Third annual Rock for Spots Goes Virtual, Supports Cancer/COVID-19 Relief

Local doctors are putting down their stethoscopes to pick up guitars, drums, and microphones for a benefit concert that will raise funds for cancer patients and healthcare providers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. John Lyons, MD, Mary Bird Perkins-Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center, is once again teaming up with regional nonprofit organization FestiGals to produce the third annual Baton Rouge Rock for Spots. Typically, the event is held to benefit skin cancer patients, but because of the tremendous COVID-19 relief needs, proceeds will benefit cancer patients impacted by the disease at the Cancer Center. Also, this year because of the need for social distancing, the event, usually held at a local venue, will go online and viewers will be provided with the opportunity to make a donation.

The one-night benefit concert supporting cancer patients, Rock for Spots will be held July 23 at 7 p.m. on the event website at rockforspots.org. It will feature a number of rock bands, including Fret Medics, V – Tones, and Blue Verse, which are all comprised of local physicians and medical professionals.

At the second annual event in 2019, more than $20,000 was raised, nearly doubling the proceeds from the inaugural concert in 2018. Contributions from this growing event have made a profound impact on patient care at Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center.

“We’re overwhelmed by the incredible support at Rock for Spots over the last two years, but the needs are even greater this year as we fight cancer and COVID-19,” said Lyons. “As physicians and other medical professionals, we see the toll the pandemic has taken and we believe the full impact is still coming. We hope the community will join us on July 23 for some safe fun and at the same time relieve some of the struggles cancer patients are facing because of the coronavirus.”

As part of the concert, hosted by Fox 44 and NBC Local 33 Evening Anchor Chad Sabadie, short live interviews with patients and medical experts will be introduced.

“Our excellent team provides the highest level of care, but COVID-19 has created an added layer of issues for an already immensely complex situation for patients and Cancer Center team members,” said Danielle Mack, vice president and chief development officer, Mary Bird Cancer Center. “It’s going to be a great time with some great music and benefiting a wonderful cause. It’s so inspiring to experience physicians such as Dr. Lyons and many others fight cancer all day and then donate their evening hours to host this event for the community.”

For more information on Rock for Spots, contact Chrissy Dupuy at (225) 215–1221 or cdupuy@marybird.com.

07/02/2020