Keeping Abreast with Karen: Presented by the Karen T. Stall Research & Breast Institute

On September 24th, 2020, members of the Karen T. Stall Research and Breast Institute hosted a virtual fundraiser to raise funds for breast cancer patients in southeast Louisiana. Proceeds benefitted our endowment partnerships with Ochsner and LSU Health (as well as individual grants). The title sponsor of the evening were Susan and Fayez Sarofim, Ochsner Health sponsored our silent auction, and LSU Health sponsored our musical guest, West End Band. Our jewelry raffle was once again sponsored by Aucoin Hart Jewelers. Other sponsors included Iberiabank, Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic, the White Family, the Linn Family, the Clement Family, and the Delesdernier Family. We want to thank everyone that viewed our broadcast, made a donation, sent in a silent auction item, purchased a raffle ticket, bid on items, or told a friend about the event. YOU are the ones that made this possible. We also want to thank our partners at Metry Media who produced the broadcast and Thompson Auctions for assisting us with our digital platform. The evening began with donations well over the $10,000 goal. By the end of the night, that total had more than doubled to $20,000+. Our committee was elated to see the turnout from our wonderful friends and donors. We hope everyone enjoyed the broadcast. If you missed it, you can view the video embedded from our YouTube Page. Remember to wear your pink this October! If you weren't able to participate in Click to Save 2020 and want to make a gift, you can do so here. #Demand3D - The KTSRBI Team RAFFLE WINNERS: Television Raffle - 32" - Lauren Leveque 50" - Cathie Gerrets 65" - Betty Prentice 50/50 Raffle - Miza Andrews Aucoin Hart Raffle - Thomas Brahney

Have you ever just laughed when something terrible happened? Not necessarily laughing at someone but at the situation. Sometimes all you can do is put a smile on and face it. That's what our guests today have in common. Survivor, Brandi Gerrets joins us to talk about what its like being so young and dealing with breast cancer. On the back end of the episode, Dr. Bridget Brahney joins us to discuss her mother and her stepmother's battle with breast cancer, and how she felt compelled to play a role in their recovery.  Chuck and Karen talk Click to Save 2020 (click link) and how you can watch, get VIP Baskets, and purchase raffle tickets. We are already, 1/4 of the way towards our $10,000 donation drive goal. Thank you for supporting KTSRBI and #Demand3D 

What if you could feel whole again? What if someone could replace something you think you lost. Today, our guests specialize in just that. Michelle Martinez is a 3D tattoo specialist whose talent for realism is hard to believe. We are also joined by Dr. Hugo St. Hilaire who is a plastic surgeon committed to breast restoration. You won't want to miss these interviews! Remember that Click to Save 2020 is around the corner. We will be sending out the link to order VIP baskets this week. 

Today we have Jan Cotaya, a breast cancer survivor to talk about her experience and what has changed since then.  Sherling Brignac Werner is back for the second part of her two part story. Karen and Chuck Jr ask that save the date of 9/24/20 from 6-8pm for Click to Save 2020, a virtual version of our annual Sip to Save. Sponsorship and ticket information coming soon! #Demand3D

On today's episode, Grace Kim joins us to tell her story of surviving breast cancer, and what has changed since then. Sherling Brignac Werner join us to tell the first part of a two part interview of her battle with breast cancer and how she and her now husband pulled together to face this challenge. .   Click to Save 2020 is 9/24/20

Click to Save 2020 is right around the corner and we need your help! We are looking for generous donors to submit silent auction items for our event on 9/24. This year's auction is open to everyone! That's right, no longer will only ticketed patrons we able to bid. Please contact karen@ktsrbi.org or chuck@ktsrbi.org for pickup and tax letter information. Click to Save is  9/24/20 from 6-8pm. Save the date, and remember to #Demand3D!

"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face." - Mike Tyson On today's Keeping Abreast with Karen, we visit with Kelly Drummond as she begins her own personal health journey. Kelly will be a recurring guest.  Also, Laura Clement joins us to discuss her mother's journey and how even in her passing, she continues to make change for others. If you would like more information, please visit ktsrbi.org. 

