancer 83% of the participants had never been screened for skin cancer Sister Uyen, committee member who served as a translator at the event, joins her niece and Mayor Kip Holden.

www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2008

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Mary Bird Perkins Wins Radiance Award

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Family Road of Greater Baton Rouge, a nonprofit organization providing a variety of services for families, presented Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s CARE Network with the Radiance Award.

The award was presented at Family Road’s 1st Annual Solaris Awards Ceremony held at the Lod Cook Alumni Center.

The Radiance Award is presented to a program that has demonstrated excellence in the development and implementation of a health care services program. Some of the Pictured (l to r): Emcee Whitney Vann, WBRZ; Renea A. Duffin, Mary factors taken into consideration for the award included how a Bird Perkins; and Dena Morrison, Family Road, president/CEO. program identified and met a need in the community; how it met its goals and objectives; its demonstration of positive outcomes and impact; and the number of people reached in the “We are honored to receive the Radiance Award and be past year. recognized along with so many other dedicated nonprofits in the The CARE Network was nominated for its Early Detection Program. Since its inception in 2002, along with its community partners, the Early Detection Program has provided free screenings for breast, prostate, skin and colorectal cancer for over 23,000 people.

community,” said Renea A. Duffin, executive director, CARE Network, Mary Bird Perkins. “Our goal is to make a difference in the fight against cancer by spreading the message that early cancer detection can save lives.”

MBP Collaborates in Efforts To Promote Cancer Screenings

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In recognition of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is partnering with other organizations to offer free prostate cancer screenings during the month of September. It is estimated that one in six men will get prostate cancer in his lifetime. In the United States, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in men after skin cancer.

The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins will offer three screenings at multiple locations throughout the Greater Baton Rouge area during the month of September, as well as one on August 23 at the Men’s Health Conference. In addition, a screening will also be made available in Covington as part of the comprehensive cancer program of Mary Bird Perkins and St. Tammany Parish Hospital. A prostate screening will also be held in partnership with St. Elizabeth Hospital.

Mary Bird Perkins, in partnership with Woman’s Hospital, will also offer free breast cancer screenings throughout the month of

16 Perkins Perspective • Fighting Cancer for Over 35 Years.

October in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In the United States, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women after skin cancer. And, according to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women will be found to have invasive breast cancer in her lifetime.

For more information regarding dates, times and locations of these and other free screenings, please visit www.marybird.org.

The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins is one of only 14 sites in the country selected to participate in the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) pilot. One of the main goals of this pilot is to reduce cancer health care disparities.

ncccp.cancer.gov

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VO LU N T E E R O F T H E Y E A R

MBP Recognizes Dedicated Center Volunteers

Anna B. Lipsey Volunteer of the Year Award Presented

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Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center volunteer Ed Burke received the Anna B. Lipsey Memorial Volunteer of the Year award for 2008. A cancer survivor, Burke began volunteering just prior to his retirement from UniRoyal in 2003 as a senior chemist. “I was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2002,” he said. “My treatment at Mary Bird Perkins was so positive and compassionate that I began volunteering while I was undergoing treatment. There are such good doctors here. My cancer is completely gone. I just can’t say enough.”

The award, named for the late community activist and one of the Center’s original founders, Anna Lipsey, was presented

by Susan Lipsey. She spoke on behalf of her husband Richard – Anna Lipsey’s son – who was unable to attend the Center’s annual volunteer recognition luncheon.

A recognition committee comprised of Center staff and volunteers selects the honoree through a deliberative process that begins with nominations from staff.

Susan Lipsey told those assembled that nominating comments about Burke included references to his incredible kindness, appropriate sense of humor and willingness to do anything asked of him. “Mr. Burke is the very definition of an Anna B. Lipsey volunteer of the year,” she said.

Anna B. Lipsey was a founder of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and served as secretary-treasurer of the board from

Susan Lipsey and Ed Burke 1968 until shortly before her death in 1985. The Volunteer Service Award is given each year to the volunteer who best exemplifies the volunteer spirit and dedication for which Mrs. Lipsey was known.

Enjoying Mary Bird Perkins’ Hammond Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at O’Donnell’s Restaurant in Ponchatoula are (front row, l to r): Noel Parnell; Joy Sheridan; Myrtle Gatlin; and Lou Fitzmorris. (back row, l to r): Cindy Williamson, development director, Northshore/Florida Parishes; Vickie Hall, director, Hammond facility; Robbye Bell; Juanita Pearson; Brenda Truxillo, vice president, radiation oncology; Rosemary Round; Dixie Moore; and Trisha Wright, director, human resources. www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2008

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2008 Annual Giving Campaign: New Year, New Leadership, New Campaign

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This year’s Annual Giving Campaign kicks off in August with Chair Bill O’Quin at the helm and several changes on the 2008 agenda. Joining O’Quin’s leadership as the 2008 Campaign Vice Chair is Brett Furr, an attorney with Taylor Porter Brooks & Phillips, and a relatively new member of MBP’s board of directors.

Furr has been involved with various fundraising efforts in the Baton Rouge community, but his reasons for volunteering with MBP come from several personal areas of interest in the Center. “The level of technology available at MBP relative to the rest of the country makes us a player in the national market but being on the forefront of technology is expensive.

Charitable donations help because they allow the community the opportunity to partner with us to provide the very best cancer care in our region.” Furr is also a big advocate of the free cancer screenings Mary Bird Perkins provides, and he wants to help raise financial support to enable the Center to do more.

Pictured (l to r): 2008 Annual Giving Campaign Vice Chair Brett Furr and Chair Bill O’Quin.

Another motivation for Furr’s involvement, also a belief shared by O’Quin, is that the reach of the campaign needs to extend Another change is that there will be two recognition events held at further into the community. “There are a lot of new people and new the Center in March 2009 to honor MBP’s growing number of businesses and corporations in our region,” Furr said. “We want to donors. The first is the new annual Rathbone Dinner for those who give them the opportunity to participate. I’d like to see us hold more give $5,000 or more a year. The second event will be a special Leadership Reception for those who give $1,200 or more to Mary corporate presentations.”

