DONALDSONVILLE • DUTCHTOWN • GEISMAR • GONZALES • PRAIRIEVILLE • ST. AMANT
THE ASCENSION
ADVOCATE T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M
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W e d n e s d ay, O c t o b e r 21, 2026
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Foundation raises money for breast cancer patients BY WENDY LOUP
Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION
Trunk or treat Friday in Prairieville Matt Zumo is hosting a trunkor-treat event with music, food and giveaways from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at 17742 Airline Highway in Prairieville.
Contributing writer
who are experiencing hardships while undergoing treatment. Cost-Williams, who works for Donaldsonville, was diagnosed with Stage 1 invasive ductal breast cancer in June 2025 at age 61. She had surgery, as well as radiation treatments. When Donaldsonville residents heard she had recovered after treatments, they went to her asking for support and encouragement for their own cancer battles. “Strength In Pink Breast Cancer Foundation Inc. was founded from my own personal journey as a breast cancer survivor,” CostWilliams said. “After experiencing
Breast cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones gathered Oct. 10 to show support during the inaugural Strength in Pink Walk-AThon in Donaldsonville. The event, hosted by the newly formed Strength in Pink Breast Cancer Foundation, raised money for breast cancer patients. Approximately 120 people walked from Lemann Memorial Center to Crescent Park dressed in pink T-shirts and gear. The foundation was formed in May by Sandra Cost-Williams, a breast cancer survivor whose goal is to help breast cancer patients ä See FOUNDATION, page 4G
Boots on the Bayou
PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
Approximately 120 walkers participated in the inaugural Strength in Pink Walk-A-Thon on Oct. 10 in Donaldsonville.
Trace Adkins and Brantley Gilbert are headlining music festival Boots on the Bayou on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 2425, at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center. For a complete schedule and tickets, visit botbmusic.com.
Autumn on the Avenue Autumn on the Avenue is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, in Louisiana Square in Donaldsonville. The event will include a sugar cane cook-off, music, games and a costume contest. Admission is $1.
Live Well health event
PROVIDED PHOTO BY JENNY CREWS
East Ascension High Homecoming royalty is Micah Levy and Savannah Baker. Baker is a kicker on the football team, and Levy also plays on the team. ä More photos. PAGE 3G
Stop by Jambalaya Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, for the rescheduled Live Well Ascension. The free community health event is about helping you take charge of your health with breast, colorectal, prostate and skin cancer screenings, along with health resources, food, music and door prizes.
Football players reign as Homecoming royalty
Theater to stage ‘Misery’ “Misery” is coming to the Ascension Community Theatre stage Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 22-25. When successful novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued from a car crash by his “No. 1 fan,” Annie Wilkes, it seems like fate has intervened. But as Paul soon discovers, Annie has no intention of letting him go. What begins as gratitude quickly spirals into a tense, terrifying battle of survival. Based on Stephen King’s chilling novel and the Academy Award-winning film, “Misery” is a pulse-pounding thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. For tickets, visit https:// ci.ovationtix.com/35620/production/1251186.
Highway 621 Market open The Highway 621 Outdoor Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday through Nov. 19. The market is at 59275 La. 621 in Gonzales.
Riverside Farmers Market The Riverside Farmers Market starts at 8 a.m. every Saturday at 45020 Manny Guitreau Road in Prairieville. It features local fresh produce and handmade items.
Trunk or treat on Halloween The Fellowship Center, 813 S. Burnside Ave., in Gonzales is hosting a Hope Saturday Trunk-or-Treat event. Dress like your favorite hero from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 31. The Fellowship Center provides assistance to those in needs.
Health fair planned “Healthy Hearts, Happy Lives” is the theme for the Oct. 29 Capital Area Agency for Aging’s health fair at the LamarDixon Expo Center’s Rev Center in Gonzales. Businesses and organizations wishing to share information at the event, can call the agency at (225) 922-2525 or visit capitalaaa.org/annual-health-fair-expo. Contact Darlene Denstorff by phone, (225) 388-0215 or (225) 603-1998; or email, ascension@theadvocate.com.
Friday. Levy is a linebacker and East Ascension football Baker is a kicker on the players Micah Levy and team. Homecoming events inSavannah Baker reigned as homecoming king and cluded a parade, pep rally queen during festivities and dance.
Community news report
PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
Thousands of children attended the Small Business Owners of Ascension’s Trunk or Treat in Gonzales on Oct. 10. The event featured more than 50 vendors passing out goodies and treats to children.
