Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington

02/06/2026

📣 Support Group Update:
The Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer) Support Group scheduled for Tuesday, February 17 will be canceled due to the Mardi Gras holiday. The group will resume on Tuesday, March 3, from 3–4 p.m. at the Mary Bird Perkins Administrative Building in Covington.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back in March. 💜

02/04/2026

🌍💜 World Cancer Day 💜🌍

Today, on World Cancer Day, we stand with patients, survivors, caregivers, and families around the world who are impacted by cancer.

At Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, our mission is to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer, and every day, our physicians, care teams, and partners work to turn that mission into action. From prevention and early detection to advanced treatment, research, and survivorship support, we are committed to providing compassionate, leading-edge cancer care close to home.

Today is a reminder that cancer is personal, and so is our commitment to those we serve. Together, through innovation, access, and community support, we can create a future with better outcomes and more hope. 💜

marybird.org

02/03/2026

Healing thrives in connection. 💛

Our support groups and wellness programs help patients and caregivers come together to share, grow, and find strength in each other. 🎗️

Here’s what’s happening this month:

Baton Rouge
• Metastatic (Stage IV) Cancer Support Group – Tuesdays at 1 p.m.
• Cancer Support Group – Fridays at 10 a.m.
• Guided Movement for Wellness – Feb. 9 at 10 a.m.

Covington
• Tai Chi Class – Tuesdays at 5 p.m.
• Breast Support Group for African American Women – Feb. 9 & Feb. 23 at 6 p.m.
• Veterans Combating Cancer – Feb. 5 & Feb. 19 at 9 a.m.
• Yoga and Meditation Class – Feb. 5 & Feb. Feb. 19 at 9 a.m.
• Meditation Class – Feb. 17 at 9:30 a.m.
• Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer) Support Group - Feb. 17 at 3 p.m.
• Facing Cancer Together Support Group - Feb. 11 & Feb. 25 at 12pm
• LymphEd | A Free Lymphedema Education Class for Cancer Survivors - Feb. 19 at 3pm

Gonzales
• Healing Arts Workshop: Mardi Gras Slate Tiles - Monday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m.
• Mindful Chair Yoga – Thursdays at 11:30 a.m.
• Support Group – Tuesdays at 1 p.m.

Houma
• Together We Can – 3rd Wednesday of each month

Learn more or register at marybird.org/survivorship.

02/03/2026

💜 Mary Bird Perkins Excellence: CAR T-Cell Therapy 💜

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is proud to announce a major milestone in cancer care: we are the first Cancer Center in the Baton Rouge region to offer fully outpatient CAR T-cell therapy for eligible patients with select blood cancers.

CAR T-cell therapy is an advanced immunotherapy that uses a patient’s own immune cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells. While this treatment often requires lengthy hospital stays elsewhere, our fully outpatient program allows eligible patients to receive care during the day and return home, reducing the physical, emotional, and logistical burden of treatment.

Under the leadership of Dr. Andrew P. Dalovisio, Director of the Myeloma, Lymphoma, and Cellular Therapy Program, this innovative approach brings highly specialized care closer to home while maintaining the highest standards of safety and support.

This achievement reflects months of preparation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and a continued commitment to improving survivorship and lessening the burden of cancer for the communities we serve.

👉 Learn more about CAR-T therapy at Mary Bird Perkins:
marybird.org/car-t

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center offers Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, an innovative form of immunotherapy that uses a patient’s own immune system to help fight certain blood cancers.

01/31/2026

🩺 Taking care of your health shouldn’t be complicated.

Early detection saves lives — and access to care makes it possible. That’s why Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center offers FREE cancer screenings in communities throughout Louisiana and Mississippi.

Whether it’s your first screening or part of your regular routine, our team is here to support you every step of the way. 💛

Upcoming Screening Dates:

📍 PRAIRIEVILLE: Centerwell Senior Primary Care
📅 Feburary 6 | ⏰ 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
👉 Screenings: Breast and Colorectal

Screenings are free, convenient, and potentially life-saving. 🎗️
Because caring for your health today can protect your tomorrow.