Bird Perkins. “One event just couldn’t accommodate all our O’Quin is also prepared to take on the challenge of expanding the supporters – and it’s vitally important to keep our events here at the Center’s support. “Mary Bird Perkins is extremely fortunate to have Center,” O’Quin said. truly loyal and wonderful partners, but at the same time, we need to cast a wider net. There are many in our community who need to The 2008 Annual Giving Campaign kicks off at O’Quin’s house in hear about Mary Bird Perkins and how they can become involved in late August where his trademark fire truck, along with several others, will be on display representing the theme of the campaign – the fight against cancer.”

Extinguish Cancer.

The combination of O’Quin and Furr’s previous experience as past campaign volunteers provides valuable insight for a new direction To learn more about the 2008 Annual Giving Campaign and how this year. “Mary Bird Perkins has a predominantly new staff in the you can help Mary Bird Perkins Extinguish Cancer with a donation Development Office,” O’Quin said. “Creating personal or as a volunteer, contact Mindy Tyler at (225) 215-1233 or via relationships is important so more emphasis is being placed on joint email at mindyt@marybird.com. visits with a volunteer and a professional development officer. It’s a great way to say thank you and share how their previous support has “The level of technology available at MBP relative made a difference. It’s also an opportunity to share important news to the rest of the country makes us a player in the from the Center.”

Also new this year will be an increased gift level from $1,000 to $1,200 for a Leadership Donor. Explaining that studies have shown that monthly givers are consistent year in and year out, O’Quin’s idea is that if, for instance, you are paying $1,000 a year as your current pledge, why not pay $100 a month and increase your investment to Mary Bird Perkins to $1,200 a year and remain a Leadership Donor? “People are always interested when I tell them I make my contribution to Mary Bird Perkins on a monthly basis the same way I pay my bills – online,” O’Quin said.

18 Perkins Perspective • Fighting Cancer for Over 35 Years.

national market but being on the forefront of technology is expensive. Charitable donations help because they allow the community the opportunity to partner with us to provide the very best cancer care in our region.”

Brett Furr, 2008 Annual Giving vice chair

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MBP Volunteers at Mandeville Seafood Festival

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More than 20 volunteers representing Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center were on hand to help out at the Mandeville Seafood Festival this year. “The Festival had record crowds at the new, larger venue at Fontainebleau State Park,” said Cindy Williamson, development director, MBP, Northshore/Florida Parishes. “The Early Bird was parked in the middle of the action on Saturday and Sunday and many people stopped by to ask questions and to pick up educational literature and free sunscreen.”

Two volunteers from the Covington Center, Sherri Blackwell and Natalie Hock, worked the ticket booth at the front gate. “Natalie and I had a lot of fun working together as a team for Mary Bird Perkins. We both will definitely volunteer for this event again next year,” said Blackwell.

Shown with the Early Bird are (l to r) MBP volunteer Gloria Griffin; Marci Miller; Hannah Haggenmacher; MBP volunteer Amie Haggenmacher; Joel Haggenmacher; and Christian Haggenmacher.

Crawfishman Triathlon Donates $3K to MBP

The Mandeville Seafood Festival, produced by the Greater Mandeville Seafood Association, Inc., is the oldest festival held in St. Tammany Parish. The festival association, a nonprofit organization with a 100 percent volunteer membership, has donated over $1 million to various Mandeville area charities with Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington being one of its largest beneficiaries.

Cuts for the Cure

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Over 360 athletes registered for the 25th annual Crawfishman Triathlon benefiting pre-selected community organizations and foundations, among them Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.

Approximately 330 finished the grueling 1,000 yard swim, 18 mile bike course and 4 mile run.

Cindy Williamson, development director, Mary Bird Perkins, Northshore/Florida Parishes, and Nick Salvetti stands with his her family were among the race custom painted awards which, volunteers for the day. “The along with those of Lori Sperier, entire event was just were presented to the overall and extraordinary,” said Williamson. masters individual winners.

“To see people come together to have a positive impact on the community, to help make it possible to support organizations truly making a difference – like fighting cancer – was so uplifting.”

Sondra Johnson, mother of Spenser Johnson, looks on as stylist Pat Johnson cuts Spenser’s hair. “My mother and dad died of cancer. If there’s anything I can do to help, I’m more than willing,” Johnson said.

The idea started with Livingston Parish Salon 2005 owner Lucia Young. “Many of our clients have breast cancer. Taking care of their hair, we become friends.

We wanted to do something to help – something different.”

Young came up with the idea to cut hair and give the money to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and Woman’s Hospital who partner to offer free breast cancer screenings in Livingston Parish.

Her idea took off and fourteen other Livingston Parish salons participated in the unique fundraiser. The stylists not only donated their time on their day off but also the $10 they charged per haircut. In the end, over $5,000 was raised by supportive community members, and 39 women were screened for breast cancer that day.

www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2008

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iN YOUR COMMUNITY

Northshore Leaders Gather To Support Fight Against Cancer; Learn About Mary Bird Perkins Guests Hear from Local Survivor Randy Kinchen

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Approximately 50 community residents gathered at the home of Randy Waesche in Mandeville to learn more about the mission and vision of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and future plans for development in the Northshore area.

“Six years ago I had cancer,” Northshore resident Randy Kinchen told those assembled. “I had never heard of Mary Bird Perkins. I didn’t know there was a center in Covington or in Hammond for that matter.” He said the first question he asked his doctor was, “Where do I need to go – can I stay here?” His doctor recommended Mary Bird Perkins in Covington. “Here I am, six years later.

When I was being treated I never missed work, not even one day,” he said. “I’ve been helping raise funds for Mary Bird Perkins for the last four years, so I’m connected in two ways. Let me just say, if you have money to donate, it’s an excellent way to give back.”

Pictured (l to r): Todd Stevens, president and CEO, MBP; Carolyn A. Chassee, CFRE, VP for development and chief development officer, MBP; Janis Mayfield, CMD, dosimetrist, MBP; Cindy Williamson, development director, Northshore/Florida Parishes, MBP; Randy Waesche, past treasurer, MBP board of directors; Dr. Gregory Henkelmann, oncologist, MBP; and Dr. Charles Wood, oncologist, MBP.

Randy Waesche, who, as required by the Center’s bylaws, has rotated off the Board of Directors for one year as treasurer of Mary Bird Perkins, stated emphatically, “If any of us in this community were to get cancer, there is only one place to go for treatment – Mary Bird Perkins.”

