Ochsner Lafayette General Gumbo Cook-Off will benefit breast cancer awareness

Ochsner Lafayette General Foundation will host its annual Gumbo Cook-Off in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Tickets for all-you-can-eat gumbo are $10 in advance or $15 the day of the event and can be purchased online. This year’s proceeds will fund mammograms for women in our community without access.

“For every dollar raised, we are not just funding mammograms; we are investing in healthier futures for women who need it most," said Shaunda Grisby, MD, Ochsner Lafayette General breast surgical oncologist. "Join us for a good time, for a good cause. Your support can provide the gift of early detection and hope.”

Gumbo varieties will include chicken and sausage, seafood and “lagniappe.” In addition to all-you-can-eat gumbo, guests also can enjoy many desserts. Entertainment will be provided by the On Call Band, a group of local doctors that play for charity events. Teams made up of Ochsner Lafayette General employees and local companies will compete for the winning paddle.

Everyone is encouraged to wear pink for this family-friendly event as a visual reminder of the importance of breast health, early detection, and the fight against breast cancer.

"The best prevention is to catch it early," Grisby said. "Since COVID, we've seen a decline in mammogram screening, so it's important to bring back awareness through events like this."

The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday on the fourth floor of the Burdin Riehl Parking Garage.

To donate to the fund, visit the Foundation’s giving page and select Ochsner Lafayette General Breast Center Fund as the gift designation.

To schedule a mammogram, patients can call (337) 571-MAMM (6266). For more information on breast health, visit ochsner.org/OLGYesMamm.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Ochsner Lafayette General gumbo fundraiser for breast cancer awareness