Meet Our Donors

Together, We Empower the Next Generation

After losing his grandfather and father to cancer within two years, Dat Hoang, at 26, created an estate gift. Life, he says, can change instantly, and he wanted to have a plan in place so future generations can access high-quality cancer care.

Touched by Cancer at Just 20 Years Old, a Grateful Patient Gives Back

The Gwatney Family established the Smith-Gwatney Endowed Fund in honor of the special care their son, Scotty, received in his 20s.

A Grateful Patient Gives Back and Creates a Lasting Legacy

Ellen Sessions’ longtime support of Mary Bird Perkins became more personal after her own cancer diagnosis—and having wonderful people taking care of her through her healing journey. Her gift ensures others facing this diagnosis will get the same compassionate, expert care.

A Visionary Gift Ensures Support for Outreach and Patient Assistance Services on the Northshore

A native of New Orleans, Benjamin “Ben” Blanchard’s love for South Louisiana and his passion for helping others were evident to all who knew him.

New Endowed Fund Honors Todd Stevens’ Legacy and Service

As Mary Bird Perkins enters a new era with its CEO transition, the Cancer Center and the Foundation board members joined to establish the President’s Endowment Fund, to honor Todd D. Stevens.

Saurage Family Supports Newly Established Lectures Series in Medical Physics

Laurie and Hank Saurage are focused on advancing cancer care through investing in their two passions: education and research. As a philanthropist and business leader in the community, Mr. Saurage has served on the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Board of Directors since 2015 and served in many leadership roles over the years.

The Goss Family Establishes a Major Research Award

Devera and Jerry Goss, community philanthropists and a grateful family, support the Dr. Charles M. Smith Medical Physics Program with a strong passion to advance the fight against cancer with an understanding that research is key to our mission.

A Transformational Legacy of Giving Helps Train the Next Generation of Medical Physicists

Dr. Charles Smith developed an appreciation for medical physicists while undergoing life-saving cancer treatment. Read how his estate gift is helping to ensure access to the same quality of cancer care for all in his home state of Louisiana.

Charles and Brooke Wood with their children

Creating a Lasting Legacy in a Meaningful and Powerful Way

Since 2009, Drs. Charles Wood, radiation oncologist and medical director of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, and Brooke Wood, pediatric dentist, have been loyal and committed annual donors.

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