BP rep offers 20-year outlook
March 26, 2014
Anthony R. Duhon
March 27, 2014
Close to 900 people “partied in pink” at eighth-annual cancer fundraiser “Ladies Night Out” hosted by Terrebonne General Medical Center, said Rhonda Alfred, the hospital’s director of marketing.
Proceeds, which are still being calculated, are dedicated to the hospital’s Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. Local patients see the benefits via various items of necessity and comfort during their treatment: nutritional supplements, wigs, transportation assistance and medical equipment, among them. Every patient receives a comfort-care bag.
The cancer center also features two mobile screening bus (the Early Bird Bus) aimed at early detection of breast, oral, skin and colorectal cancers. Last year, with Ladies Night Out funds, an activity room was opened for patients to participate in activities, such as healthy cooking demonstrations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report about 14 million people learn they have cancer each year and 8 million of those die from the disease. Alfred said cancer is one of the top two causes of death in Terrebonne Parish, and officials have attributed the high mortality rate to a lack of education and access to care.
The gala also featured a cocktail buffet, a silent auction and live music by The Soul Survivors.
Among items raffled was a $3,000 “Total Rejuvenation Package,” offered by Haydel Dermatology. It included “Forever 40” products, 25 units of Botox and other beautification materials.
WWL-TV anchorwoman and “Your Power is On” author Sally-Ann Roberts was the event’s keynote speaker. Roberts lost her husband to colon cancer and her sister, ABC’s “Good Morning America” anchor Robyn Roberts survived breast cancer and myelodysplastic syndrome, the latter following a successful bone-marrow transplant from big sister Sally-Ann.
Sally-Ann sang songs and offered motivational anecdotes and tips to cope with trauma, Alfred said. She was joined by co-anchor Eric Paulson, the event’s emcee and photographer for “Your Power is On.” The New Orleans news team signed and sold copies of the book, pledging partial profits to the Ladies Night Out fund.
Organizers plan to debut a “new, updated and refreshed” Ladies Night Out, next scheduled for the fall of 2015.