Todd Stevens, president and CEO of Mary Bird Perkins, gave an overview of Mary Bird Perkins’ role in the greater Northshore area, including a brief summary of the National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) pilot and MBP’s selection as one of 14 community-based cancer programs in the country chosen to participate. Stevens also highlighted the Center’s education, prevention and early detection programs at all three locations. He said that since the screening program’s

inception in 2002, over 23,000 people have been screened for various cancers by MBP and its partners. Lastly, Stevens shared information on the LSU-MBP medical physics program, one of only twelve such accredited graduate level programs in the United States. This program is increasing the scope of medical physics research to ultimately improve outcomes for patients, the driving force behind everything MBP does.

Two of the radiation oncologists at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington, Dr. Gregory Henkelmann and Dr. Charles Wood, related poignant stories about their association with Mary Bird Perkins and why they are steadfastly committed to its more than 35-year-old founding mission.

Covington Mayor Tours MBP

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Covington Mayor Candace Watkins and community activist Cindy Harlan were recently guided through a virtual patient experience at the Covington location. Mary Bird Perkins dosimetrist Janis Mayfield (right) shows Watkins (left) and Harlan (center) some of the state-of-the-art radiation technology used to treat cancer at the Covington Center.

20 Perkins Perspective • Fighting Cancer for Over 35 Years.

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IN YOUR COMMUNITY

TitlePlus: Closing Out for a Worthy Cause

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Steve Greer is no stranger to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center (MBP). His father, Bob Greer, serves on the Center’s board of directors and currently serves on the executive committee.

Nobody ever expected, however, that his father’s passion for the Center’s mission would have such a profound impact on his son.

Greer co-owns TitlePlus with Jacques B. Favret. Together, the two decided that a portion of all TitlePlus business revenues would go to MBP by donating a portion of every loan closed.

Essentially, this means everyone who does business with TitlePlus becomes a donor to the Center.

Pictured (l to r): Carolyn A. Chassee, CFRE, VP for development and chief development officer, MBP, accepts the first monthly contribution of more than $1,000 from Steve Greer, managing member for TitlePlus; Michael Sherman, director of operations; and Jacques B. Favret, managing member and attorney at law. This gift is part of the TitlePlus innovative giving program, contributing a portion of every loan closing to MBP.

“Giving is just such a fundamental part of being a good citizen and a good corporate citizen,” said Greer. “We knew we wanted to do something like this to be a good corporate citizen, and when we discussed it, all of us agreed Mary Bird Perkins is a great institution deserving of support, particularly considering that cancer has affected us all in some sort of way.”

“We are so very grateful for this unique and caring gift,” said Carolyn A. Chassee, CFRE, vice president of development. “We have many individuals that give monthly – but this is our first corporate donor that has opted to pledge a percentage of their monthly revenue. It’s a very generous and thoughtful gift, and we do hope that more businesses will follow their lead.”

Being such a good steward within the community can be hard for any company. But, the investment is making a difference in the lives of cancer patients. In March, Favret and Greer visited MBP, with their Director of Operations Michael Sherman, to drop off their first monthly gift of more than $1,000.

“We’re very proud to support Mary Bird Perkins this way,” said Jacques Favret. “Sharing our success with an active community nonprofit that does so much is a very worthy cause.”

Jeff Boss Memorial Golf Classic Raises $5,000 for Mary Bird Perkins

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For the past five years, the Jeff Boss Memorial Golf Classic has honored the life of an individual who was well-respected and loved by many in the community. Friends and family members of Jeff Boss gathered for the 2008 tournament at Copper Mill Golf Club in Zachary, LA to play golf and present Mary Bird Perkins with a $5,000 check in his memory.

Boss served as the LSU Athletic equipment manager from 1980-2003 and is remembered for his selflessness and sincere dedication to the team and the players. After Boss passed away of brain cancer in 2003, his assistant, Greg Stringfellow, along with several of Boss’ former equipment managers, decided to create a golf tournament to celebrate Boss’ life. “We started the tournament in 2004 as a way to remember him and the amazing person he was,” Stringfellow said.

Pictured (l to r): Rich Abadie, T-Joe Breaux, Mindy Tyler, Greg Stringfellow, Ashley Stringfellow and James Frazier.

In honor of Boss, the tournament is held each year in May – the month of his birthday. Proceeds from the tournament are donated to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center where Boss received his radiation treatment. This year, 37 teams of four players gathered at Copper Mill to play golf in memory of Boss. www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2008

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iN YOUR COMMUNITY

Rubicon: Scoring Big for the Fight Against Cancer

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Rubicon LLC did not set out to be Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s largest annual donor, but through its annual golf tournament, that is exactly what has happened. The Rubicon Invitational Golf Tournament, one of the premier golf tournaments in the community, is held every year at the Country Club of Louisiana. With food on nearly every hole, donated door prizes galore, hole-in-one prizes – three Pictured (l to r): Rodney Blanchard, finance manager; Sandra Watts, sr. cars and a boat – and exciting player gifts, Rubicon’s secretary to the controller; Sue Sheets, administrative assistant to General suppliers and vendors are continually encouraged to ante up. Manager; Eric Phillips, vice president & general manager; Wayne Cash, retired purchasing manager & tournament coordinator; Jay Lyles, corporate This year’s tournament netted $47,000 and marked the & foundation giving director, MBP; Craig Nuckolls, employee benefits seventh year of continued generosity to MBP. To date, manager; JoAnn Hamilton, human resources representative; and Susan Rubicon has contributed over $250,000 to the fight against Cash, golf tournament committee volunteer. cancer in southeast Louisiana.

“It is a fun tournament for everyone, and we get to support a great cause in the process,” said Wayne Cash, Rubicon’s retired Purchasing Manager and volunteer coordinator of the tournament.

Phillips, vice president and general manager of the Ascension Parish-based facility. “Hopefully, by continually supporting Mary Bird Perkins’ early detection and treatment programs, we will make a difference for our community.”

Even after retiring, Cash dedicates much of his time to coordinating the tournament because of his and his wife Susan’s personal ties to MBP. Susan’s father, a cancer survivor, was treated at MBP.

Rubicon employee volunteers organize and operate the tournament with the help of community volunteers. “We are most grateful for Rubicon’s steadfast support of Mary Bird Perkins’ outreach programs,” said Todd Stevens, president and CEO of Mary Bird Perkins. “Rubicon’s continued support is helping to spread the vital message of early detection and ultimately saving lives in the community.”

