Cancer. I hate cancer. Cancer is a word that is all too common in the daily dialogue of Louisiana residents. It doesn't matter whether you're in a smaller community such as Maurice, Cossinade, Woodworth, or Mermentau or a large city such as New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, or Lake Charles, we all know someone who has battled or is battling cancer.

sph.lsuhsc.edu
sph.lsuhsc.edu
loading...

The medical community and research scientists are making great strides to understand and eradicate cancer.  Their work has determined that regular check-ups and early detection significantly affect the outcome of a cancer diagnosis. Here is where we Shake Out the Good Stuff. 

Our friends at Morton Salt's Week's Island Facility approached us with an idea that touched the very core of what life is all about in South Louisiana. The folks at Morton Salt wanted to provide a platform for "good". A place where large groups, small groups, or individuals could be featured and publicized for their efforts to improve the quality of life in Louisiana.

Today our Shaking Out the Good Stuff spotlight proudly shines on Opelousas General Health Systems and their efforts to Paint the Town Pink to raise awareness and education about breast cancer. In a post made on the OGHS Social Media Pages, they referenced the occurrence of breast cancer in St. Landry Parish.

They cited research that suggested one in eight Louisiana women will get breast cancer. In Louisiana where large families are the norm, chances are someone you're related to will receive a breast cancer diagnosis.

Memorial Healthcare System via YouTube
Memorial Healthcare System via YouTube
loading...

While that news is grim to consider the positive aspect is what we mentioned earlier regarding early detection. The modern mammogram is a scientific wonder. The radiologists and doctors who interpret these tests are highly skilled. If there is a problem, a mammogram will likely discover the issue.  I wish we could claim a 100% success rate with mammograms but we can't. That's why regular mammograms and regular self-examination are so important. 

Birmingham Women's Hospital Offers Technological Advances In Its Care
(Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
loading...

What If I Can't Afford A Mammogram?

This is where the Opelousas General Health Systems Foundation is stepping to the forefront. Through their Paint the Town Pink initiative they are striving to provide mammograms free of charge to those whose medical history and/or socio-economic situation might prevent them from seeking the test.

How Can I Help Paint The Town Pink?

How does buying a T-shirt sound? It's a really cool t-shirt. The folks at OGHS shared this picture with us and I absolutely love it.

Bruce Mikels
Bruce Mikels
loading...

The cost of the shirt is $10. They are available in the Lobby Shop at Opelousas General Hospital Main Campus. It is Cash Only and limited sizes are available.

The money generated from the sale of the shirts will help to defray the costs of mammograms for men and women who need them and qualify for the program. And you probably have a question about the shirt, don't you? What doesn't seem quite right? Here's a picture of the shirt again.

Bruce Mikels
Bruce Mikels
loading...

Why Isn't The 'Paint the Town Pink' Shirt Pink?

I don't have an official answer to that question but if I may, can I suggest this as a reason? Chances are someone will ask you that question when you wear the shirt proudly in public. The fact that they open the conversation gives you the chance to share the news about the importance of regular checkups and testing.

We need to take the stigma out of talking about breast cancer. We need this dialogue so that our mothers, wives, sisters, nieces, and dearest friends won't have to enter "the tunnel". The tunnel is how one breast cancer survivor I love with all of my beings describes the journey. She told me it gets dark at times but as long as there is a light, there is a fight. AMEN.

Instagram @darlasteinborn
Instagram @darlasteinborn
loading...

Breast cancer is a personal issue for me. I lost my sister to the disease in 1996 because she was "afraid to go get a checkup". My heart breaks every time I share the story. But I am not the only individual who lost someone because of fear or stubbornness or "couldn't afford it".

Please support this Paint the Town Pink initiative for those you love. Or you could support the cause for all of us little brothers who lost our big sisters far too early because cancer sucks.

Bruce Mikels
Submitted Photo
loading...

To my friends at Morton Salt, Weeks Island, thank you for the platform. You do amazing things for our community every day and a lot of the time it goes unnoticed. Truly, you are the salt of the Earth. Thank you.  Say "Hey"  to the Morton Salt folks on their Facebook page.

Amazon
Amazon
loading...

If you'd like to work for a company that cares about South Louisiana and those who live and work here Morton Salt does have job opportunities at the Weeks Island facility. You can read about and apply for those jobs using this link. 

Many of the jobs offer pay rates similar to those in the oil and gas industry yet they don't require you to be away from home overnight. This is one more way Morton Salt is keeping Louisiana families strong, great jobs, great pay and benefits, and you get to be at home every night.

Corn Mazes in Louisiana

Here is a list of corn mazes that we have found across Louisiana so you and the family can enjoy this Fall 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

More From 97.3 The Dawg