HJBR Nov/Dec 2019

Healthcare Journal of Baton Rouge I  NOV / DEC 2019 63 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalBR.com George will serve a two-year appointment, work- ing directly with colleagues across the country to ensure the integrity of the field’s professional standards and regulations. Radiologic technolo- gists work in a wide variety of fields and are cross- trained in advanced technologies like CT, MRI, mammography, and heart catheterization and intervention. “To be selected for such a prestigious national committee speaks to Carmen’s dedication to excellence within our profession,” said Jaclyn Verret-Peters, program director for SORT. “It’s a privilege to have someone of her caliber on fac- ulty at our school.” In addition to the national committee, George is invited to participate in other industry events in neighboring states – the Mississippi State Radio- logic Technologist Society and the Arkansas Radiologic Technologist Society. Baton Rouge General’s School of Radiologic Technology has provided students the education and training needed to start their career in diag- nostic imaging since 1985. The school also pro- vides continuing education for experienced imag- ing technologists. Mary Bird Perkins-OLOL Cancer Center Event Raises $450K+ One thousand Baton Rouge residents grabbed their passports and took flight at L’Auberge Casino & Hotel on Sept. 12, raising $465,000 for cancer care at Mary Bird Perkins-Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center and Cancer Services’ joint fundraiser, The Gala Goes Global. With 100 percent of proceeds devoted to the area’s cancer patients, the funds generated will allow patients to receive complete treatment free of charge – from infusions and medical consulta- tions to wigs and support groups for the whole family. Guests sampled global cuisine and tasty spirits from more than fifteen local eateries, danced the night away, participated in live and silent auction bidding, and made donations in others’ names through the Lee Michaels’ 365 Days of Giving Wall. Ethan Bush, vice president and chief develop- ment officer at Mary Bird Perkins-Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center, and Whitney Craig, direc- tor of Cancer Services, agreed that the event Live Well Ascension was held Nov. 2 at Jambalaya Park in Gonzales. Other health screenings, food, and entertainment were available at no cost. Can- cer screenings included breast, colorectal, oral, prostate, skin, and blood pressure and glucose checks. “Nationally, we are seeing a lack of access to healthcare, especially cancer prevention, educa- tion and early detection services in local commu- nities due to time constraints or other commit- ments, and unfortunately, this can result in cancers going undetected,” said Johnnay Benjamin, direc- tor of early detection and education for the Can- cer Center. “Every person knows someone else who has been touched by cancer, especially in a close-knit community like Gonzales,” said DeEtte DeAr- mond, a founding member of the Gonzales Area Foundation. “We are excited to once again pro- vide potentially life-saving services to our commu- nity members. And this wouldn’t be possible with- out the generous Ascension Parish community.” The Cancer Center has provided nearly 400 can- cer screenings with multiple cancers being diag- nosed since the event began in 2017. BRG School of Radiologic Technology Faculty Member Appointed to National Organization Carmen George, faculty member at Baton Rouge General’s School of Radiologic Technol- ogy (SORT), has been appointed to the National Bylaws and Standards Committee for the Ameri- can Society of Radiologic Technologists, the lead- ing professional association for the medical imag- ing and radiation therapy community. singular goal: furthering its mission to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer,” said Art Favre, chairman, Mary Bird Perkins Can- cer Center’s board of directors. “Todd has been at the center of advancing the Center’s mission by creating a dynamic and progressive environment that attracts and enables cancer experts and pro- viders from across the country to fight the disease. The incredible growth Mary Bird Perkins has expe- rienced over the past 20 years is a testament to Todd’s disciplined and constant focus on advanc- ing cancer care in the communities it serves.” In addition to providing expert treatment and state-of-the-art technologies, the Cancer Cen- ter offers key support programs such as patient navigation, nutritional counseling and more. The organization also maintains an emphasis on early detection through its visionary mobile screening program, Prevention on the Go. Since the launch of this initiative in 2002, more than 90,000 Loui- siana citizens have received free cancer screen- ings and over 600 cancers were diagnosed. Under Stevens’ leadership, the organization’s clinical research program has also flourished with the National Cancer Institute recently awarding Mary Bird Perkins, along with LSU New Orleans and other collaborators, a competitive grant award to increase access to clinical trials in Louisiana and Mississippi. Stevens was also instrumental in col- laborating with LSU to establish a nationally-rec- ognized medical physics program, which prepares students for careers in the highly-complex field of medical physics. “Through community volunteerism and philan- thropic support, Mary Bird Perkins is fulfilling its vision to be the leading cancer care organization in the Gulf South,” said Stevens. “I am fortunate to work with the most talented and dedicated individuals whose efforts are focused on the Can- cer Center’s mission to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer. It’s a privilege I never take for granted.” Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Hosts Ascension Parish Community Health Event Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Gonzales, in conjunction with the Gonzales Area Foundation, provided free access to a host of cancer screen- ings at its third annual Live Well Ascension event. Carmen George