Early Halloween trick-or-treating in Gonzales BY WENDY LOUP Contributing writer
A sunny afternoon greeted costumed superheroes, princesses, and dinosaurs during the Small Business Owners of Ascension’s Trunk or Treat on Oct. 10 in Gonzales. Trunk-or-treaters lined along West Cabella’s Parkway ready for candy and goodie bags. The event, hosted by Bearded Events, featured 50 small businesses and vendors a chance to greet Ascension Parish families while providing fun. More than 3,000 children received goodie bags, candy and other treats. What began as a way for children to have a place to trick-or-treat during the COVID-19 pandemic has turned into a yearly Halloween extravaganza for thousands of children. Bearded Events owner Chad Brown coordinates the event with the help of a Facebook group of Ascension Parish small business owners. Last year’s Trunk or Treat was held at Tanger Outlets, but due to continuing construction on La. 30, the event was moved back to West Cabella’s Parkway, Brown said. The trunk-or-treating began at 4 pm, but families in costumes were lining along West Cabella’s Parkway an hour before. Vehicle trunks, tents, and canopies were decked out in Halloween themes, both spooky and fun. While the children receive candy and other treats, Ascension small businesses promote their services.
STAFF PHOTO BY JAVIER GALLEGOS
Jeremy Jennings, left, uses his phone to record a hot air balloon during the annual Boucherie and Balloon Festival in Sorrento on Saturday.
Boucherie & Balloon Festival sees record crowds
Community news report
Christian Phan, left, Helen Zeringue, center, and Avery Zeringue, pass out goodies. Helen Zeringue, of C&G Seafood and Deli, used the afternoon to interact with Ascension Parish potential customers. C&G Seafood and Deli, at 305 South Burnside, Gonzales, serves Cajun food plates including fried fish, red beans, and rice. Unique delicacies such as crawfish boudin, shrimp fried rice, turkey neck, and pig feet are also on the menu. “This is my first year participating,” Zeringue said. “I love how this involves
ä See HALLOWEEN, page 3G
Kade Lanoux and his helper Bart Himel were crowned World Champion cracklin cooks Sunday at the Boucherie and Balloon Festival in Sorrento. Jay Lambert and helper Brynna Lambert won the jambalaya-cooking title. The three-day event celebrates the Cajun custom of the Boucherie, the butchering of a hog and cooking its tasty parts. The Sorrento Lions Club raises money to support the Louisiana Lions Club Camp for children and other projects. What started in the 1960s
at a camp with friends turned into a festival by 1980, when the Town of Sorrento was named Boucherie Capital of the World. Original festivals were held on the fairgrounds in Sorrento, but the Lions Club had to move the event over the years. In 2016, the festival moved to LamarDixon Expo Center and in 2019 it added hot air balloons. COVID in 2020 and Hurricane Ida in 2021 forced the festival to close, but in 2022 the festival returned to the fairgrounds in Sorrento and was officially
ä See CROWDS, page 4G
2G n Wednesday, October 21, 2026 n theadvocate.com n The Advocate
Shred personal documents Oct. 24 at Shred Fest Community news report The Better Business Bureau’s annual Secure Your ID Day “Shred Fest” on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Ascension Parish Governmental Annex, 828 S. Irma Blvd., Gonzales. Residents are encouraged to attend the event and take a key step in identity protection by shredding and properly disposing of their sensitive paper documents. E-waste items also will be accepted for recycling. “Properly destroying documents that carry information you don’t want getting into the hands of crooks is an important first step to fighting identity theft, but it doesn’t end there,” said Carmen Million, BBB president. “That’s why BBB experts will also be on hand offering important advice and simple steps everyone can take to prevent ID theft in their daily lives, both online and off.” E-waste Items that can be collected include computer towers, laptops, monitors, servers, networking equipment, printers/copiers; wire/AC adapters, cellphones/tablets, hard drivers/SSDs, backup tapes, X-rays, peripherals, consumer electronics and DVD/CD/VHS/BETA items. The event, from 9 a.m. to noon, is for consumers only. “We will only accept up to three boxes or bags of documents per vehicle to be shredded,” a news release said. Papers should be removed from binders, but staples, paper clips do not have to be removed. Consumers are asked to go through their boxes before the event to make sure there are no objects other than paper. “Identity theft is largely a crime of access,” added Million. “Our goal here is to make the information less accessible and empower people to be their own first line of defense against identity theft. Assisting the BBB in this event to properly and safely destroy documents is Secure Shredding & Recycling. For additional information, call Million at (225) 346-5222.
