LOCAL

Baton Rouge General Celebrates National Cancer Survivors Day

Ivory D. Payne

Jun 3, 2024 — 1 min read

Baton Rouge General Hospital

BATON ROUGE, La. – Baton Rouge General honored cancer survivors in a heartfelt celebration on National Cancer Survivors Day. The event aimed to acknowledge survivors at every stage, whether in treatment, remission or as supportive family members.

Mary Kathryn Gastinel, co-founder of the Wellness Studio, shared her poignant experience of losing her husband, Drew Rodrigue, to Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2009 after a seven-year battle. "Shortly after he passed away, someone told me, ‘You’re a cancer survivor too.’ At first, I didn’t understand because Drew didn’t survive, and I hadn’t done the work. But they explained that I was surviving for him," Gastinel reflected.

Two-time cancer survivor Erica Walker Jackson encouraged attendees not to let cancer define their lives. "I refused to let chemo take over or to watch my hair fall out. As a queen, I’m still a queen even without my hair, so I shaved it off," Jackson declared. "Cancer is just a chapter in our book of life; don’t let it define you. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and it has no power over your joy. The bad news is time flies, but the good news is you’re the pilot."

The common theme among the speakers was the importance of reframing one’s perspective on life. Katie Fetzer, co-owner of the Wellness Studio, emphasized resilience. "When we think today is hard and feel like we’ll never get through it, we should instead say, ‘My soul is building strength and resilience, and my mind is developing new muscles,’" Fetzer advised.

The event was a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of cancer survivors, celebrating their journey and the support systems that uplift them.

East Baton Rouge Schools Address Teacher Shortage with New Recruitment Efforts

The district is currently short 140 teachers, with critical needs in special education, math, and science. Additionally, positions for paraprofessionals and bus operators remain open. Dr. Nichola Hall, EBR’s Chief Human Resources Officer, emphasized that recruitment is an ongoing process.

Baton Rouge Launches $46 Million Plank Road Revitalization Project

BATON ROUGE, La. — City leaders, led by Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, officially broke ground on the highly anticipated "Restoring Plank Road" initiative on Wednesday, Sept. 18, marking the beginning of a transformative infrastructure project aimed at revitalizing one of Baton Rouge’s most historic and critical corridors. The

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available for Residents and Businesses in Eight Louisiana Parishes Affected by Hurricane Francine

BATON ROUGE, La. – Residents and businesses in eight Louisiana parishes impacted by Hurricane Francine can now apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) to help recover lost income due to the storm. The Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) is accepting applications from those whose employment or self-employment was disrupted as a direct

Fed Slashes Interest Rates for the First Time in Four Years, Eyeing Economic Boost

The cut also comes with the Fed's projection of further reductions this year, forecasting a half-point drop in its November and December meetings. Powell and his team anticipate additional rate cuts through 2025, as the economy adjusts to this new monetary policy stance.

Read more

East Baton Rouge Schools Address Teacher Shortage with New Recruitment Efforts

Baton Rouge Launches $46 Million Plank Road Revitalization Project

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available for Residents and Businesses in Eight Louisiana Parishes Affected by Hurricane Francine

Fed Slashes Interest Rates for the First Time in Four Years, Eyeing Economic Boost