Eighth annual event raises support for cancer cure, treatment

Rebecca Edwards, a senior law clerk for Judge James E. Stewart of the Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal and a breast cancer survivor, enjoys working with people, and her love for the community made her the perfect fit for this year’s 2015 Honorary Chair for the Baron’s Ball.

“This is a night to celebrate with the survivors, encourage those in the midst of battling cancer and honor those who fought to the end,” Edwards said. “I learned this when my husband and I attended last year’s Baron’s Ball for the first time as I was nearing the end of my treatment. Too many of us are touched by cancer in some way. Whether you are diagnosed with cancer or caring for someone who has cancer, it is so important to know you are not alone in the fight. The [American Cancer Society] of North Louisiana is fighting with you, and the Baron’s Ball is a great way to support its important work.”

The 2015 Cattle Baron’s Ball, which is a Western-themed event, will be held from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs in Bossier City. Guests can look forward to music by Hipshot, cuisine by Silver Star Smokehouse, photos and dancing, as well as the opportunity to participate in both silent and live auctions. The funds raised for the ACS during the event will help support research that leads to more effective treatments and cures.

“Working with Judge Stewart, his secretary, Roxanne Williams Linear, and my co-clerk, Erica Jefferson, is like working with family,” Edwards said. “They were all there for me with understanding, encouragement and prayers when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent treatment.”

Support like the kind Edwards received is what the Baron’s Ball is ultimately all about – people being there for each other, having a good time and providing much-needed funding for an important cause.

“In 2014, our patient service center, located right here in Shreveport, served over 750 cancer patients,” Rachel Stern, community manager/special events for the ACS, said. “We help patients with rides to treatment, lodging, wigs, prosthesis, with programs and services and much more. We couldn’t do that without the enthusiastic support of our Cattle Baron’s Ball.”

This night will be especially exciting for Edwards. “I’m most looking forward to sharing this night with my husband, William, and my family as we celebrate the fact that I am doing well two years after my diagnosis,” Edwards said.

Edwards said the ACS is a vital partner is cancer treatment.

“The ACS of North Louisiana provides services for people right here in our community,” Edwards said. “When I was first diagnosed, my husband and I relied on the ACS because we knew that we could get from it the information we needed to help us navigate through the decisions we had to make and understand what we were facing.”

Stern said the Baron’s Ball is an important event for everyone: survivors, families and friends who have had a loved one with the disease.

“Whether it’s a family member or a friend, cancer isn’t biased. Supporting the American Cancer Society means you are helping people stay well, get well, find cures and fight back against cancer,” Stern said.

Stern said she loves knowing her job enables her to help make a difference in the lives of the people in her community. “This year’s Baron’s Ball will be in a new venue at Louisiana Downs,” Stern said. “We’ve added a lot of fun new elements to the event.”

Edwards said she is hoping this year will be the most successful event for the American Cancer Society.

“I hope that anyone attending who is touched by cancer will get joy and encouragement from the event,” Edwards said.

Stern said the nonprofit has a big goal to support their efforts.

“We want this event to raise over $60,000,” Stern said. “We want the community to come out and have a good time, and help us find a cure!” –Betsy St. Amant

Want to go?

Tickets can be purchased individually or as table sponsors. For ticket prices and availability, call the American Cancer Society office at 219-1668. For more information, go to www. facebook.com/baronsballshreveportla and baronsballshreveport.org.