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Dutchtown, St Amant, EA, Prairieville record impressive wins At week seven, two Ascension Parish schools remain undefeated. Ascension Catholic is 7-0 and will travel to third-ranked Riverside (6-1) in District 10-1A action on Friday. The two teams met in December with Riverside on the good side of a 31-21 score and a Division IV select state championship. Quarterback Greg Fernandez leads the Bulldog offense along with running backs Raif Melancon, Braeden Landry, Caden Mayes and receivers Cy Landry and Jacob Julien. The offensive line is experienced and has been consistent. The defense is led by the Folse twins, Karson and Kole, up front along with Petyon Ledet. On the second level, the Bulldogs have all state linebacker John Rob Daigle, Landon Thomas and Melancon. The defense has some youth with three freshmen playing key roles along with Kohen Folse, Jakhari Jenkins and Julien. The Rebels return an experienced offensive line and several play makers. QB Kendric “Boogie” Johnson, receiver Chris Becnel and receiver Cayden Francois are explosive. The defensive line is a strong point with several starters returning led by Ahmad Cage and Justin Hall. The linebackers and secondary have speed and can tackle. The game matches two of the best coaches in the state with Lee Roussel at Riverside and Taylor James of Ascension Catholic. The other undefeated team is Ascension Christian, which beat White Castle 19-12.
Prairieville The Hurricanes got their first district win of the season winning 26-7 over Walker. After dropping some district games by close scores, they broke through with a solid effort in all three phases. They rushed for 365 rushing yards with Courtnei Payne logging 114 yards and QB Skyler Kelly had 103.
Week 8 schedule
Division I nonselect: East Ascension (6-1) hosts Parkway n 6th-ranked
Troy LeBoeuf ASCENSION SPORTS
Touchdowns by Payne, wide receiver Chance Jackson and Kale Daigle led the Hurricanes. The defense held Walker to 229 yards. Stantyn Delapasse had an interception.
St. Amant The Gators trailed by seven at the half and exploded with 27 unanswered points in the second half to win 27-21 over Denham Springs. Running back Jourden Hickerson hit the 1,000-yard mark on the season and had two touchdowns. QB Brock Koontz continues to improve and tossed a touchdown to Hayden Thodile. Dreyden Talbot added a 13-yard touchdown run. The defense held Denham to 166 total yards. Defensive lineman Kyler Rock played well up front and had a sack.
Dutchtown The Griffins got a nondistrict win over a good Tioga team, winning 20-16. QB Ethan Odom tossed a touchdown to Derrick Walker Vice. QB Brock Black rushed for touchdown and running back Hayden Becnel continues to lead the ground game. The defense was outstanding and got an interception from defensive back Marcello Rizzuto and Terron Reese.
Week 7 scores n Dutchtown 20, Tioga 16
n East Ascension 49, Live Oak 24 n Prairieville 26, Walker 7
n St. Amant 27, Denham Springs 21
n Ascension Catholic 26, St Martins 21 n Dunham 35, Donaldsonville 6
8th-ranked Dutchtown (6-1) hosts Denham Springs n 12th-ranked St. Amant (4-3) travles to 29th ranked Prairieville (3-4)
Division III nonselect: n 30th-ranked Donaldsonville (2-5) hosts Springfield
Division IV Select n Top-ranked Ascension Catholic (7-0) goes to Riverside n Ascension Christian (7-0) hosts Highland Baptist
Parish volleyball records and power rankings Division I
n 8th-ranked Prairieville (21-7)
*The Hurricanes were 4-0 this week and are undefeated in district I-5 n 16th-ranked St. Amant (17-9) n 19th-ranked Dutchtown (13-11) n 22nd East Ascension (19-11) Division IV n 18th Donaldsonville (4-2) Division V n 5th Ascension Christian (18-7) n 6th Ascension Catholic (15-12)
Middle school scores and standings n Lake 28, Lowery 6
n Central 22, Dutchtown 0 n Gonzales 36, Galvez 0
n Bluff 8, Prairieville 6 Central 6-0 Lake 5-1 Bluff 4-2 Dutchtown 4-3 Gonzales 3-3 Prairieville 2-4 St. Amant 2-4 Lowery 2-5 Galvez 0-6
ASCENSION PARISH BOOKINGS The following people were booked into the Ascension Parish on Sept. 24-Oct. 1.
