Photo caption (L to R): George Bell, SVP Community Relations; Dr. Evelyn Hayes, Interim President/CEO; Coach Nikki Caldwell and Beth Veazey, Foundation President
BATON ROUGE – A passionate crusader for breast cancer awareness, LSU women’s basketball head coach Nikki Caldwell got a first-hand look at the Pennington Cancer Center as she toured the facility over the weekend at the Baton Rouge General Medical Center.
Caldwell was particularly interested in the hospital’s unique Arts in Medicine program whereby cancer patients benefit from the therapeutic properties of art through a multitude of modalities including painting, music, dance, and other craftwork.
“I met a lot of wonderful people on the tour who are making the difference in the lives of others,” said Caldwell. “I think it is extremely important that we continue to make strides in finding a cure for breast cancer and in treatment of patients. The staff at the Pennington Cancer Center does a phenomenal job in helping patients and that was evident by what I saw.”
Caldwell’s passion for breast cancer advocacy was evident, so Baton Rouge General’s Pennington Cancer Center team toured her throughout the radiation treatment center as well as the Arts in Medicine gallery.
“Baton Rouge General’s team was touched by Coach Caldwell’s interest in the lifesaving work we do at our hospital,” commented Dr. Evelyn Hayes, Baton Rouge General’s Interim President and CEO. “Whether our cancer specialists are fighting hand in hand with our radiation and chemo patients, or our NICU teams are saving life’s most vulnerable babies, our caregivers undoubtedly identified with Coach Caldwell’s passion for the power of exceptional teamwork. Recently receiving Baton Rouge’s only A for hospital safety, we appreciate her continued interest in the difference our community hospital makes in the lives of patients who entrust us with their care.”
Last month, Caldwell embarked on another “Crusin’ For a Cause” motorcycle ride in Florida as part of her non-profit foundation, “Champions For a Cause.” Since 2007, the long haul motorcycle ride has raised over $350,000 to raise awareness for a cure for breast cancer.
For more information on the Pennington Cancer Center at Baton Rouge General, visit www.BRGeneral.org.