CAGNO mourns the passing of our dear friend, Dianne Montalbano Brant. Dianne lost her long battle with cancer on February 21, 2006. Dianne supported CAGNO through the proceeds of her CD, "Songs My Daddy Sang" and with a live performance at Le Chat Noir. We offer our condolences to her husband David (Mr. B) and her son Randy.

Twelve student scientists each received a $1,500 research stipend for their efforts in the fight against cancer. Three projects will be co-sponsored by the Louisiana Breast Cancer Task Force (LBCTF) because of the project’s relevance to breast cancer. Those students will receive $1,000 from the LBCTF and $500 from CAGNO. For a list of grant recipients, please click here.

The 12th Annual Tom Sawyer Mississippi River Run, held just weeks before Hurricane Katrina, was another big success thanks to the generosity and support that our loyal community members, local businesses and runners showed us. More than 400 runners participated in the 2-mile race through the Warehouse District and the CBD despite the rainy weather earlier that morning. Because of your support, CAGNO was able to raise more than $8,000 for its three community programs. We thank you and hope that you enjoyed yourselves as much as we did. For a list of race winners, please click here.

Amelia Leonardi celebrated her 50th birthday with 200 of her closest family, friends and colleagues at the Women’s Opera Guild House on Saturday, July 16. The party featured a silent auction, live music, and delicious food catered by Jacques-Imo’s Cafe, a favorite local institution that is owned and operated by her husband, Jacques. In lieu of the traditional birthday gifts, Amelia suggested that her guests make donations to CAGNO. Because of the generosity of Amelia and her guests, CAGNO received nearly $16,000 to benefit its patient services, education and research programs. Thanks, Amelia. And happy birthday.

The 18th Annual National Cancer Survivors Day on Sunday, June 5, was another huge success, with 100 cancer survivors in attendance. Said Tammy, local chairperson of the Greater New Orleans Planning Committee, "It was a true ‘Celebration of Life.’ The survivors’ shared experiences and love for life and laughter make the event especially special and poignant."  This year's celebration will be held Sunday, June 4, at the Kenner Pavilion (Vintage and Loyola) from 2 to 4 p.m.

CAGNO, the New Orleans Zephyrs and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) teamed up for their second fun-filled evening at America’s favorite pastime. Last year’s "Go to Bat Against Cancer," held on May 20, burst with a spectacular Star Wars-themed fireworks display. Through raffle and game ticket sales, the Zephyrs raised a total of $1,650 for the two local beneficiaries and will distribute the proceeds equally between CAGNO and PanCAN.

Nearly 100 Adams and Reese attorneys and staff in the New Orleans office joined together to celebrate HUGS 17th birthday on June 23. HUGS, appropriately named to represent the Hope, Understanding, Giving and Support it encourages, was founded in June 1988 to promote social responsibility among members of the firm. This year, the firm used the special occasion to support prostate cancer awareness and treatment. Donations were collected during the event and nearly $800 was raised, which will benefit CAGNO’s Patient Services Program.