“Cancer has touched all of our lives. Even in the Rubicon family, we have all had our own experiences with cancer,” said Eric

A Winning Combo – Taste of Louisiana, MBP Merrill Lynch Open

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Because of you, nearly $170,000 was raised by this year’s Mary Bird Perkins Merrill Lynch Open. These proceeds will help fund the free community screenings and outreach activities provided by Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center…YOU helped to make the difference!

Pictured (l to r): Ginger Kurlas and Rebecca Nelson, co-chairs of the Taste of Louisiana.

22 Perkins Perspective • Fighting Cancer for Over 35 Years.

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MEMORIAL AND HONOR GIFTS Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center gratefully acknowledges the following gifts made in memory of or to honor a special person or loved one during the period of January 1, 2008 to April 30, 2008.

Memorial and honor gifts may be made at any time and mailed to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Office of Development, 4950 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. Gifts may also be made online at www.marybird.org under “Make a Gift.”

In Memory of…

Phyllis Addison Mr. David Addison George Lawrence “Larry” Allen Mistretta Veterinary Clinic, Inc. Henriette M. Allen Mr. and Mrs. Bob D. Allen, Sr. Terri Angermeier Ms. Paula D. Alldredge Mr. Phillip L. Angermeier Ms. Sue Angermeier Mr. Scott Bilskie Donna Bordelon and Family Ms. Betty Buchanan Mr. and Mrs. Danny W. Burgess Mr. and Mrs. James C. Cotter Mr. and Mrs. Roger G. Deig Mr. and Mrs. James L. Delancy Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Kent Denton Mr. and Mrs. James A. Eskew Fluid Systems, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Benny Hehn Bob Jaugstetter and The Tulane Rowing Team Mr. and Mrs. Glen A. Kuper Ms. Suzette Lambert Mr. and Mrs. Kyle L. McCollom, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Keith L. McCutchan Mr. and Mrs. Edward O. Price, III Mr. and Mrs. Dale L. Schneider Ms. Amelia Sharber Mr. and Mrs. Greg Wehr Mr. and Mrs. Ron W. Weinzapfel Eleanor W. Baer Dr. Bruce L. Baer Lena Banks Fred L. Banks Kathleen McCarthy Barrilleaux Ms. Nanarea McCarthy Randy Barton Mr. Rick H. Lea Veva Louise Baudin Mrs. Lillie Beridon

Dennis Beard Ms. Kaye S. Schiefelbein Billie McCurley Bell Ms. Sadye P. Davenport Isabelle and Charles Glascock Charlyne and Aubrey Harvey and Family Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Hendry Tracy and Kenneth Holman Istrouma Class of 1950 Reunion Ms. Mary H. Konvalinka Mrs. C. Anne Moore Pat Parchman and Family Nancy and Ed Sneed Dr. Roslyn M. Tabor Mr. and Mrs. Pat Weber Ann Wilkinson Irene N. Bello Mr. and Mrs. Freddie J. Fossier Henry Bennett Anonymous Joseph Bennett, Sr. Anonymous Margaret Papp Blue Mr. Sam J. Marino, Sr. Janet Boatman Mr. and Mrs. C. P. LeJeune Peggy B. Bonnecarrere Mr. Donald B. Bonnecarrere Rita Bourque Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Griffin, Jr. Angie Brady The Pokeno Group Robert T. Branton Janice Moser Robert J. Braud Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Aliers Evelyn Brown Mr. and Mrs. Madison H. Romaine Sally “Sassee” Ratelle Brown Mr. and Mrs. Mark T. Mitchell Louise Brumfield Ms. Margaret Civella Mr. and Mrs. John W. Kenney Mr. and Mrs. Barry E. Lusted Mr. and Mrs. David R. Morrison Gene and Anita Perry Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schneller Rhita Cameron Anonymous Vincent E. Cangelosi Mr. and Mrs. Roger L. Major Robert L. Carmena Mr. and Mrs. Madison H. Romaine Joyce Carter Mr. Wellington W. Carter, Jr.

Lena Catanzaro Mrs. Beryl P. Bland Patricia Ryan “Patty” Cenac Anonymous Loraine K. Chadwick Mrs. William G. Palfrey Ronnie Chustz Mr. and Mrs. Myles Kirkland Wayne Chustz Mr. and Mrs. Myles Kirkland Gwendolyn Faye Clark Ms. Keturah T. Dardy Dr. Saundra Y. McGuire Helen Clark Rev. Oscar C. Clark William L. Clark, Sr. James Youngflesh William Frank Coburn Industrial Consulting and Supply Corporation Jim Cole Mr. and Mrs. Frank Jackson, Jr. Lillian Mayer “Lillee” Coleman Assaf, Simoneaux, Tauzin and Associates, Inc. Dr. and Mrs. Charles I. Black Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Bland The Book Reviewers Book Club Mr. R. Gale Creed Mrs. Nita K Harris Harris Civil Engineers, LLC Mr. and Mrs. David L. Leblanc Letterman’s Blue Print and Supply Co. Michael Polito, Richard Setliff and Mark LaHaye of MAPP Construction, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Ronald W. McElroy Dr. and Mrs. A. K. McInnis, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Dean McKee Mr. Julius McMains Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Patt Mr. and Mrs. Hansen E. Scobee Mr. and Mrs. Dale M. Songy Mr. and Mrs. Troye Svendson Smith Thomas Patricia Collins Ms. Stephanie Collins Rae Connell Ms. Angela Hattier Mike Corban Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Hoover Walter H. Corkern Mrs. Linda Corkern George and Annie T. Cornell Mr. George Cornell

www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2008

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MEMORIAL AND HONOR GIFTS Judith Davidson Courville Anonymous Grace Richard Crain Ms. Kaye S. Schiefelbein Helen Wilkinson Davis Mr. and Mrs. G. Lee Griffin Victor E. Debetaz Mr. and Mrs. Ted E. Denstel Thomas M. DeBlanc, Jr. George and Lacy Bofinger Joanne Delaune Mr. and Mrs. George G. Melancon Camille Diaz Anonymous Roseanne Dileo Mr. and Mrs. David M. James Mrs. Euginia “Genie” Dixon Mrs. Linda Floyd Betty C. Doughty David J. and Laura W. Daigle Mr. and Mrs. Jack Frazee Beverly Hulin and Family Louisiana Greater Baton Rouge Association of Occupational Health Nurses Mr. Thomas E. Maher Mrs. C. Anne Moore Ms. Dorothy E. Noeske Mr. and Mrs. Guy Perkins The Unmanageables Group Mr. and Mrs. Joseph D. Weldon O. D. Dudley Mrs. Mildred Ricard Jennifer Harris Duncan Mr. and Mrs. Jack R. Bankston Mr. and Mrs. John Burnett Mr. and Mrs. David Manning Carl R. Dunn Mrs. Cynthia A. Dunn Michael Patrick Dunne Ann Wilkinson Candace Durden Fred, Teresa, Victoria and Haleigh Consterdine Evelyn J. Durham Pathfinder Sunday Class Edward Dyess Rev. Oscar C. Clark George Elliott Mr. and Mrs. Hugh F. Wagley Lucille Engolio Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Bouchereau Mike Estep Mrs. Cynthia R. Estep Cloy Etheridge Ms. Florence Etheridge

