The Huckaby Family for Cancer Services

Do you worry about your kids? We all do. We worry about how they do in school, about them driving and going out at night. We never worried about cancer until our 14-year-old daughter, Brenna, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a cancerous bone tumor, in September 2010. At that moment, cancer changed our world.

When you see pictures of bald kids smiling after their treatments, that’s just one moment; the reality is sitting in a room for hours and hours with other sick children, having poison pumping through their IVs. After weeks of these chemo treatments, Brenna’s tumor was still growing and we were told that her best chance was amputating her right leg. She had the surgery two weeks later.

We live in a different world now, the world of childhood cancer. We wandered aimlessly into Cancer Services soon after her diagnosis. We didn’t have to ask for anything or even really say anything because they took us by the hand and explained what they could do for our family. The emotional, nutritional and financial services, all free of charge, fulfilled needs we didn’t know we had and helped us with the “what’s next.”



Jeff, Brenna & Kristie Huckaby
with Speckles.

Cancer Services’ Children’s Programs provide us the opportunity to meet other families living in this world of cancer. At the monthly activities, Brenna interacts with other cancer kids, and we get to connect with the parents in a fun, social environment. Cancer Services gives us a break from cancer and the chance for our family to spend precious time together. While we were at MD Anderson in Texas we saw similar programs, but having Cancer Services right here in the Baton Rouge community for these children and everyone else living with cancer is so special and important. But they need your help.

Brenna, a sophomore at St. Michael’s, wears a prosthetic and is returning to gymnastics and making plans to go skiing this winter. Shortly after the amputation she caught a little boy staring at her. As she passed him on her crutches she said smiling over her shoulder, “This is what happens when you don’t eat your vegetables.” Her wonderful attitude, our family and support from Cancer Services are helping to make our world normal again.

In our world, we don’t worry about the small stuff anymore. The most important thing in life is the people in it. We hope you never have to experience our world of cancer, but we’re glad that Cancer Services is here to help make that world a little easier.

Their Children’s Programs have been invaluable to our family, but we know that Cancer Services provides equally important services for adults. They are the only agency in our area providing direct assistance and support to cancer patients – no matter their age – and it’s all free of charge. But they can’t do it without you.

Please consider supporting Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge. You can make a donation online or by mail to 550 Lobdell Ave. Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806. Thank you and best wishes for a meaningful holiday season with your loved ones – in your world.

-Jeff, Kristie and Brenna Huckaby.

Children's Ho-Ho-Holiday Party!

Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge hosted its annual Children’s Holiday Party on December 4th. The Childrens Programs consist of Candlelighters, children with cancer and their siblings, and KidsKare, children who have a parent or guardian living with cancer. Over 300 children, siblings, parents and friends gathered for food, dancing, gifts and of course, Santa! For over 50 years Cancer Services has been improving the lives for those living with, through and beyond cancer in the Greater Baton Rouge area.

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.

Q&A: Caregiving During the Holidays

Every Sunday, Cancer Services publishes a Cancer Q&A in the Health Section of The Advocate.

Q: My husband is battling cancer and I’m not sure how to handle this during the holiday season. What can I do to make it better for him?

A: First of all, you are already showing your willingness to support him just by inquiring. Here are some ideas for caregivers when caring for someone during the holidays:

• Understand if your loved one is not feeling in the mood to celebrate
• Be supportive of your loved one’s feelings
• Be a good listener
• Keep an eye on your loved one – if your loved one can’t get up or doesn’t get out of bed, this could be a sign of depression
• If your loved one always enjoyed holidays, then offer to decorate for them
• If your loved one wants to send out cards, offer to help address envelopes
• Discuss the holidays in advance
• Make sure the food /smell is not something that would cause nausea
• Don’t compare holidays
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your friends, family, and neighbors
• Consider talking to a counselor to help you get through what can be a very stressful time.
• Continue healthy eating and exercise

For more information contact Courtney Britton, librarian at Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge at 225-927-2273 or visit the Resource Center at 550 Lobdell Avenue.
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Q&A: Coping with Cancer During the Holidays

Every Sunday, Cancer Services publishes a Cancer Q&A in the Health Section of The Advocate.

Q: I am battling cancer this holiday season. Do you have any tips to help me deal with the holidays?

A: Coping with holidays when you have cancer can be very difficult. The following are some tips that you may want to try in order to help you cope:

• set limitations and make realistic goals
• ask for help
• don’t hide your emotions – it’s okay to feel overwhelmed
• consider talking to a counselor
• plan early so you can be prepared
• remember that it’s okay to say “no”
• surround yourself with supportive people
• continue healthy eating and exercise to help ease stress
• do not isolate yourself - stay connected to those you love
• create new tradition, if you feel okay doing so
• don’t forget to relish moments of joy no matter how bad things might seem
• go out to eat or have a pot-luck dinner if preparing a meal is too much
• be picky about what you choose to expend your energy on
• think about what questions might be asked concerning your cancer and plan how you will answer questions
• if you are away from family, try and spend time with friends or neighbors

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