The Cancer Foundation League (CFL) is affiliated with the Louisiana Cancer Foundation as a fundraising arm to help with outreach and to support the Foundation’s programs and services. We aim to provide direct financial assistance to individuals diagnosed with cancer.
The Mission of the Cancer Foundation League (CFL) is to provide services to area cancer patients and also to support the Louisiana Cancer Foundation.
Our Motto is Seldom Seen, but Strongly Felt.
The CFL is affiliated with the Louisiana Cancer Foundation as a fundraising arm to help with outreach and to support the Foundation’s programs and services. We aim to provide direct financial assistance to individuals diagnosed with cancer.
The CFL is committed to improving the financial, emotional, and physical well-being of cancer patients in Northeast Louisiana. We hope to help lighten the financial burden so that a patient and his/her family can concentrate their efforts on fighting the disease of cancer.
The Cancer Foundation League (CFL) has one primary fundraiser a year, a Gala. One hundred percent of all funds raised are distributed locally in Northeast Louisiana. In 2010, we expanded our fundraising efforts to include a 5K Run and the 1st annual "Theresa Marsala Golf Tournament."
Of the funds raised through these events, seventy percent (70%) of the funds go to the CFL for patient services to help patients with costs such as medication expenses, transportation to and from treatments, utility bills, medical equipment, car notes, and mortgage or rent payments. In addition, the funds are used to help with our annual Christmas baskets that are distributed to area patients we have helped in the previous year. Thirty percent (30%) of raised funds are given to the Louisiana Cancer Foundation to help with their programs, such as support groups, providing 4 free public cancer screenings a year, and grants. For more information on the Louisiana Cancer Foundation, visit their website at www.louisianacancerfoundation.org.
To be eligible for assistance, you must be a cancer patient who lives in Northeast Louisiana or who is receiving cancer treatment in Northeast Louisiana. If you qualify, you can complete an application.
In 2001, DeeDee Cook, an oncology nurse at Glenwood Hospital, and Virginia Knickerbocker, Assistant Director of the Northeast Louisiana Cancer Institute, saw firsthand the unmet needs of local cancer patients. Inspired by a fundraising workshop, they envisioned creating a local organization in NELA that could help.
That vision became the Cancer Foundation League (CFL)—a stand-alone nonprofit group, unaffiliated with any medical facility or organization, dedicated to helping cancer patients across 13 parishes no matter where or what treatment they chose. Since CFL was stand-alone, they were able to receive funds from a variety of sources without conflict.
During its formation, the Cancer Foundation League (CFL) originally approached the American Cancer Society but instead chose to partner with the Louisiana Cancer Foundation (LCF), a newly formed non-profit and not in competition with the CFL efforts. The LCF agreed to facilitate the funds, ensuring they directly supported patient services through education, outreach and screenings, while CFL was the fund-raising partner.
Over the years, CFL has developed innovative fundraising methods, including an annual Gala and a Golf Tournament in memory of past President Theresa Marsala. CFL also formulated a creative way for the community to help our fundraising efforts with a program called the Angel Wings Program. It is a third-party program that allows individuals to donate or the community to host fundraisers and contribute to CFL’s mission.
Today, CFL still remains an independent nonprofit group, retaining full control over how funds are distributed and selecting who facilitates.
CFL has helped thousands of patients over the years. It is a testament not only to DeeDee and Virginia’s vision but also to the hundreds of dedicated women who have championed its mission over the years and still continue to support!
Susan has been a member of CFL for over 15 years and has held many board positions including Treasurer for multiple years. Susan was instrumental in getting Debbie Bourg of DBK Dance to donate the proceeds of Fashion Fusion to CFL. Currently Susan is President-Elect overseeing the Membership Committee and will take over the leadership of CFL as President in 2024.
Erin, a native of West Monroe, Louisiana, has a drive and passion for both business and community service. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Management from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. As the owner of Bayou Branded Marketing Co., Erin has established herself as a successful entrepreneur. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is deeply committed to making a positive impact in the community. For the past three years, she has been actively involved with the Cancer Foundation League and is currently serving her second term as the CFL treasurer. She finds great fulfillment in knowing the funds raised stay right here in our region and appreciates being a part of alleviating any financial burdens patients may be struggling with during such a difficult time in their lives. Outside of work and volunteering, Erin enjoys spending time with her precious little girl, Hallie Elaine, her husband, Caleb, and her pets, Koda and Manny.
Just call her the "Marketing Meteorologist!" Currently working in advertising, it was a job at KTVE as a "weather lady" that brought her to Monroe. She loves serving on with the fabulous women of the Cancer Foundation League! Kayleigh is married to Justin, and they have a son and daughter. She is an active member of First Methodist Monroe, and serves on their Board of Trustees, Charis Ministries, and as a Sunday School. During the school year, she is a reader for United Way of NELA’s READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. program.
Debbie Bourg, Brittany Bourg, Nell Seegers, Christine Gillikin, Shawn Brazzell & Valerie Finley
THE CANCER FOUNDATION LEAGUE WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS OUR SINCERE APPRECIATION TO EACH OF OUR SPONSORS.
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