Ochsner Lafayette General Kicks Off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a Colorful Initiative

The Ochsner Lafayette General Breast Center, in collaboration with Ochsner Cancer Center of Acadiana, has planned a special event to usher in Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. On Friday, September 29, staff and team members will paint the parking lot stripes pink at the Breast Center located at 1448 S. College Rd. The painting is scheduled to start at 1 p.m., and the community is invited to witness this transformation.

The painting of the parking lot pink serves as both an eye-catching visual statement and an encouragement for individuals to focus on early breast cancer detection. The stripes are intended to provide support for breast cancer patients and survivors, as well as to encourage women to prioritize regular mammograms and screenings.

Moreover, the center's windows will feature handwritten messages of hope from staff members. A tour of the facility will commence at 2 p.m., offering an opportunity for participants to familiarize themselves with the center’s staff and the latest advancements in breast cancer treatments.

Breast cancer survivors are especially welcomed to attend. They are invited to share messages of hope and wisdom for those who are newly diagnosed or have just begun their journey with breast cancer.

“We are painting the parking lot pink to serve as a vivid reminder for our community about the importance of breast health and early detection. It's not just about the aesthetics; it’s about initiating conversations that can literally save lives,” said Shaunda Grisby, MD, a breast surgical oncologist at Ochsner Lafayette General.

Patients interested in scheduling a mammogram can contact the center at 337-571-MAMM. Additional information about breast health is available on Ochsner's official website at www.ochsner.org/OLGYesMamm.

The creative yet profoundly meaningful initiative of painting the parking lot is expected to spark not just conversations but also awareness about the critical need for regular screenings and early detection in the fight against breast cancer.