In April, we presented Cancer Services Executive Director Jill Roshto with check representing 6 years of support by funds raised at Get Your Rear in Gear – Baton Rouge. Photo credit: Jenn Ocken Photography
Wigs for patients to try on.
For over 50 years, Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge has worked to serve cancer patients and their families in the ten-parish area of Baton Rouge. With an average of 4,000 people diagnosed with cancer in the Baton Rouge area every year, the need for cancer support is great. As is too often the case, there are needs for patients and families facing a cancer diagnosis and treatment that do not fall within the coverage of insurance, and exceed the financial means available to many. Cancer Services serves their community by filling these gaps, and ensuring that patients receive the multifaceted support they need.
For the last 6 years, we’ve been pleased to partner with Cancer Services for our Get Your Rear in Gear – Baton Rouge race, and to date have been able to give them over $121,000 toward their support services for colorectal cancer patients.
Ostomy supplies on hand at Cancer Services.
They have been able to assist these patients with general needs associated with cancer care including medical equipment, wigs, and nutritional supplies. In addition, they are meeting needs specific to colorectal cancer patients, such as ostomy supplies and an ostomy nurse on hand to help patients needing additional support with ostomy care.
Aside from meeting the immediate physical needs of the patient, the grant we give to Cancer Services provides support groups for patients and their families. This includes helping children impacted by a parent’s diagnosis, counseling, healthcare navigation, and financial assistance like prescription coverage, mileage reimbursement, and emergency grants to colorectal cancer patients. They also work within the community to promote cancer awareness and educate about preventative screening.
All services are free of charge to patients and their families because of grants provided by organizations like the Colon Cancer Coalition, and funds raised through Get Your Rear in Gear – Baton Rouge. We look forward to our continued partnership with Cancer Services, as they work hard to help meet the needs of cancer patients and their families in the greater Baton Rouge area.
Educational materials available for patients.
I recently had a scare with cancer and now I’m worried about how my family would handle it if I were to actually be diagnosed with cancer. I liked that you had mentioned that getting help for those diagnosed can be hard and finding a way to help those involved can be very important. If I were ever in a situation where I was actually diagnosed with colon cancer, I’d want to go somewhere that could help me out and get me the services that I would require.
Dear Sir/Madam
I’m Lydia G. Montera 47 years of age from Banaybanay Davao Oriental Philippines I have diagnosed a colon cancer stage 3 since 2017 and now I have to work to support my daily needs . I have a colostomy thats why i can find a job… please help me for my sickness.. Thank you and God bless.