Pennington Foundation Pledges $2 Million Match Gift to Baton Rouge General Foundation

BATON ROUGE, La. – Today, the Baton Rouge General (BRG) Foundation announced a $2 million match gift directed to BRG’s Pennington Cancer Center from The Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation. Once fulfilled, the donation will be the single largest gift in BRG’s history.

With their gift, the Pennington Foundation issues a challenge: for every dollar directed to the Pennington Cancer Center -- up to $1 million -- they will donate $2, for a total impact of $3 million.

Opened in 1987, the Pennington Cancer Center was the first accredited cancer program in Baton Rouge. It was named after the Pennington family in 2006, after their generous donation allowed BRG to be the first in the country to purchase the Artiste linear accelerator, the most advanced treatment option at the time, increasing access to high quality cancer care for people throughout the region.

“It’s been more than 10 years since my family and I helped celebrate the opening of the Pennington Cancer Center, and our continued support is founded on the belief that people shouldn’t have to leave home to get the very best care,” said Paula de la Bretonne. “I’m honored to be able to support BRG’s cancer program and ensure the latest technology is available for patients in the Baton Rouge area.”

The gift will help fund the continuous growth in technology and equipment at the Pennington Cancer Center, including a new PET CT scanner for the most advanced diagnostic imaging, an additional linear accelerator for life-saving radiation treatments, new Savi Scout technology that makes lumpectomies more successful and easier for patients and surgeons, and a biopsy table for minimally invasive, targeted procedures.

Each year, BRG’s Pennington Cancer Center treats more than 1,500 patients, administers more than 10,000 radiation treatments and more than 20,000 infusions. It was the Baton Rouge area’s first accredited comprehensive breast center by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. It is also the only cancer program in the area with three linear accelerators, offering radiation oncology at three locations across the region – Bluebonnet, Mid City and Zachary.

BRG President and CEO Edgardo Tenreiro said, “Paula and her family have been instrumental in the growth and success of our cancer program. Her family’s generosity has allowed us to remain at the forefront of cancer treatments, caring for tens of thousands of cancer patients across the Baton Rouge area.”

For more information, contact the Baton Rouge General Foundation.

Paula de la Bretonne