Capital Chefs' Showcase: Silent Auction

For the 30th year of Capital Chefs' Showcase, Cancer Services has not only invited 30 of the best chefs in the Greater Baton Rouge area but has also secured over 200 unique and exciting items for our Showcase Silent Auction. You'll have the chance to bid on items like these -  all to benefit those living with cancer in our area. Click here to buy your Showcase tickets now so you can come claim your favorites!

Here's just a small representation of what this generous community has provided us:

African safari with Ezulwini Lodges

Necklace made from vintage items from Grandmother's Buttons

Original artwork from Dixon Smith

Pearl and diamond earrings from Diamond Distributors

LSU Football signed by Head Coach Les Miles donated by Jean Brown

Saints suite tickets and packing pass for the Nov. 5th Eagles game donated by Capital One/Don Barnes

Set of two blue painted porcelain vases from McMillin Interiors

LSU WIN! bar painted on driftwood by Eric Garcia

Capital Chefs' Showcase: Lee Michaels Shopping Spree

Champagne and Diamonds Extravaganza

This is your chance to win a shopping spree valued at $4,000 from

Only 400 tickets are available. Get yours before it's gone!

 

Call Stephanie at 225-927-2273

100% of proceeds benefit Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge. 

 

   

   

Drawing held at the 

30th Annual  

Capital Chefs' Showcase

 

 need not be present to win  

Thursday, September 6, 2012 6:30 p.m.  

 Baton Rouge River Center  

Event tickets are $100 each and sponsorships start at $1,000.  

Call 225-927-2273 for more information  

or to purchase event tickets, raffle tickets or sponsorships.  

Cancer Services is a local nonprofit 100% dependent on the generosity of this community. 

Staying Relevant: Until there’s a cure, there’s Cancer Services

For over 50 years, Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge has been in this community serving cancer patients, their family members and caregivers. Using the word relevance expresses our promise to stay meaningful and relevant to their needs – even though those needs have changed drastically over the years.  

When Cancer Services opened its doors in the 1950’s, those who heard the words “you have cancer” had fewer options and less hope than today’s cancer patients. As a result, the agency had a hospice feel, providing loaned equipment, home visits and sick room supplies.  Thankfully, today’s advancements have made cancer survivorship a real thing. There are over 12 million cancer survivors in America and the number continues to grow. Over the years Cancer Services has continually responded to stay relevant to today’s survivors. When chemotherapy became mainstream, we addressed its side effects by opening our wig boutique and offering nutritional supplements. When exercise became a recommended option, we started aerobics, yoga and Zumba geared to the physical abilities and needs of survivors. With more people living long-term with cancer, we’ve expanded our support groups and started hosting more survivorship events.

Through our programs and services – and with the generous help of this community – we promise to stay relevant to the needs of cancer patients and their families.   

 

2012 Cancer Services Open Houses

Every month,Cancer Services hosts an Open House inviting everyone in the Greater Baton Rouge area to learn more about the free programs and services offered to those living with cancer in this community. We encourage everyone to come tour our facility to see firsthand how we improve life for those living with cancer. You'll have the chance to speak with our staff, clients and board members to learn the place Cancer Services has in the community. Light refreshments served.

We are also able to schedule your group or company for a private tour tailored to your needs or interests. If you have questions or would like to attend, please call Connie at 225-927-2273.

Cancer affects everyone and until there’s a cure, Cancer Services is here to help. Come and see how.

Thursday, January 19th 8 - 9:30a.m.

Friday, February 10th 11:30a.m. - 1p.m.

Monday, March 19th 11a.m. - 2p.m.

Tuesday, April 17th 8 - 9:30a.m.

Thursday, May 17th 11:30a.m. - 1p.m.

Thursday, June 21st 4 - 6p.m.

Wednesday, July 18th 8 - 9:30a.m.

Friday, August 17th 11:30a.m. - 1p.m.

Tuesday, September 18th 4 - 6p.m.

Thursday, October 18th 8 - 9:30a.m.

Friday, November 16th 11:30a.m. - 1p.m.

Thursday, December 6th 11a.m. - 2p.m.

Hats off to Volunteers!

On November 9^th, Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge hosted its annual “Hats Off to Volunteers” Appreciation Party. Fifty-five volunteers donned their best hats, symbolizing the many different roles they help fulfill, and enjoyed a meal prepared by a very thankful staff. So far this year, Cancer Services volunteers have worked over 6,500 hours to help further the agency’s mission of improving life for those living with cancer. For more information about volunteering at Cancer Services, visit our website or contact Cindi Tramonte at 225-927-2273.

We'll Keep the Light On!

New After Hours Support Group

We invite you to come on by. Even if it’s after hours we’ll keep the lights on for Cancer Services new After Hours Support Group offering more group options for survivors and their families.

