Teenager Brings Holiday Smiles to Cancer Patients
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(Covington) – While in town visiting relatives from Mandeville, 14-year-old Sam Edwards from Cincinnati initiated a holiday party on December 22 for patients at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington. Working with his aunt, Corinne Ness of Mandeville, patients in the waiting room were provided with refreshments, gift bags and cookies. They also received a big smile from a teenager who cared and who took time to visit with them.
When asked why he made such a great effort to help during his vacation, Edwards said, “I just wanted to help provide a sense of hope that everyone can get through their cancer treatments.” In addition to having a friend diagnosed with cancer Edwards’ uncle, Ron Ness (see photo), is a cancer survivor treated at Mary Bird Perkins’ Covington Center by radiation oncologist Dr. Greg Henkelmann.
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has been fighting cancer for over 35 years with locations in Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Houma and soon to be in Gonzales. It has comprehensive cancer programs with Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical 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. For more information visit www.marybird.org.
Photo 1 Caption
(l to r) Dr. Greg Henkelmann, Ron Ness, Suzanne Edwards, Sam Edwards
and Corinne Ness.