Robert Morgan Fairchild Helen B. Fairchild James Forrest Fargason, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Blymyer Mr. Sam C. Bradshaw Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Byrne CDM Mr. Roy J. Cefalu Ms. Beverly H. Churchill Mr. Patrick V. Coghlan Mr. and Mrs. Rene C. Ellis Mr. and Mrs. George B. Gordon Henningsen Cold Storage and Co. Mr. John P. Laguens Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. Lucarelli Mrs. Betty M. Phillips Mr. and Mrs. William A. Taber, III Shirley Faust Larry Boudreau, Linda Neill and John Rasbury Wanda Felknor Mr. and Mrs. David J. Boethel Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board Ms. Martha Davis Dr. Billy Powell Mr. and Mrs. Clarence W. Senn, Jr. Kay Fenton Episcopal High School Helen Virginia Allbritton Fleniken Mr. and Mrs. Howard Allbritton Mark and Beth Allbritton Herbert Fontenot David Leader Wilda Fontenot Ms. JoAnn Burley Earl Joseph “Jay” Fourroux Beryl Fourroux A. W. Furnish The Pokeno Group Lynell H. Gaal Mr. and Mrs. Billy Smith Kathryn Thompson “Kathy” Garner Ms. Leoda M. McConnell Sarah Garner Ms. Cheri Hendrix Rita Gatlin Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Hardy Fred J. Gauthier Mrs. Verlee G. Mayeux Owen A. Gauthier Susan Ballard Lynn Bradley and Carroll Blewster Lewis Doherty, III Ms. Mai L. Doles Mr. and Mrs. David R. Escude

24 Perkins Perspective • Fighting Cancer for Over 35 Years.

Ricky and Stephanie Falcon Mr. and Mrs. Denis Murrell Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Ourso, Jr. Doyle and Nancy Suarez Mr. and Mrs. Troye Svendson Jan Thibeau Patricia Thompson Mary Alice Plassan Gibbens Mr. Paul E. Haygood Richard Gill Todd and Kelli Stevens Dianne Graham Rebel Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. Sylvia S. Graphia Julie and Mike Denny Mrs. Lindsey Alexander Falcon Mr. and Mrs. James G. Fitzhugh Mr. and Mrs. Daniel McBride Mr. and Mrs. Bill McCants Gino Millspaugh The Baton Rouge Area Mustangers Car Club Ms. Joan M. Stephenson Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Stewart Ms. Beverly A. Whitley Brent Griffin Lakeshore Lions Club of Baton Rouge Stanford Groves Ms. Wanda J. Lyles Aymee and Ben Guedry Mrs. Rita G. LeBlanc Audrey C. Gueho Mr. Charles Elore Gueho Howard J. Helmke Mrs. Miriam Hearn Crump D. Jensen Holliday Ms. Donna S. Melancon Ronald Hood Ms. Ernestine Hood Emery “Frank” Hopkins Mr. and Mrs. Nick Lawless Blackie Howell Mr. W. Evans Howell, Jr. David Hrozenchik Ms. Jessica A. Devitt H. Cooper Hutchinson, Sr. Mrs. Lynne Graner Margie Boyles Hutchinson Mrs. Lynne Graner Herbert G. Jahncke, Jr. Harry V. Souchon Tom Shepherd Insurance Birdie Johnson and Ann Johnson Carter Mr. and Mrs. William B. King

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MEMORIAL AND HONOR GIFTS Margaret Estes Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Michael Pedrotty Michael D. “Mike” Johnston Dr. Richard Atkins Romona Landry Mr. and Mrs. Charles V. Russo Aubrey John LaPlace Mrs. Helen Harbourt James H. LaRoche Mr. and Mrs. Isaac M. Gregorie Joseph Bruno Latino Mrs. Birdie White Judy D. Lawler Ms. Michelle Crawford Mary Leader Mr. David Leader Orine Fontenot Leader David and Sandy Leader Rene LeBlanc Mrs. Rita G. LeBlanc Newton Ray LeJeune Cane Brake Baptist Church Walter Lundy Central High School Ethel Brignac Martin Ms. Gwen F. Bedell Mae Martin Mr. and Mrs. Madison H. Romaine Elsie B. Mascair Mr. Clinton Kern Joseph Mascarella Mr. and Mrs. James Mascarella Ray McCastle Anonymous Myrna G. McKinney M/G Transport Christy B. McLin Mr. and Mrs. Billy Swetledge Ridge Merritt Mrs. Marie V. Achee Mr. and Mrs. Steve Cromwell Ms. Helen W. Neal Mr. Louis A. Michel, Sr. Jeanette Miletello Mrs. Donna M. Plauche’ Guy W. Miller Mr. and Mrs. Bill Wray, Jr. Kenneth Moore Mrs. Veronica Moore Amy Mouton Mr. and Mrs. Z. David DeLoach Edward Clements Mulligan Mrs. Doris P. Chesler Mrs. Charline Coleman Staff at DOTD Mr. and Mrs. William E. Foster