🔗 Learn more and register: marybird.org/get-screened

01/30/2026

🎗️ January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. 💚

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early. Thanks to routine Pap tests and HPV screenings, cervical cancer deaths have decreased by more than 50% over the last 30 years.

When to get screened for cervical cancer:
• Ages 21–29: Pap test every 3 years
• Ages 30–65: Pap test + HPV test every 5 years
• High-risk individuals: May need more frequent screening, talk with your provider to find out what's right for you.

The HPV vaccine also plays a critical role in prevention, and with vaccination, regular screenings can amplify your protection against cervical cancer.

At Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, we are dedicated to education, prevention, and providing advanced cancer care close to home. Talk with your OB-GYN or primary care provider about what’s best for you.

🔗 Learn more about cervical cancer, risk factors, and prevention: https://marybird.org/cancer-types/cervical/

01/29/2026

💖 Gal’s Night Out is back, and tickets are officially on sale! 💖

Join us in supporting local cancer patients and their families at Gal’s Night Out presented by Republic Finance, an unforgettable evening where community, compassion, and celebration come together in Hammond.

📅 Wednesday, February 11, 2026
⏰ 6 p.m.
📍 Historic Michabelle Inn | Hammond, LA

Guests will enjoy:
✨ Delicious local fare
🍸 Creative cocktails
🎟️ A fun and unique raffle
👑 A special crowning moment for our Queen of Hearts

✨ Raffle highlights include:
💎 A Béjé Diamond Bangle Bracelet
🍽️ Dinner for four at Tchefuncte’s or Pardos
Raffle tickets may be purchased even if you’re unable to attend the event.

We’re also proud to spotlight the Sweetheart Court, sponsored by North Oaks Health System, as incredible women raise funds to support Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and the patients we serve. Donations help determine who will be crowned the 2026 Queen of Hearts on event night. 👑

🎟️ Event tickets and raffle tickets are on sale now!
👉 Learn more, purchase tickets, and explore sponsorship opportunities at marybird.org/galsnightout

Let’s Geaux Pink and make a meaningful impact together. 💕

01/28/2026

✅ Service Update ✅
Phone services have been fully restored at our Baton Rouge locations, and all (225) 215-###x phone numbers are now back online and operating normally.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we worked to resolve this issue. 💙 Your care is our priority.

01/28/2026

🚨 Service Update 🚨

We are currently experiencing a phone outage that is primarily affecting our Baton Rouge locations. Incoming calls to our (225) 215-###x phone numbers may be impacted at this time.

Our team is actively working to resolve the issue, and we will share updates as more information becomes available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

💙 Your care remains our top priority.

01/25/2026

🚨Weather Update

Due to ongoing weather conditions, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center locations in North and Central Louisiana will be closed on both Monday, January 26 and Tuesday, January 27.

Our Natchez location will be closed on Monday, with a late start planned for Tuesday.

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at Opelousas General Health System will resume normal operating hours on Tuesday, January 27.

All other MBP locations are expected to be open on Monday, January 26.

The safety of our patients, visitors, and team members remains our top priority. Our team will work directly with patients to reschedule appointments as needed. If you have an upcoming appointment and have questions or concerns, please contact your care team directly.

We encourage everyone to use extreme caution when traveling and to continue monitoring local conditions. Should any updates or changes occur, we will share the latest information here on our social media channels.

Thank you for your understanding as we continue to serve our communities safely.

01/24/2026

🩺 Taking care of your health shouldn’t be complicated.

Early detection saves lives — and access to care makes it possible. That’s why Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center offers FREE cancer screenings in communities throughout Louisiana and Mississippi.

Whether it’s your first screening or part of your regular routine, our team is here to support you every step of the way. 💛

Upcoming Screening Dates:

📍 COVINGTON: Shops of 21
📅 Jan. 28 | ⏰ 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
👉 Screenings: Breast, Colorectal and Skin

📍 LIVINGSTON: V-Watts Furniture
📅 Jan. 30 | ⏰ 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
👉 Screenings: Breast, Colorectal and Skin

📍 HOUMA: Sam's Club
📅 Jan. 31 | ⏰ 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
👉 Screenings: Breast, Colorectal and Skin

Screenings are free, convenient, and potentially life-saving. 🎗️
Because caring for your health today can protect your tomorrow.