In its 52 years of operation, Cancer Services has learned the importance of adapting to the changing needs of those living with cancer. In the 1970s the agency opened the wig boutique to help survivors with the side effects of chemotherapy. When doctors began advocating for survivors to stay active, Cancer Services began its Fit & Fearless, Yoga and Zumba exercise programs. This year, we recognized that many cancer patients continue working during treatment and are unable to attend support groups during the day. Therefore, the After Hours Support Group was born.

Natalie Depp, Adult Program Coordinator founded the group. “Having something available for clients and their families outside of the traditional 9-5 work week is a need for today’s cancer survivor who may continue working while undergoing treatment,” she shared. While most of the cancer-specific groups meet only once a month during the noon hour, the After Hours Group meets every week.

Depp continued, “It’s an excellent opportunity for anyone effected by cancer to get connected with other survivors. We provide an atmosphere where they can develop new friendships and have an enjoyable time while sharing information, experiences, fears and hopes.”

In addition to the fellowship and information sharing, the group also watches cancer-related TV shows and movies which promote lively discussion and sometimes work on creative art or multi-media projects that can be therapeutic as well as fun! The group is open to anyone in the community coping with a cancer diagnosis – including survivors, their caregivers and family members.

Check out the full list and schedule of the support groups Cancer Services offers!

Cancer Services now on YouTube!

You can now watch Cancer Services on YouTube! Hear from our clients and supporters and watch videos of our events! Check out Cancer Services' YouTube channel or see below for the videos that premiered at Capital Chefs' Showcase!

Thank YOU for helping those with cancer!



Thank you for attending Cancer Services' Capital Chefs' Showcase last week. We hope you enjoyed great food and great music for a great cause. We also hope you take pride in the fact that by your attendance and support, you directly help those living with cancer in the Greater Baton Rouge community.

Cancer Services is a local, independent nonprofit - 100% dependent on the generosity of our community. Attending Capital Chefs' Showcase is just one of many ways you can improve life for those living with cancer. To see other opportunities like Annual Giving, Planned Giving and general contributions please visit the Cancer Services’ website.

Now that we are friends, we want to see you more often! Join us for one of our Open House events. They are a fantastic opportunity to learn more about our agency, meet our staff and see firsthand the work that your investment makes possible. Check out our Open House schedule for more information. The next one is Wednesday, September 21^st, 8-9 a.m. Just call 927-2273 to let us know you'll attend.

All of us at Cancer Services feel continually blessed to be a part of the Baton Rouge community and have the support of residents like you.

Pictured: Honorary Chair Coach Paul Mainieri, Mayor Kip Holden, Karen Mainieri and Executive Director Mimi Riché at Capital Chefs' Showcase.

Showcase Silent Auction Highlights!

Each year at the Capital Chefs’ Showcase, Cancer Services hosts a HUGE Silent Auction to accompany the evening of food, music and fun to benefit those living with cancer in the Baton Rouge area. This year is no different and includes over 200 exciting items from businesses and artists throughout the Greater Baton Rouge area. Highlights include the “Fabulous Four:” a Duck Hunt for four at the Lamar Lodge with an accompanying Sportsman’s Package, a beautiful dining room table by Paul Naquin, dinner for four with Coach Paul Mainieri and his wife Karen at Fleming’s Steakhouse AND an original painting by Donna West! ALSO: don't forget about our raffle for a $4,000 Shopping Spree at Lee Michaels! Check out the pictures of some of the items below and don’t forget that all 100% of all money raised here, stays here to benefit those living with cancer in THIS community.

Call 927-2273 for tickets and we’ll see y’all on September 8^th!

Capital Chefs' Showcase - September 8th!

Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge presents its 29^th Annual Capital Chefs’ Showcase on Thurs., Sept. 8, 2011. This year’s theme is “Our Vision is Crystal Clear” as we celebrate over 50 years of catering to the body, mind and spirit of cancer survivors in the Baton Rouge area.

The event features 26 of our area’s top restaurants, chefs and caterers in a night of gourmet food, fun and more to support Cancer Services and those living with, through and beyond cancer in our community.

“The Showcase is truly a fantastic way to donate to Cancer Services and have an incredible night in return,” said Development Director, Cindy Macha. “The atmosphere is amazing! The food is out of this world, the silent auction items are exquisite and the best part is that you are directly helping those affected by cancer in this community.”

The event will take place at 7 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge. LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri and his wife Karen are again serving as the Honorary Chair couple of the night.

There will even be three screens airing the Saints vs. Packers game for guests to watch while enjoying the food, open bar and HUGE silent auction. In addition, a Lee Michaels “Champagne and Shopping Extravaganza” raffle will take place. This year’s prize is a $4,000 shopping spree at their store! There are only 300 raffle tickets available at $50 a ticket. Tickets to the Showcase are $100 each.

There is still time to purchase sponsorships and tickets! Contact Cindy Macha at Cancer Services at 225.927.2273.