Dr. and Mrs. Fred J. Impastato Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Morrill Ms. Shera Quigley Mr. and Mrs. James W. Rector Mr. Eric C. Ruhlin Mr. and Mrs. Alec Watt Mr. John W. Whitson Mire Murrell Dr. and Mrs. Mortimer F. Currier Larry C. Musgrove, Sr. Anonymous Herbert J. Naquin Mrs. Lucille V. Falgout Jorie Navarre Fred L. Banks Neavie Nelson Mrs. Carly Weeks Ms. Marsha Weeks Dorothy Hood Napier Newell Ms. Ann Blair Margie Nugent Ms. Marie Deatherage Constance Oubre Board of Directors, Management and Employees of Associated Grocers, Inc. Edna Ross Patton Mr. Curtis Patton Merlin and Earnest Pellegrin McCabe Real Estate Gladys Lorraine Mischler Perrien Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. David J. Giardina Ms. Iris Lua-Hernandez Ms. Donna Williams Anthony S. Pizzolato, Sr. Mrs. Anthony S. Pizzolato Della L. Prine Mr. and Mrs. James N. Prine Ronald Anthony Rabalais Newpark Mats and Integrated Services, LLC Travis Rabren Dr. Lee F. Mason Sam Ragusa Mrs. Marguerite Parsons Dr. and Mrs. M. J. Rathbone, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen McCord Senator B.B. “Sixty” Raburn Mr. John Alario, Jr. Maureen H. Reed Ms. Helen W. Neal Mrs. Mary L. Welsh Dura Reeves Mrs. Brandy Alexander Deffes

Davida T. Regard Mr. and Mrs. Madison H. Romaine Maureen Helm Ribando Milton and Shirley Hunt Mr. and Mrs. Donald T. McRae Mrs. Mary C. Thomas Nathan Ricard Mrs. Mildred Ricard Kenneth C. “Casey” Roach Mr. and Mrs. John Burke Raybon’s Pet Memorial Gardens Mr. Robert J. Werner Carolyn Roberts Lela and Pat Weber Eula Palmer Rogers Todd and Kelli Stevens Frances Rowell Mrs. Lucy H. Atkins Sedonia Ruggia Mr. and Mrs. James N. Prine John P. Schittone, Sr. Ms. Stacey W. Boggs Mr. and Mrs. Anthony A. Maniscalco Mrs. Irma L. Marino Miss Faye Oldendorf Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Robert, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Billy Roberts Miss Janet M. Schittone Miss Marie L. Schittone Mrs. Donna L. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Duane Smith Mr. and Mrs. James R. Vannoy Mr. Schnur Mrs. William D. Ray Boni Schweizer Richard and Susan Lipsey Geneva Seiber Mr. and Mrs. Saintclair Seiber Sadie Seitz Amy Johnson Eunice Sims Ms. Marilyn Anderson Ruth Hickman Smith DOA - Office of Finance and Support Services Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Earl St. John Board of Directors, Management and Employees of Associated Grocers, Inc. Linda L. Stoltz Mr. and Mrs. G. Lee Griffin Mr. and Mrs. John B. Noland Geoffrey T. Tayler Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Mills www.marybird.org • Volume 2 2008

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MEMORIAL AND HONOR GIFTS Calvin C. Thomas, Sr. Chenevert, Songy, Rodi, Soderberg Engineering Holden Associates, An Architectural Corporation Mom K The Lamonica Family Raymond and Dianne Lamonica Alfred LeBanc, Sr. Steve and Darlene Shehane George Thomas Mrs. Shirley E. Thomas John Todor, Sr. Todor Development Corp.

Barbara R. Tregre Emma, Kathy and Van Gilmore, III Anthony J. Triola Mr. and Mrs. G. Lee Griffin Margaret Dorothy Vance Ms. Carol Page Stephen Vargo Mrs. Thelma J. Vargo Corinne Vickers Mr. Robert Carpenter Guy Waggenspack Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Babin Dr. and Mrs. Mortimer F. Currier David Allen Waguespack George and Lacy Bofinger Erin Ward Sandy and Greg Brown Ivan K. Weekley Board of Directors, Management and Employees of Associated Grocers, Inc. Jean Welborn Mr. and Mrs. Madison H. Romaine

James C. Wiggins Felder’s Collision Parts, Inc. Anita Williams Mr. and Mrs. Keith Williams Beatrice Williams Louvenia G. Glasper Harry Williams Mr. and Mrs. Keith Williams Margaret Wilson Anonymous Mrs. Lois Wilson Richard Winget Mr. Tim B. Elkins, Sr. Lee Yick Anonymous

In Honor of…

Dr. Frederic T. Billings Mrs. Dianne Griffin Jane T. Boyce Mr. John C. Boyce Florence R. Cado Mr. and Mrs. Anthony D. Cado Shirley A. Callender Merlin K. Pritchard Insurance Agency, Inc. Nelson Dakmak Mrs. Evelyn D. Lafitte Dr. Robert S. Fields Dr. Oscar Hidalgo-Salvatierra Dr. David Hanson Anonymous Lorraine James Jennie Comeaux

Cancer Program Supports Relay for Life The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake (OLOL) and Mary Bird Perkins (MBP) took part in this year’s Baton Rouge Relay for Life at the BREC Fairgrounds. Each year, the American Cancer Society (ACS) holds this event to honor cancer survivors, pay tribute to those lives lost to the disease, and raise money for the continued fight against cancer. Mobile medical units from both OLOL and MBP were onsite for the twenty-four hour event. In addition, the Cancer Program held a raffle and jambalaya sale with the proceeds benefitting ACS. 26

J.J. Johnson Mrs. Frank L. Norwood, Jr. Dr. Sheldon Johnson Mrs. Dianne Griffin Mr. Michael Sotile Holly Knight Anonymous The Douglas J. Langlois Family Mr. Douglas Langlois Rebecca Lyders Anonymous Betty McGee Ms. Carol King Denise Muller Anonymous Charlie Pace Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Winston Ranny G. Pearce Mrs. Judy Pearce and Daughters Dana K. Red Mr. and Mrs. Sam Lowery Beth Shields Anonymous Natalie Tatje Emma and Kathy Gilmore Justen Taylor Rev. and Mrs. Raymond E. Taylor The Bowlings’ Community Group Dr. Wesley L. Lee Sandra S. Wales Mrs. Sandra Strickland Nedra W. Williams Mr. Russell Bankston Mr. and Mrs. Mac Womack Ashlyn Womack

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Donors Honored at Mary Bird Perkins’ Leadership Dinner

D. Jensen Holliday Memorial Award Presented to Warren E. Buckley

M

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s 13th annual Leadership Dinner took place this spring at the Baton Rouge center. Prior to the dinner, guests were given a tour of the Center’s newest radiation treatment technology and the Early Bird, the Center’s mobile medical clinic designed to take free cancer screenings into communities most in need within the Center’s 15-parish service area.

