Chabert opens cancer resource center

Tears and cheers of victory were on the agenda Friday, as cancer patients, families and medical professionals were offered a new option in gathering needed supplies and information with the opening of the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Resource Center at Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center in Houma.

It is only the fourth resource of its kind in the state, and the first such in-house center to be offered at a public hospital.

The Cancer Resource Center is free of charge for those undergoing cancer treatments or wanting to learn more about the many manifestations of this disease.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 20,900 Louisiana residents will be diagnosed with some form of cancer this year. Terry Birkoff, state vice president for the Louisiana chapter of the American Cancer Society said that 350 lives a day are being saved because of new cancer-fighting treatments. “Folks, that’s not enough,” she said during the opening ceremonies.

Dr. Michael Garcia, medical director for the Chabert Medical Center said that overall the battle against cancer lists the most prevalent forms being lung cancer, followed by prostate, breast and colon rectal cancers as the top four.

“The good news is that over the last several years, even though Louisiana has a much higher level of cancer than the rest of the nation, we are seeing a decrease of about 4 percent in the instance of all cancers,” Garcia said. “So, we must be doing something right. Using the American Cancer Society, I think that will be a great outlet.”

A highlight of the pre-ribbon cutting was offered when cancer survivors and family members of victims, who are also volunteers at the Cancer Resource Center, told their stories, to those in attendance.

Denise Washington said, with a strong but quivering voice, that she is a survivor. “My journey has been a journey of challenges,” Washington said of having breast cancer. “I realized that my journey was not about me, but about helping others and giving back to the community. Each one of us has unique experiences… . If we are smart we will use these challenges and experiences to help others. I’ve learned what cancer cannot do. Cancer cannot cripple love. It does not shatter hope. It does not corrode our faith. It cannot destroy our peace. It cannot kill friendships. Cancer cannot suppress our memories. And it cannot silence our courage.”

LeAnn LeRay worked at the Chabert Medical Center for 22 years and identified herself as a one-year cancer survivor. She spoke of having breast cancer that spread, shared her experience of going through chemotherapy as well as the loss of her hair, and revealed the challenge she and her family continues to face.

“I feel very blessed to have so many people there for me,” LeRay said. “I [want to] help others the same way others have helped me.”

Gwen Angelette told of her journey that involved her adult son being diagnosed with testicular and brain cancer and overcoming the disease, as well as her own fight with a stage 4 form of cancer that is an ongoing battle.

“There is not a cure for my type of cancer,” Angelette said. “[But] I’m still living my life.”

One of the most moving testimonials came from John Burt, owner of Burt’s Snack Shop, who donated the $2,000 his business earned that day to the Cancer Resource Center, and told about how cancer claimed the life of his 27-year-old daughter, Kandi Burt in March.

Burt, while holding his 2-year-old granddaughter, Olivia Burt, told how cancer caused his daughter to first lose her eyesight and eventually claimed her life. The experience prompted him to be an advocate in fighting cancer.

“We were going to support the American Cancer Society with no idea that Kandi would be our poster girl today,” Burt said. “We don’t want anybody to have a 2-year-old girl that will never know her mama.”

“The Cancer Resource Center will be a vital link in the entire cancer experience, not only for those diagnosed, but also for their families and caregivers,” said Becky Majdoch, Louisiana Health Initiatives director for the American Cancer Society.

A cancer resource center is generally located within cancer treatment facilities. The intent being to furnish patrons with the most current information possible regarding their individual cancer. It also offers supplies such as prosthetics, wigs, hats, and scarves for those facing possible hair loss.

“The Cancer Resource Center is a great addition to the services we provide for our oncology patients,” said Chabert CEO Rhonda Green.

Volunteers, most of whom are cancer survivors, will be trained by the American Cancer Society to staff the center, and Chabert staff will be available to answer questions for those utilizing the service during regular business hours.

Each cancer resource center is a self-contained room inside the host facility. The center contains literature not only about cancer itself, but material addressing how to manage hardships, treatment and recovery for both the patient and families. In addition to printed material, the center is equipped with a desk, computer, fax machine and telephone for use by patrons. At Chabert, it is on the fourth floor, with a work area, displays of wigs and printed materials in a soothingly lit atmosphere.

The Cancer Resource Center provides an opportunity for the patient to network with other patients and survivors while making the most of one-on-one assistance.

“This is open for the public too, not just for our patients,” Green said as she revealed her hope that this center will be an example and motivator for other medical facilities.