Cancer Association of Louisiana (CALA) will host the inaugural Viva la Cure: Night of Hope event on Nov. 11, sponsored by Baton Rouge General, in support of cancer patients across the state. CALA helps patients undergoing cancer treatment with a host of resources, including medication co-pays, nutritional supplements, prosthetics and supplies, transportation assistance, and support with living expenses.
The event will be held at the LSU Lod Cook Alumni Center from 7-11 p.m.
In 2019, CALA expanded its services to Baton Rouge and beyond. Founded in New Orleans, the group now provides support services statewide to patients in 23 parishes statewide. Many of the patients it serves have limited income or no health insurance, making the resources they receive vital to the continuation of their treatment.
“In our 60-year history, we’ve learned a lot about the needs of cancer patients and their families, and we’re proud to be able to use that knowledge to continue to grow,” said Tammy Swindle, CALA’s executive director. “Viva la Cure has been a successful event for many years in New Orleans, and we are excited to bring this celebration of life to Baton Rouge for the first time as we try to help even more people through their cancer journey.”
Each year, CALA distributes more than $200,000 in financial assistance to Louisiana cancer patients, fills nearly 2,000 prescriptions, and provides gas cards to more than 700 patients with transportation needs. In addition, the organization provides living assistance and medical supplies to hundreds of patients in their 23-parish region of southeastern Louisiana. Well-known for its Viva La Cure and Breastoration events, the organization has also financially helped over 220 women afford reconstructive breast procedures at 24 different surgical institutions in the state.