BRG to Celebrate Survivors on National Cancer Survivor’s Day

BATON ROUGE, La. – Baton Rouge General (BRG) will host a Survivor Celebration for its patients on National Cancer Survivor’s Day, Sunday, June 2. The event is a celebration for those who have survived cancer, as well as a gathering of the community who has supported them during their journey. A “cancer survivor” refers to anyone living with a history of cancer, regardless of where they are in the course of their disease.

The celebration will take place at the Renaissance Hotel from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Guests will enjoy food, live music, and more. Erica Walker Jackson, a local educator and two-time breast cancer survivor, will share her encouraging story with guests, and The Wellness Studio will offer encouraging tips and an interactive exercise on reframing the response to cancer.

More than 4,000 patients are diagnosed with cancer in the Baton Rouge area every year, with nearly 40% of residents expected to develop cancer in their lifetime. Last year alone at Baton Rouge General, the hospital treated nearly 1,500 patients with cancer.

As patients begin their transition from active treatment to survivorship, the journey is often just beginning, including follow-up care plans, support groups, physical therapy, and other ways to improve quality of life. For example, BRG’s Healing Boutique, a first-of-its-kind retail shop, offers supplies and resources for both men and women with all types of cancer. From pillows and journals to lotions and hats, to wigs, prosthetics and clothing, this resource helps care teams walk with patients throughout their whole journey.

Baton Rouge General became the first Commission on Cancer-accredited program in the region in 1989 and treats cancer patients across the region – at Bluebonnet, Mid City and in Zachary. In 2009, BRG’s cancer center was the first in Louisiana to be granted NAPBC accreditation for breast care. Today, BRG is the only hospital in the state with all three key cancer program accreditations: Commission on Cancer, NAPRC for rectal cancer, and NAPBC. Since joining forces in 2022, BRG and Mary Bird Perkins’ partnership has increased physician collaboration, as well as access to cancer care and advanced technology.

To learn more about BRG’s Cancer Center, click here.

About Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge General Medical Center is the area’s first community hospital with over 600 licensed beds between three campuses. Baton Rouge General opened its doors in 1900, and has provided the Greater Baton Rouge community with high-quality healthcare for generations. An accredited teaching hospital since 1991, Baton Rouge General is affiliated with several medical school programs, and offers other medical education programs, including a School of Nursing, School of Radiologic Technology, Family Medicine Residency Program, Internal Medicine Residency Program, and Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. For more information, visit BRGeneral.org, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BatonRougeGeneral and follow us on Twitter @BRGeneral and Instagram @batonrougegeneral.

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