SEPT. 24
WASHINGTON, DONTRELL T.: 443 Fredrick Drive, Thibodeaux; 40; fugitive-other state jurisdiction, parole violation, state probation violation, armed robbery, principals, armed robbery, criminal conspiracy POOLE, MELINDA CALMES: 224 W. Roosevelt St., No. 5, Gonzales; 56; entry on or remaining in places or on land after being forbidden HOGAN, KASHIA K.: 1341 N. Ezidore St., Gramercy; 27; four counts failure to appearbench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, theft less than $1,000 GROSS, KYLE ANDREW: 4600 Reddix Lane, Denham Springs; 34; failure to appearbench warrant
SEPT. 25
VENABLE, JORDAN M.: 14139 Martin Moran Road, Gonzales; 34; domestic abuse battery WATSON, HUNTER: 14139 Martin Moran Road, Gonzales; 35; domestic abuse battery GUERRERO-MEJIA, JAVIER ALEXANDER: 30 Dogwood Lane, Sulpher; 31; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction SMITH, KYLA JANELL: 113 Dville Village Circle, Donaldsonville; 34; three counts failure to appear-bench warrant, two counts theft less than $1,000 LEBLANC, CAIRON JAMAL: 2034 S. Robert Ave., Gonzales; 27; fugitive-other state jurisdiction, parole violation
CANNON, JAMES EARL: 43113 Moody Dixon Road, Prairieville; 50; simple a of a highway of commerce, operating while intoxicated-second
jurisdiction MOORE, KELSIE: 18230 Little Prairie Road, Prairieville; 34; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
SEPT. 26
SEPT. 27
VAUGHN, TRE MICHAEL: 18723 Mccoy St, Livingston; 34; battery of a dating partner; child endangerment, domestic abuse battery BOURGEOIS, TIONDRA: 8767 Houma Drive, Laplace; 33; possession of marijuana less than 14 grams, illegal possession of stolen things $1,000 to $5,000 PEREZ, ARMANDO JOSE: 616 W. 18th St., Apt. 3, Lake Charles; 26; bond revocation, two counts failure to appearbench warrant, operating while intoxicated-second SEAY, JOSHUA ANTONIO: 40224 Reese Lane, Prairieville; 41; driving on divided highways, operating while intoxicated-first DUHE, RACHELLE MARIE: 5116 Highland Road, Apt. 166, Baton Rouge; 46; damage to property with intent to defraud, two counts theft-two convictions or more, three counts organized retail theft $1,000 but less than $5,000, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, illegal possession of stolen things $1,000 to $5,000 LUCAS JR., CHARLES EDWARD: 17051 Richmond Drive, Prairieville; 41; operating while intoxicated-third BROWN, CODY MICHAEL: 41028 C J Courtney Road, Gonzales; 41; prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, two counts failure to appearbench warrant, two counts fugitive-other Louisiana
GOODSON, CARL JAMES: 17950 Airline Highway, No. 828, Prairieville; 28; driving on roadway laned for traffic, operating while intoxicatedfirst QUEEN, QUINTARIUS NAQUINTE: 279 E. Sanders St., Gonzales; 29; operating vehicle while license is suspended, operating while intoxicated-first, driving on roadway laned for traffic TURNER, TRAVIS SENTELLE: 115 Burns Drive, Donaldsonville; 47; possession of or dealing ina==== firearms with obliterated number or mark BERCEGEAY JR., RICKY P.: 41028 C J Courtney Road, Gonzales; 51; two counts failure to appear-bench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction BLYTHE, CHAD MICHAEL: 13486 La. 44, Gonzales; 57; motor vehicles, alteration or removal of identifying numbers prohibited, violations of registration provisions, evidence of motor vehicle liability security contained in vehicle, proper equipment required on vehicles-display of plate MOORE, KANDISE L.: 38272 La. 621, Gonzales; 35; prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction SEPT. 28 MUSE, DANTE RASHAD: 10502
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Boudreaux Road, Gonzales; 35; failure to appear-bench warrant, domestic abuse battery-child endangerment WEST, RACHEL SIMMONE: 14361 Park Ave, Prairieville; 34; domestic abuse battery; child endangerment GIBSON, KENDRICK KENDELL: 3038 La. 1 S., Donaldsonville; 43; probation violation parish, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance GAIGNARD, JUSTIN DENADRE: 6478 Soaring Drive, Gonzales; 32; failure to appear-bench warrant, headlamps on motor vehicles-motorcycles and motordriven cycles, fugitiveother Louisiana jurisdiction RODRIGUE, DWAYNE A.: 1305 E. Bayou Road Apt. 105, Donaldsonville; 51; two counts, failure to appear-bench warrant
SEPT. 29