Welcoming remarks were made by Richard Lipsey, chairman, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center board of directors. Lipsey told those in attendance that their gifts of more than $1.75 million in 2007 – representing 86% of total dollars raised – not only helped fund the cancer support services, awareness and education, research and early detection programs of the Center but also helped provide radiation treatment for those who could not afford it.

Rev. Janet D. Hogstrom, chaplain of OLOL and wife of MBP’s Chief of Physics Kenneth Hogstrom, delivered the invocation.

Carolyn A. Chassee, CFRE, VP for development and chief development officer, MBP, thanked the Southeast Louisiana Radiation Oncology Group (SLROG) – Dr. Robert Fields, Dr. Gregory Henkelmann, Dr. Sheldon Johnson, Dr. Maurice King, Dr. Renee Levine, Dr. Kenneth Lo, Dr. Mary Ella Sanders and Dr. Charles Wood – for underwriting the evening’s dinner. Dr. Wood told those assembled that aside from the world class technology at Mary Bird and the expertise of his partners, the support services available to patients due to community support are what really impress him. “The resources here are outstanding,” he said.

Donna Saurage, a member of MBP’s board of directors and the Center’s Development Committee, recognized the many donors and community volunteers who support the mission of Mary Bird Perkins.

Warren E. Buckley was honored as the recipient of the D. Jensen Holliday Memorial Award. The award is presented annually by the Mary Bird Perkins board of directors to honor the late Jensen Holliday, who was chairman of the board at the time of his death from cancer. The award honors an individual in the communities served by Mary Bird Perkins who has made a sustained and significant difference in the fight against cancer. Beth Courtney, board member and chairman of the selection committee, introduced Buckley, a dedicated volunteer at Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge for almost 20 years. Not only has he helped deliver and maintain medical equipment for local cancer patients, but he has also helped the organization save money by repairing wheelchairs and beds and maintaining the lawn and flower beds. Presenting the award on behalf of Jensen’s widow Estelle, was Jensen and Estelle’s daughter Julie Crifasi.

The D. Jensen Holliday Memorial Award was presented to Warren E. Buckley, a dedicated volunteer at Cancer Services of Baton Rouge for almost 20 years, by Julie Crifasi (left) who stood in for her mother Estelle Holliday. Mimi Riche' (right), nominated Mr. Buckley for the award.

Todd Stevens, president and CEO of Mary Bird Perkins, provided a “State of the Center” update he called Progress through Partnerships.

He said Mary Bird Perkins itself is in partnership with the community. Citing major milestones accomplished during the past year, Stevens said, “We could not afford to do these things without you, our donors.”

A special video presentation featuring Mary Bird Perkins cancer survivor testimonials was shown. Immediately following, two of those survivors – Marielle Land Howard and Sherrill Womack Lane – shared their patient perspectives and concluded the evening by thanking donors for making the work of Mary Bird Perkins possible.

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M a r y B i rd Pe rk i n s C a n c e r C e n t e r Fo u n d a t i o n • A n n a B . L i p s e y L e g a c y B u i l d e rs

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A Family Affair: Leaving a Legacy for Future Generations Now

A

Although natives of Kentucky, Tony and Ginger Kurlas have committed to giving back – now and in the future – to the Baton Rouge community they consider home. “The people here have been so hospitable and welcoming to us,” said Ginger. “Why wouldn’t we want to give back?”

Shortly after graduating from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, Tony began working for Merrill Lynch. It was his first boss and mentor who taught him the principle of giving back. “He explained that in our business, our relationship with the community is a two-way street. If the community is good to you, you need to be good to the community. I’ve never forgotten that.”

Ginger and Tony have incorporated this principle into their personal lives as they exemplify the value of giving back in ways other than just philanthropically.

Tony and Ginger Kurlas with their three daughters (l to r) Courtney, Mimi and Ginny.

This past year, Ginger served as co-chair of the Taste of Louisiana, the event that officially kicks off MBP’s signature event – its annual golf tournament. “To me, giving of one’s time is equally as important as the giving of money,” she said.

“The love we have for this community sustains our continued donation of both.”

explained to her that if her mommy got sick, her mommy had insurance and could get the medicines she needed. But, there are some mommies who don’t have insurance and don’t have money for medicine. And, that’s why we’re working so hard to raise money to help them.” Even at the young age of eight, Ginger said Courtney understood.

While fulfilling her role as part of this year’s Tournament Organizing Committee, daughter Courtney questioned her mother about having to attend so many meetings. “I

Over the years, as part of Merrill Lynch, Tony has played an integral role in the success of the Center’s annual golf tournament – Mary Bird Perkins Merrill Lynch Open – an Continued on page 29

www.marybirdfoundation.org

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Anna B. Lipsey Legacy Builders is comprised of individuals who have made or have notified Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation of their intent to make planned gifts through their estate plans. Donors who have made outright gifts of $10,000 or more to the endowment or created endowed gifts for specific programs are also recognized as Legacy Builders.

Through their generosity, the following individuals are helping MBPCCF to build a perpetual endowment fund in support of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. The endowment will also ultimately help support other nonprofit entities that have demonstrated the ability to conduct cancer related programs, provide services that reduce cancer incidence and mortality or improve the quality of life for those affected by cancer.

Anonymous – (2) Don and Pat Lyle Jay and Sarah Lyles Donna M. Saurage Michael and Ro Trufant

Save the Date The Second Annual

Anna B. Lipsey Legacy Builders Recognition Event

Sunday, November 2, 2008 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Details to follow

Continued from page 28

event that raises funds to support the outreach services of MBP. “I want to be able to make a huge difference in the lives of the people I work with, and the people I work with want to help the people they work for – the community,” Tony said.

Tony and Ginger wholeheartedly believe in another of Merrill Lynch’s core values, responsible citizenship. They have embraced teaching their children this principle by leading by example and creating a family legacy at MBP for future generations. “We want our kids to be grateful, to understand the value of service and be financially and philanthropically responsible. That’s why we named our fund with the MBP Foundation the Kurlas Family Fund.”

Making the decision to establish a named endowed fund with the Foundation was fairly simple for Tony and Ginger.

“We felt extremely comfortable in giving to the Foundation because of MBP’s outstanding leadership,” Tony

commented. And, just as many others in the community, the Kurlases have witnessed the fight and lost friends to the disease. “Everyone, in one shape or another, is touched by cancer.

“We hope that in our children’s lifetime, if you are diagnosed with cancer, death will no longer be discussed as an option.

