Baton Rouge General to Host Celebration on National Cancer Survivor’s Day

BATON ROUGE, La. – Baton Rouge General (BRG) will host a Survivor Celebration for its patients on National Cancer Survivor’s Day, Sunday, June 5. The event is a celebration for those who have survived cancer, as well as a gathering of the community who has supported patients during their journey. A “cancer survivor” refers to anyone living with a history of cancer, regardless of where they are in the course of their disease.

The celebration will take place at BRG’s Bluebonnet campus from 5-7 p.m. Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, live music, art demonstrations, door prizes and more. They will likely also spot one of their physicians, who will be on hand to help serve guests. Patients who were treated for cancer at Baton Rouge General can RSVP for the event at brgeneral.org/survivor.

“With better early detection methods and continued advancements in treatments, more people than ever are surviving cancer and thriving after treatment,” said Dr. Everett Bonner, surgical breast oncologist at Baton Rouge General. “This event is a chance to celebrate life by recognizing cancer survivors, but also raise awareness of the ongoing challenges cancer survivors face, including both physical and emotional.”

More than 4,000 patients are diagnosed with cancer in the Baton Rouge area every year, with nearly 40% of residents expected to develop cancer in their lifetime. Last year alone at Baton Rouge General, the hospital treated over 1,500 patients with cancer.

As patients begin their transition from active treatment to survivorship, one of BRG’s oncology nurses provides guidance and resources, including follow-up care plans, access to support groups and ongoing research, and other ways to improve quality of life. For example, BRG’s Healing Boutique, a first-of-its-kind retail shop, offers supplies and resources for both men and women with all types of cancer. From pillows and journals to lotions and hats, to wigs, prosthetics and clothing, this resource helps BRG’s care teams walk with patients throughout their whole journey.

Opened in 1987, BRG’s cancer program was the first accredited cancer program in Baton Rouge. It was named after the Pennington family in 2006, after a generous donation from The Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation. BRG was also Louisiana’s first accredited comprehensive breast center.

In January, BRG’s Pennington Cancer Center and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center announced a collaboration to expand and enhance cancer care resources in the Greater Baton Rouge area. As part of the expansion, BRG opened a new infusion center on its Bluebonnet campus.

For more information or to register for the Survivor Celebration, visit brgeneral.org/survivor or call 225-237-1606. To learn more about BRG’s Pennington Cancer Center, click here.

About Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge General Medical Center is the area’s first community hospital with over 600 licensed beds between three campuses. Baton Rouge General opened its doors in 1900, and has provided the Greater Baton Rouge community with high-quality healthcare for generations. An accredited teaching hospital since 1991, Baton Rouge General is affiliated with several medical school programs, and offers other medical education programs, including a School of Nursing, School of Radiologic Technology, Family Medicine Residency Program, Internal Medicine Residency Program, and Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. For more information, visit BRGeneral.org, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BatonRougeGeneral and follow us on Twitter @BRGeneral and Instagram @batonrougegeneral.

###