🔗 Learn more and register: marybird.org/get-screened

01/22/2026

Our location is expected to be open for regular business hours on Friday, January 23, and Monday, January 26.

Please use caution when traveling and continue to monitor local conditions. If you have an upcoming appointment and have questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact your care team.

If any updates or changes occur, we will share the latest information here on our social media channels.

01/22/2026

❤️ Your Access Is Our Mission ❤️

Cancer care shouldn’t depend on where you live, and at Mary Bird Perkins, it doesn’t.

In the latest Endowment Report, we highlight Dr. Constance Blunt, Medical Director for Prevention, whose work through our Prevention on the Go (POGO) program is expanding access to cancer screenings, education, and navigation services across rural and underserved communities in Louisiana.

By meeting people where they are, Dr. Blunt and the prevention team help remove barriers to early detection, connecting patients to care sooner and changing outcomes in communities where access can be limited.

This life-saving work is possible because of donor support. As Dr. Blunt shares, when awareness spreads, so does prevention. And that impact reaches far beyond any one patient.

🔗 Read the full story and explore how generosity is helping bring cancer care closer to home: www.marybird.org/foundation

01/22/2026

💜 You’re Not Alone. Support Is Here. 💜

Patients and caregivers affected by cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) are invited to join a supportive community designed to connect, encourage, and uplift. Our Cholangiocarcinoma Support Group offers a welcoming space to share experiences, learn from others who understand this diagnosis, and find strength in community.

📆 When: 1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month
⏰ Time: 3 – 4 p.m.
📍 Where: Mary Bird Perkins Administrative Building
630 S. Tyler St., Covington, LA

This group is led by Heidi Rhea of A Rhea of Hope LA and is open to both patients and caregivers.

📞 For more information, please contact Ailah Martin, Survivorship Coordinator, at (985) 898-0589, or visit marybird.org/survivorship.

At Mary Bird Perkins, survivorship means walking alongside you, every step of the way. 💜

01/17/2026

🩺 Taking care of your health shouldn’t be complicated.

Early detection saves lives — and access to care makes it possible. That’s why Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center offers FREE cancer screenings in communities throughout Louisiana and Mississippi.

Whether it’s your first screening or part of your regular routine, our team is here to support you every step of the way. 💛

Upcoming Screening Dates:

📍 BATON ROUGE: Woman's Hospital
📅 Jan. 20 | ⏰ 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
👉 Screenings: Breast and Colorectal

Screenings are free, convenient, and potentially life-saving. 🎗️
Because caring for your health today can protect your tomorrow.

🔗 Learn more and register: marybird.org/get-screened

01/09/2026

🏴‍☠️⚓ Ahoy, Covington! ⚓🏴‍☠️

Our very own medical oncologist, Dr. Saux, is bringing his legendary pirate spirit to life once again, and this year, he’s got some very special company. Dr. Saux teams up with Covington Mayor Mark Johnson, with both of them dressed in full pirate garb and proudly hoisting the pirate flag to kick off the fun! 🏴‍☠️

The13th Annual Pirate Party is a beloved Northshore tradition hosted by Dr. Saux, The Pirate Oncologist, benefiting Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center here in Covington. This high-seas celebration raises critical funds to support cancer care for patients right here in our community. 💜

⚓ When: Saturday, January 17, 2026
🏴‍☠️ Where: Columbia Street Tap Room & Seiler Bar
434 N. Columbia St., Covington, LA
🍗 Includes: Food, drinks, live & silent auctions, and a shipload of pirate-themed fun

🎟️ For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, be sure to visit the event page and join the crew before the tide turns! https://www.facebook.com/events/1167720131388264/