Cancer 101

Cancer is scary. It becomes even more frightening when doctors use words like “metastatic,” “sarcoma” or “ifosfamide.” All you can think about is, ‘will I be ok?’ But what you need is a medical dictionary!

Cancer 101 a 4-part series, offers you insight into the world of cancer jargon from a panel of oncology professionals on topics including: Understanding a Cancer Diagnosis, Radiation Treatment, Chemotherapy Treatment and Coping as a Cancer Survivor. Dr. Andrew Lauve, one of the panel participants, explains, “Educational opportunities like this are extremely important. Doctors sometimes take for granted that others know all that we know. Lack of knowledge during a diagnosis or treatment is a huge struggle for many patients. It’s important for them to get as many resources as possible so they can absorb the information they need.”

After our first session “Understanding a Cancer Diagnosis” with Dr. Jay Brooks of Oschner Health Center, one participant commented that “Dr. Brooks did an excellent job of sharing information in a way that wasn’t intimidating or overly intellectual. It was a great introduction to an often scary subject.” Dr. Brooks joined Dr. William Russell of Baton Rouge General Pennington Cancer Center who spoke on Radiation Therapy, Dr. David Hanson and Judy Owens, PA, of Louisiana Hematology Oncology Associates who discussed Chemotherapy and its side effects and a panel of oncology professionals, Dr. Andrew Lauve of Baton Rouge General Pennington Cancer Center, Esther Sachse of Cancer Services, and Dr. Mary Katherine Rodrigue, Ph.D of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. They covered how cancer is staged, explained the side effects of treatments and offered suggestions on how to merge cancer survivor status with everyday life.

Esther Sachse, a licensed clinical social worker and Director of Support Programs at Cancer Services, commented “Newly diagnosed cancer survivors need access to accurate and in-depth information. They need every opportunity to have oncology professionals address their questions and concerns. We anticipate this program will grow and Cancer 101 will become an important resource for cancer survivors in the community.”

The next Cancer 101 series will be held in October. Call Esther at 225-927-2273 if you’d like more information about Cancer 101, our support groups or Make Today Count. In addition, due to a generous contribution by LPB, our first Cancer 101 series will soon be aired and available on DVD.

Cancer Services’ free library/ resource center is open to clients and anyone interested in cancer-related information. We also offer a host of educational programs such as Make Today Count speaker meetings, teleconferences and special education programs. Check out our website for more information or a schedule of educational programs or call 225-927-2273.

Q&A: Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Q: Someone told me I should think about complementary and alternative medicine during my cancer treatment. What does that mean?

A: According to the National Library of Medicine “Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard care.” Standard care is defined as treatments prescribed by medical doctors, registered nurses, physical therapists and other allied health professionals. However, the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine states that “the boundaries between CAM and conventional medicine are not absolute, and specific CAM practices may, over time, become widely accepted.” If a patient is receiving non-standard care in addition to standard care then they are receiving complementary treatment. If they are receiving non-standard care instead of standard care they are receiving alternative medicine.

There are three broad categories of CAM into which most therapies fall. Natural products can include vitamins, supplements and probiotics. Mind body medicine includes meditation, reiki, yoga and acupuncture. Manipulative and Body-Based Practices includes chiropractic therapy and massage therapy.

There are several reasons that people with cancer use CAM:

• Help cope with the side effects of cancer treatments, such as nausea, pain, and fatigue;
• Comfort themselves and ease the worries of cancer treatment and related stress;
• Feel that they are doing something more to help with their own care;
• Try to treat or cure their cancer.

It is important to talk with your standard care doctor before beginning CAM. Many patients worry about that their doctor will not approve, but many MD’s have become familiar with CAM and some might even prescribe certain therapies for their patients such as probiotics, yoga or chiropractic care. It is also important because not all CAM therapies have been proven to be safe, and even safe therapies can interfere with standard treatment. For example, some something as mundane as a vitamin or a certain fruit could cause a reaction with a cancer medication or make it less effective. It is also important to make sure you pick your CAM practitioners with care. Ask for referrals from other members of your healthcare team or look for CAM professional organizations.

For more information contact Courtney Britton, librarian at Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge at (225) 927-2273, cbritton@cancerservices.org , or visit the Resource Center at 550 Lobdell Avenue.

New Single Survivors Networking & Support Group

Single cancer survivors face different issues and needs than cancer survivors with spouses and families nearby. That’s why Nancy Rounsefell thought it important to start a singles support and networking group that has two goals, “we’re hoping to get people involved to help each other as well as participate in social activities.”

Starting in March 2011, the group meets the first Wednesday of every month at noon at Cancer Services. Rounsefell spearheaded the founding of the group citing the unique needs that a single person living with cancer faces. The group is designed to offer that special kind of support by helping with errands, feeding pets while owners are in treatment, sharing resources, giving rides to appointments and/or just being there when they need someone to talk to.

For more information about this or any of our support groups click here or call 225-927-2273.