Rather, cancer will be viewed as just another barrier to overcome,” said Tony. In realizing the great strides that have already been made in cancer research along with the need for continuing advances, the Kurlas Family Fund is designated for cancer research, a legacy left for future generations.

“When you leave this world, it’s not what you bring with you. It’s what you leave behind,” commented Tony.

Together, Ginger and Tony Kurlas will not only leave a legacy for their children but also one for the future of cancer research.

www.marybirdfoundation.org

M a r y B i rd Pe rk i n s C a n c e r C e n t e r Fo u n d a t i o n • A n n a B . L i p s e y L e g a c y B u i l d e rs

New 2008 Anna B. Lipsey Legacy Builders

M a r y B i rd Pe rk i n s C a n c e r C e n t e r Fo u n d a t i o n • A n n a B . L i p s e y L e g a c y B u i l d e rs

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Invest in the Future with a Charitable Gift Annuity The idea of a charitable gift annuity is nothing new, but its advantages and benefits to the donor will never grow old. The concept of the charitable gift annuity in America dates back to 1843, when a Boston merchant donated money to the American Bible Society in exchange for a flow of payments.

Today, the concept includes valuable tax benefits for donors.

But, perhaps more valuable than the financial advantages is the satisfaction of helping continue the mission of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation.

Are you interested in making a meaningful gift to MBP Foundation, receiving a tax deduction and guaranteed fixed income for life? Please consider a charitable gift annuity.

Gift Annuities Defined

A gift annuity is a contractual agreement between a donor and a charitable organization in which the donor transfers assets in exchange for the organization’s promise to pay an annuity. By donating through a gift annuity, you can accomplish two things: (1) contract for fixed payments for yourself, or yourself and another individual, and (2) make a gift to a charitable organization of your choosing. Therefore, your donation is divided into two parts: the amount of the donation attributable to the gift portion, and the amount attributable to your annuity payments.

If you itemize deductions on your tax return, savings from the charitable deduction of the gift portion reduce your gift’s net cost. For a period of years, based on a government table of life expectancies, a portion of each payment received is considered a nontaxable return of your contribution. This further increases your after-tax dollars available for spending or investing.

In addition to the annuity payments you receive, an annuity funded with appreciated property results in these advantages: (1) the gain allocated to the gift portion completely avoids the capital gains tax and (2) the portion of gain to be recognized can be spread over the life expectancy of the person(s) receiving the annuity payments (provided that the donor is the primary annuitant and the annuity interest is assignable only to the charitable organization).

www.marybirdfoundation.org

Understanding Annuity Rates

One Life Your Age Rate of Return

Two Lives Your Age Rate of Return

55 5.3%

55/60 4.7%

60 5.5%

60/65 5.3%

65 5.7%

65/70 5.5%

70 6.1%

70/75 5.8%

75 6.7%

75/80 6.2%

80 7.6%

80/85 6.9%

85 8.9%

85/90 7.9%

90+ 10.5%

90/95+ 9.4%

50 5.1%

50/55 4.4%

Suggested rates offered by the American Council on Gift Annuities effective July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009. Please call our office to verify current rates.

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Based on life expectancy, older annuitants have higher annuity payment rates. As a result, gift annuity contracts are generally more appealing to older donors because the purchasing power of a fixed dollar amount can shrink over any long period of time. Rates are also adjusted according to the number of annuitants, with rates for two-life contracts often lower because of extended life expectancy.

The age of a recipient is the age reached at the nearest birthday, and rates are the same for men and women. A specific annuity rate is a matter of agreement between the donor and the issuing charitable organization. In the chart you will see rates recommended by the American Council on Gift Annuities. Check with your financial advisor or the Development Office for current rates.

A Case Study of Benefits

Linda, aged 75, plans to donate a maturing $25,000 certificate of deposit. Since she needs continuing income, Linda decides to use the cash for a charitable gift annuity that we will issue at the suggested rate of 6.7 percent.

Payments will be made quarterly. At the time of purchase, the charitable midterm federal rate (a figure used in calculating the charitable deduction) is 3.4 percent.

Although Linda's annuity rate is 6.7 percent, her actual earnings will be higher. Because Linda itemizes income tax deductions, she earns a federal income tax charitable deduction of $10,492. With a marginal income tax rate of 28 percent, the tax savings of $2,938 will reduce the net cost of the gift to $22,062. Her annual payments of $1,675 will mean an effective rate of total return of 7.6 percent, which is Linda's annual payment expressed as a percentage

of the net cost. Secondly, for the next 12.4 years, more than half of every dollar Linda receives will be considered a return of her investment in the contract and will not be subject to tax.

For More Information

Charitable gift annuities are an excellent way to achieve your philanthropic goals and gain substantial tax benefits.

As with most contract agreements, however, it is best to consult knowledgeable professionals before establishing a charitable gift annuity.

Our Development Office is available to answer any questions and provide projected results for your specific situation, in confidence and with no obligation.

For legal advice, please consult an attorney. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income tax include federal taxes only. Individual state taxes and/or state law may impact your results.

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation Development Office Phone: (225) 215-1224 Fax: (225) 766-7203 E-mail: foundation@marybird.com 4950 Essen Lane Baton Rouge, LA 70809 www.marybirdfoundation.org

Tax-Smart Giving Ideas

The new online planned giving guide provided by the Foundation offers useful estate planning tips that can help you fulfill your financial and charitable planning goals.There are ways to provide for yourself and your loved ones while ensuring extraordinary cancer care.

For more information on making a gift to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation, please contact the Development Office at (225) 215-1224 or visit www.marybirdfoundation.org.

You may also call to obtain more information and request a confidential, no-obligation proposal. As always, we encourage you to seek professional counsel when making important financial decisions.

www.marybirdfoundation.org

M a r y B i rd Pe rk i n s C a n c e r C e n t e r Fo u n d a t i o n • A n n a B . L i p s e y L e g a c y B u i l d e rs

Understanding Annuity Rates

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PERKINS PERSPECTIVE is published by the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Communications Department to provide information about news and programs of interest to the medical community, cancer patients and their families, donors and friends of the Center.

Communications Department 225.215.1225 Amy L. Benton, VP of communications • Sally McConnell, marketing director Danette Simon, physician liaison • Debby Vollmer, public relations manager/senior staff writer • Cassie Arceneaux, marketing coordinator

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

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

BATON ROUGE, LA PERMIT NO. 603