BLANKENSHIP, MATTHEW MARTIN: 9857 Havenwood Blvd., Baton Rouge; 41; disturbing the peace/drunkenness GREMILLION, BENJAMIN ROBERT: 38126 Stanley St., Prairieville; 20; possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, flight from an officer, aggravated criminal damage to property, purchase and public possession of alcoholic beverages-exceptions/penalties, operating while intoxicated-first BERTHELOT, KYLE MATTHEW: 2918 Ashbrook Lane, Pearland, Texas; 42; no seat belt, registration-commercial vehicles/expired plate, maximum speed limit, reckless operation, operating while
intoxicated-third DENNIS, JASON CHARLES: 38235 Dolphin Court, Gonzales; 30; domestic abuse battery-child endangerment, domestic abuse aggravated assault-child endangerment MARTIN, JESICA RENE: 207 Hood St., Donaldsonville; 38; failure to appear-bench warrant LUNA GARCIA, CESAR AUGUSTINE: 8843 Eastover Blvd., Denham Springs; 26; hold for other agency, hold for other agency, registration-commercial vehicles/expired plate, no seat belt, driver must be licensed, security required, following vehicles JACKSON, QUINCY T.: 11446 Legacy Oaks Lane, Gonzales; 47; failure to appear-bench warrant ABREU, WILSON S.: 9046 Lockhart Road, Apt. A; 49; first-degree rape ARMANT, KI’RON: 167 W. Eighth St., Vacherie; 25; possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, stop signs and yield signs, maximum speed limit, aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce, aggravated flight from an officer, reckless operation
SEPT. 30
ELLIS, CRAIG M.: 108 Iris St., Thibodeaux; 62; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction LAREAU, JARED CLIFFORD: 2821 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans; 32; criminal trespass/ trespassing of real property MAGEE, CONNER DRAKE: 44138 Deer Run Drive, Franklinton; 19; aggravated assault with a firearm, ag-
gravated battery JEFFERSON, LAMARCUS: 14086 Airline Highway, No. 2923, Gonzales; 28; failure to appear-bench warrant MCKNEELY, CHARLENE ANN: 5860 St. Katherine Ave., Baton Rouge; 36; two count failure to appear-bench warrant JORDAN JR., RENWICK LEE: 6980 St. Francis Ave., Zachary; 28; two count failure to appear-bench warrant BOURG, SHAWN M.: 43446 Galvez Oaks Drive, Prairieville; 37; possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies STEVENSON, EULANDA: 5322 McClelland Drive, Baton Rouge,; 46; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, battery of emergency room personnel or a healthcare provider CONVERSE, GREGNISHA TRINAY: 809 Martin Luther King Drive, Napoleonville; 27; failure to appear-bench warrant SMITH JR., CECIL PAUL: 13251 High Meadow Drive, Gonzales; 48; simple criminal damage to property $1,000 to $50K, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, criminal trespass/ all other
OCT. 1
WINDHAM-TWIDWELL, AMY K.: 40117 Autumn Meadow Ave., Prairieville; 38; failure to appear-bench warrant JOHNSON, RONNIE: 40101 Maddie Drive, Prairieville; 53; driving on roadway laned for traffic, headlamps on motor vehicles-motorcycles and motordriven cycles, operating while intoxicated-first
The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Wednesday, October 21, 2026 ■ 3G
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HALLOWEEN
Continued from page 1G
the community, Everybody getting together and contributing is great. The fellowship and giving back to the community are a lot of fun.” New businesses, The Geaux-To Organizers and Simple Shine, teamed up for a booth featuring a “treasure chest” of goodies and a cabinet of toy poisons and oddities. The two businesses pro-
vide services in Ascension Parish, with Gonzales and St. Amant providing the most clients. Kalyn Zuelke, owner of The Geaux-To Organizers, provided information about her services, which include decluttering, home organization, packing and unpacking. “It’s fun to see all the creativity families have, and this is a chance to get to know the community,” Zuelke said. Simple Shine owner Tabatha Lanoux passed out goodie bags with candy,
mini lint rollers, and information about her cleaning company. “I was born to love October,” Lanoux said. “My mom loved dressing up as a witch, and I do too. It’s fun to see everybody in costumes.” Bearded Events is hosting, along with Ascension Parish Recreation, is the Autumn Festival in the Park on Saturday, Oct. 24. The day will include activities such as a chili cookoff, arts and crafts booths, family-friendly games, and food trucks.
