Mary Bird Perkins Recognizes Center Volunteers
Anna B. Lipsey Volunteer of the Year Award Presented
Photo available for download. Captions available at end of release.
(Baton Rouge) - Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center volunteer Jack Carmena has received the Anna B. Lipsey Memorial Volunteer of the Year award for 2007. He has logged over seven years of service following his retirement from Kaiser in 1998. “Mary Bird Perkins has a special place in my life,” said Carmena, an 18-year cancer survivor. “I was treated here in 1989 by the most professional, caring, considerate people, including the volunteers. During the first of my 35 treatments, there was a volunteer who sensed I was upset and he came to sit and talk with me and put me at ease. I remember that to this day and I try to do the same for others.”
The award, named for the late community activist and one of the Center’s original founders, was presented by Anna Lipsey’s son, Richard Lipsey, and his wife, Susan, at the Center’s annual volunteer recognition luncheon given in honor of all volunteers at the Center. A recognition committee comprised of Center staff and volunteers selects the honoree through a deliberative process that begins with nominations from staff.
Richard Lipsey told those assembled that it was only two months post-retirement that Carmena began volunteering at Mary Bird Perkins. Lipsey said nominating comments about Carmena included references to his positive attitude and his affinity for assisting non-ambulatory patients. “Carmena feels his role is helping the family with care-giving to their loved one,” said Lipsey. “He sees a need and offers assistance, whether patient-related or apart from his official position description.” As an example, Lipsey cited the fact that Carmena is the editor of instruction for the volunteer manual, creator of a spreadsheet for tallying volunteer hours and an avid recruiter of additional MBPCC volunteers.
“Susan and I hear from so many people how pleased they are with the supportive and compassionate patient care provided at this facility. That reflects hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours from incredible people like you,” Lipsey told the volunteers. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, let me just say we couldn’t do it without you.”
Anna B. Lipsey was a founder of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and served as secretary-treasurer of the board from 1968 until shortly before her death in 1985. The Volunteer Service Award is given each year to the volunteer who best exemplifies the volunteer spirit and dedication for which Mrs. Lipsey was known.
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About Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center:
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has been fighting cancer for over 35 years. It is the only independent, nonprofit cancer treatment, education and research facility in Louisiana providing state of the art radiation therapy to all community residents regardless of ability to pay. Mary Bird Perkins has integrated cancer programs with Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center in Baton Rouge and St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington. These programs are accredited by the American College of Surgeons –
the gold standard for community-based cancer care. The Center also enjoys a long-standing relationship with North Oaks Hospital in Hammond.
About the C.A.R.E. Network:
The mission of the C.A.R.E. Network (Cancer Support Services, Awareness and Education, Research and Early Detection) is to lessen the burden of cancer in the community. Established in 2002, it is funded by gifts from the community and provides hundreds of programs and services, including free cancer screenings, to thousands of people every year. The research and academic medical physics partnership with MBP and Louisiana State University is also funded in part by the C.A.R.E. Network. The Center has locations in Baton Rouge, Covington and Hammond.
Photo 1 Caption
(l to r): Honoree Jack Carmena, wife Ursula, and Susan and Richard Lipsey.