Karnival Krewe de Louisiane Debs Decorate Tree for Life at Cancer Center
(Baton Rouge, LA) - Karnival Krewe de Louisiane Debutante Emilie Bryant chose to have a "Celebration of Hope and Remembrance" at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center on December 22, honoring the patients of the Center in place of having a traditional debutante tea party. Emilie, whose mother, Donna Bryant, is executive director of clinical research at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, wanted to have an event that involved doing something related to honoring cancer patients.
Emilie invited the Karnival Krewe de Lousiane Debutantes along with many of her friends to meet at Mary Bird Perkins for a special brunch where Carolyn A. Chassee, CFRE, vice president and chief development officer, MBP addressed the group about living a life of philanthropy by giving of one's self and serving the community. The young women then entered information on honor/memorial dove ornaments received by Mary Bird Perkins' Office of Development to be displayed on the Tree For Life in the building's first floor lobby. Each dove displayed on the tree is significant in that it represents a life.
Following Christmas caroling in the waiting room where patients and guests were invited to join in, tree decorating followed. "The caroling and the decorating of the tree were very meaningful to all of us who attended," said Emilie Bryant. "This time of year is difficult for many people, especially those fighting cancer. If we were able to lift the spirits of one person, our goal was met."
Said Chassee, "Patients, caregivers and staff look forward to reading the messages written on the doves and receive inspiration from the heartfelt words people feel compelled to express. We are very grateful that Emilie chose to help us highlight the importance of this activity at Mary Bird Perkins."
Photo Cap: Karnival Krewe de Louisiane Debutante Emilie Bryant (left, with tiara), other KKdL debs, friends and Parkview Baptist Silver Stepper dance team members help decorate Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center' Tree For Life.
The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins is the most comprehensive cancer program in the region offering patients the convenience of receiving high-quality, advanced cancer care in one location, close to home. The Cancer Program offers surgery, chemotherapy and radiation and has been accredited by The American College of Surgeons since 1992 - the gold-standard for community-based cancer care. This program was selected for the prestigious National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Cancer Centers. For more information on our cancer program and the NCCCP pilot, please visit www.ololrmc.com or www.marybird.org.
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