EAST ASCENSION HOMECOMING
PROVIDED PHOTOS BY JENNY CREWS
Students celebrate during East Ascension High’s Homecoming pep rally.
PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP
Kalyn Zuelke, owner of The Geaux-To Organizers, left, and Simple Shine owner Tabatha Lanoux participate Oct. 10 in the Small Business Owners of Ascension’s Trunk or Treat.
The East Ascension High cheerleaders pump up the crowd during a Homecoming pep rally. East Ascension cheerleaders ride atop emergency equipment during the school’s Homecoming Parade.
D SA N T I Q U E V I L L AG E .CO CO M
DENHAM SPRINGS
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Louisiana Twirl Force kicked off the Oct. 10 Small Business Owners of Ascension’s Trunk or Treat in Gonzales. The studio specializes in baton twirling and color guard.
Tuesday - Thursday 5:00pm - 9:00pm • Friday & Saturday 12:00pm - 10:00pm • Sunday & Monday - Closed
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Louisiana Twirl Force members kick off the celebration.
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FOUNDATION
Continued from page 1G
the emotional, physical and financial challenges that come with a breast cancer diagnosis, I felt a calling to turn my experience into something meaningful that could help others. “During my journey I assisted two women that were about to have surgery with advice and support. Consulting with them gave me true purpose in my journey. To me, Strength in Pink is more than a nonprofit organization. It is my way of turning my survival into a purpose and being a blessing to someone else.” Donaldsonville Mayor Leroy Sullivan participated in the walk, along with his wife, Cathy, who is also a
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breast cancer survivor. “Sandra’s story and other survivors’ stories really touched our hearts,” Sullivan said. “My wife has her own story, and when she rang that bell that her radiation treatment was completed, that was an important accomplishment.” Cathy Sullivan was diagnosed with breast cancer in January at the age of 49. “I beat breast cancer and today is about showing everybody how important prevention and getting tested is,” she said. “I go every year for my mammogram, PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP and it was a shock to find I The Strength in Pink Walk-A-Thon, held Oct. 10 in had cancer.” Donaldsonville, raised funds to help breast cancer patients. Cost-Williams had hoped Participants walked from the Lemann Memorial Center to for at least 50 walkers at the inaugural walk-a-thon. Hav- Crescent Park. ing around 120 participants “As a breast cancer sur- liams said. “I also wanted to showed Cost-Williams many in the community are willing vivor, this walk was very introduce Strength in Pink to show support for patients. personal to me,” Cost-Wil- Breast Cancer Foundation
to the community and share our mission of providing financial assistance to breast cancer patients who are experiencing hardships while undergoing treatment. “Most importantly, I wanted every survivor, every patient still fighting and every family who has lost a loved one to know that they are not forgotten and that they do not have to walk this journey alone.” Cost-Williams’ goal for the foundation is to establish a financial assistance program to help breast cancer patients who have a loss of income or financial hardship while undergoing treatment. “We hope to assist with essential living expenses such as utilities, housing, transportation and other basic needs,” Cost-Williams said. “This will allow patients to concentrate on their health
and recovery.” The organization plans to bring breast cancer awareness through education, outreach programs, and early detection. Having support from loved ones, as well as the community, is important for every patient, Cost-Williams said. The foundation is hoping corporate sponsors, local businesses and members of the community will help raise funds. “My message to the public is simple,” Cost-Williams said. “You do not have to be a breast cancer survivor to make a difference in the life of someone who is. All you need is a compassionate heart and a willingness to help.” To volunteer or become a sponsor, call Strength in Pink at (225) 502-2502.
STAFF PHOTOS BY JAVIER GALLEGOS
Lynn Paddie holds onto a rope tied to an inflating balloon as children run past her during the annual Boucherie and Balloon Festival in Sorrento on Saturday.
Attendees enjoy the scene around them as pilots turn on their burners in bursts, illuminating the dark field for moments at a time.
Pilot Bill Bussey, second from right, fires up the burners to inflate his balloon as crew members pull cords away from the flame.
Steven Baye chats with a friend while bagging cracklins.
CROWDS
Continued from page 1G renamed the Boucherie and Balloon Festival. The weekend included cracklin and jambalaya cooking contest, music, food, rides, games and hot air balloons. This year’s festival added a car show on Sunday with over 100 entries. Festival organizer Rey Prado said the event saw record crowds throughout the festival.
Pilots turn on their burners at the same time during the annual Boucherie and Balloon Festival in Sorrento.
A cook bags cracklins during the annual Boucherie and Balloon Festival in Sorrento.