So don your finest pirate garb, grab your crew, and get ready for a night of plunderin’ for a purpose, all in support of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center! ⚓💜

01/02/2026

🏴‍☠️ Covington... this is one Northshore tradition worth showing up for. ⚓🎉

The 13th Annual Pirate Party is right around the bend — a night of community, generosity, and good times, hosted by one of our own oncologists, Dr. Saux, affectionately known as the Pirate Oncologist. 🦜

This beloved event raises critical funds to support cancer care at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, helping patients and families across the Northshore receive compassionate, high-quality care close to home. ❤️

📆 When: Saturday, January 17, 2026
📍 Where: Columbia Street Tap Room & Seiler Bar
🎉 What to Expect: Food, drinks, live & silent auctions, and plenty of pirate-themed fun — all for a meaningful cause

Every ticket helps strengthen local cancer care and supports patients when they need it most.

🎟️ Get your tickets: https://bit.ly/4aVYqdz

Gather your crew, break out your pirate best, and join us for a night where the fun truly makes a difference. ⚓❤️

12/31/2025

💜 Reflecting on a Meaningful Year at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center 💜

As we close out 2025, we’re proud to look back on a year filled with progress, innovation, and strengthened support for the patients and families we serve across our communities.

From expanding access to leading-edge treatments and technologies, to advancing clinical trials, enhancing supportive care, and growing partnerships across the region, this year has further strengthened our mission: to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer for everyone who walks through our doors.

None of this would be possible without our dedicated physicians, team members, donors, volunteers, and community partners. Thank you for standing with us and helping make compassionate, high-quality cancer care possible close to home.

👉 Explore the year’s top highlights in our End-of-Year Excellence blog:
🔗 https://bit.ly/493USEN

Together, we’re building a stronger future for cancer care, right here in our community. 💜

12/30/2025

As the year comes to a close, your generosity can make a lasting difference. 💜

A year-end gift to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center helps ensure patients and families across Louisiana and southwest Mississippi continue to receive leading-edge, compassionate cancer care, close to home.

Why give before December 31?
✨ Your support impacts patients right now
✨ Year-end gifts may be tax deductible
✨ You help us enter the new year stronger, together

Every gift, no matter the size, helps improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer.

👉 Make your year-end gift today at marybird.org/giving

12/27/2025

💜🥗 Thank You, DonahueFavret Contractors! 🥗💜
As we close out the year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to DonahueFavret Contractors, Inc. for their generous support of our Patient Nutrition Program and Therapeutic Food Pantries on the Northshore.

Their commitment ensures that patients undergoing treatment in our Covington and Hammond communities have access to nutritious food options, helping them stay strong, supported, and cared for throughout their cancer journey.

This support makes a meaningful difference in the lives of the patients and families we serve every day. Thank you, DonahueFavret Contractors, for standing with us and helping nourish our community. 💛

12/27/2025

💜 Thank You, Cleco! 💜
As we close out the year, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Cleco for their generous sponsorship of Live Well Northshore in 2025.

Their support played a vital role in helping us provide a powerful day of free cancer screenings, early detection resources, and prevention education for our community at the Covington Trailhead. Because of partners like Cleco, more than 130 community members received over 220 screenings, with many being screened for the very first time.

Events like Live Well Northshore help remove barriers to care and ensure our neighbors have access to the screenings and resources they need, right here at home.

Thank you, Cleco, for investing in the health of our Northshore community and helping us make a meaningful impact. 💜

12/19/2025

💙 Thank you, Mandeville Firefighters Association! 💙

We’re honored to be one of the recipients of this year’s annual donations from the Mandeville Firefighters Association. Your ongoing commitment to supporting local families, individuals, and organizations truly reflects the heart of this community.

We’re grateful not only for this generous contribution, but for the work you do every day to keep our community safe. Your support helps us continue providing compassionate, leading-edge cancer care close to home for patients on the Northshore.

Thank you to everyone who purchased shirts, donated, and made this initiative possible. We’re proud to stand alongside the Mandeville Firefighters Association in serving our community. 💜🚒