Brian Spellman joins us on a #ThankfulThursday to discuss his art and relationship with the Karen T. Stall Research & Breast Institute. Brian has been so generous with both his time and his craft. We could not be more appreciative to him.   B Spell Paint on Facebook or Instagram.

Breast cancer can wear a person out physically, mentally, and emotionally. How do you find the strength to get through when it is difficult to drink a glass of water? Breast cancer survivors Julie Skinner Stokes and Karen Spellman join us to talk about how a network of support makes all the difference, and how "making a ministry of your mess" is the best medicine for the mind of a cancer patient. We are talking Click to Save 2020, CAG-LA, survivor stories, and more on Keeping Abreast with Karen!

It's almost the 4th of July, and Karen and Chuck are ready to let freedom ring. Sip to save honoree and breast cancer pre-vivor, Ashley Todd Bourgeois, shares her story with the pod. Anna Combes of Ochsner Cancer Center drops in to talk about Their relationship with KTSRBI.

Iberiabank Vice President, Dwain Gannard pops in to discuss his family's trials and tribulations with cancer, and how others can be there for their loved ones during this time. Dwain has been a partner with KTSRBI for many years, and his name was one of the first on our lists of people to interview for this segment. If you have someone you know going through cancer right now, you're going to want to listen to this episode. 

Its a rainy Monday at the KTSRBI studios in Metairie, LA. However, we know the rain isn't here to stay, and we have two guests on the pod that know about the dark skies that breast cancer can bring to one's life. Myra Miramon is a cancer survivor who shares her courageous story and positive attitude. We also have Dr. Dana Smetherman, Director of Radiology for the Ochsner Tansey Center. We're talking positive outlooks in tough times on Keeping Abreast With Karen on a #MammaryMonday.  ktsrbi.org

Joining us today for #ThankfulThursday is Dr. Maureen Hecker-Rodriguez, specializing in Internal Medicine and Medical Acupuncture. She is a staff physician at the Center for Longevity and Wellness, a division of East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie, Louisiana. "Dr. Mo" is also the physician who navigated Karen's breast cancer journey  19 years ago. Dr. Hecker Rodriguez and has since been an avid supporter of KTSRBI.

Its #MammaryMonday and the Keeping Abreast with Karen Podcast has a jam-packed show. Today's topic is "compassion". Karen and Chuck discuss the importance of compassion in breast cancer care. We are joined by Physicians Assistant, Caroline Smith Graham, and Dr. Ralph Corsetti. Both of these outstanding breast health care professionals can be found at Ochsner's Tansey Breast Center. If you would like to leave us a voicemail message, please click the link here. www.ktsrbi.org

Cathie Gerrets from EZ REalty sits in with Karen to discuss her business, their lifelong friendship, and Cathie's daughter in law and her breast cancer journey. There's so much packed into 8 minutes. Enjoy and #demand3d

On today's Keeping Abreast with Karen, LSU Health Foundation's Krystal Oliveira pop's in to discuss how KTSRBI supports their efforts to better serve their patients. Also, Radiologist Dr. Mignonne Morrell from University Medical Center explains the importance of screening for breast cancer and debunks a few myths about the risks of mammography.  Remember to follow on social media @karentstall3d and check out our webpage at www.ktsrbi.org #Demand3D

Crystalyn Aucoin of Crystalyn Aucoin Jewelry joins Karen on our first #ThankfulThursday. Survivors come in many forms, and her story is moving to say the least. A few years ago, shortly after their first child, Crystalyn's husband passed away from cancer. After picking up the pieces, she began her own online business and looks to support other women on their life journey. She has a sensitivity and a deep understanding of what it means to need support and to be there for others in their dark times. Crystalyn is an integral part of our KTSRBI committee and her generosity is beyond comparison. You can see her beautiful work and follow her blog at www.crystalynaucoin.com. 

In our inaugural episode of the Keeping Abreast with Karen podcast, Karen and Chuck Jr discuss the importance of human connection, and how you can be there to support someone going through breast cancer (or really any tribulation).  Special guests David Mora and Cheryl Maestio join the pod for a look at how connection is important to them. www.ktsrbi.org