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On Tuesday, February 19, Links Des Pink Cancer Organization will hold an open house at the Vermilion Parish Library in hopes of gaining new volunteers as well as donations.
Founded in 2007, the Links des Pink Cancer Organization became the very first non-profit cancer awareness and support organization in Vermilion Parish. The organization began with only a few dedicated individuals who united with one another for a better cause; to help those going through cancer and organizations trying to stop cancer.
Since its formation, the non-profit has raised over $200,000 with 100% of all net proceeds going to organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Miles Perret Cancer Services, CAMP HOSPICE, St. Jude Children’s Hospital and many more organizations who work tirelessly in finding a cure and providing care for those diagnosed with cancer.
LaNell Melancon, President of Links Des Pink Cancer Organization, said that those volunteering their time receive NO compensation and there are no paid positions within the organization.
“With a great deal of pride, Kathy Cormier, Jeani Stevens, Sharon Campisi, Cheryl Hebert, Stacey Hardy, Debi Steen, Richard, and myself came together to charter Links des Pink,” she said. “The organization is dedicated to providing support, awareness, education, research about Breast Cancer and other cancers to our neighbors, friends and family, ultimately resulting in healthier and happier communities.”
Links des Pink invites the public to donate, whether it is time or money, on February 19 at the Vermilion Parish Library.
“We are always looking for new people to accompany us in our journey,” Melancon said. “We need all the aid we can get, the more people we reach out to, the better the outcome.”
Monies donated also fund the Stacy Hardy Memorial Mammogram Fund in Abbeville to pay for mammograms for area women who cannot afford the cost. Up to 44 monograms valuing at a total of $20,000 has been granted for Abbeville General Hospital to use on those that are financially unable.
In the past, the organization gathered together in September to collect Pink Ribbons to “Pink the Towns” by displaying the ribbons on businesses throughout the parish to bring awareness and celebrate October as Breast Cancer Awareness month. Also organized was the signing of the proclamation of October as Breast Cancer Awareness month by the Vermilion Parish Mayors and set up booths at the area festivals with informational packets.
“It is rare to find someone who hasn’t been touched by cancer in some way. We all know someone who has traveled the road after the initial diagnosis of cancer. From the date of that dreaded diagnosis to the overwhelming feeling of worry; what to do, how to tell loved ones, what’s the best course of treatment; where to go for treatment, how will I take care of my family through this ordeal; will my spouse and children as well as the rest of my family be ok if I don’t make it through this disease? How am I going to afford the cost of treatment? How am I going to pay my bills and so much more? It’s a baffling disease that changes your life and the lives of those around you, and it changes your goals and priorities, but you are never alone! Talking, reaching out and sharing can give you the love, strength, hope, and encouragement to fight and win.”
To fight cancer and support survivors, through a lot of hard work and dedication, the organization has been able to accomplish a number of goals which include a total of 3,800 signature Links des Pink tee shirts sold, a Miles Perret Cancer Services donation on $66,000, gas cards for needy survivors, a donation to the American Cancer Society in the amount of $10,000. St. Jude has also received $24,000 in donations, so far. Plus, many other contributions.
With donations and volunteers, you are helping fund money towards wigs and prosthesis for people living with cancer, funding mammograms. Your kindness also sponsors monthly support meetings as well as Kathy’s Hope Baskets to newly diagnosed Cancer patients.
The locally formed organization needs help 365 days out of the year. There is no ‘off’ day for cancer, and there are no paid positions in the organization with 100% of the proceeds directly funding several branches of support organizations.
To support this cause, you are welcome to join the Links des Pink open house on February 19 at the Vermilion Parish Library. You can also visit the site for more information on the way you can help at http://linksdespink.org or by calling 337-247-7465.

Vermilion Parish is ripe for investment and the board of Vermilion Economic Development Alliance is excited about the work they’re doing in all areas of the parish. To help provide vision and direction for the staff and programming is the organization’s 15-member board representing Vermilion Parish cities, towns, and government organizations as well as the Chamber of Commerce.
Representing the Village of Maurice is Vermilion Parish native, employee, and community advocate Megan Landry-Lalande. Currently, Megan serves as both the Human Resources Manager and Assistant Facility Security Officer for Valour, LLC. Her positive attitude and can-do work ethic have made her a valuable employee for the last nine years as her responsibilities change to meet the needs of the busy office. But her commitment doesn’t stop with the workplace.
Megan is a reliable member of several teams that aim to improve the lives of the residents of Vermilion. Megan serves as a member of the Junior Auxiliary of Abbeville and represents our area on the national scale as a member of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries, Inc. She is a founding board member of FUEL Vermilion, the parish’s young professional organization, and is actively involved in other Vermilion Chamber of Commerce efforts like Leadership Vermilion – she’s a Class 2 graduate and alumni member – and sits on the Chamber board as President-Elect. In 2018 she was recognized for her efforts with the Chamber’s “High Impact Young Professional of the Year” Award. She keeps the group up to speed on development’s in the parish’s northern-most municipality, Maurice, and has an open line of communication with the administration and its Mayor, Wayne Theriot.
Megan finds a balance between community development and her involvement in the business world and adds that unique experience to the economic development board. Anne Falgout, Vermilion Economic Development Alliance’s Executive Director, feels lucky to have Megan on the team. “I have admired Megan’s tenacity for years. She brings energy to everything she does and manages to channel it into decisiveness and action that challenges me to think beyond the status quo. If she has a question, she asks, and I never have to wonder what she’s thinking. That honesty is so important to what we do and ensures we stay focused on what matters.” The team looks forward to seeing Maurice leverage its unique opportunities and unprecedented growth in the coming months.
For more information about the Alliance, its board, and its plans for 2019, visit www.developvermilion.org.

Luna Avery
Lorraine Bourque
A daughter, Luna Avery Lorraine Bourque, was born Wednesday, February 6, 2019, at Abbeville General to Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Wayne Bourque of Kaplan.
The mother is the former Allison Renee Poole.

Dennis Ismael Funes Cruz
A son, Dennis Ismael Funes Cruz, was born Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at Abbeville General to Mr. and Mrs. Denis Funes Cruz of Kaplan.
The mother is the former Erika Elizabeth Touchet-Guillen.

Damien Gabriel Breaux
A son, Damien Gabriel Breaux, was born Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at Abbeville General to Candace Joy Breaux of Kaplan.

Jasper Kade Reaux
A son, Jasper Kade Reaux, was born February 7, 2019, at Women’s and Children’s to Brooke Reaux of Abbeville.

Ca’Mia Tiara-Rose Tillman
A daughter, Ca’Mia Tiara-Rose Tillman was born February 6, 2019, at Women and Children’s to Shawon Williams and Curtis Tillman of Lafayette.

Kip Ryan Rageur
A son, Kip Ryan Rageur, was born February 5, 2019, at Women and Children’s to Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Rageur of Abbeville.
The mother is the former Brei Foreman.

Brandon Joseph Broussard, Jr.
A son, Brandon Joseph Broussard, Jr. was born January 30, 2019, at Women’s and Children’s to Brandi Broussard and Brandon Broussard of Kaplan.

Madelyn Grace Harrington
A daughter, Madelyn Grace Harrington, was born January 31, 2019, at Women’s and Children’s to Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Harrington of Delcambre.
The mother is the former Lauren Miguez.

Da’Zani Azure Ro’Lynn
Campbell
A daughter, Da’Zani Azure Ro’Lynn Campbell was born January 24, 2019, at Women’s and Children’s to Jerri’Onna Campbell.

Eleanor Lillian Arcement
A daughter, Eleanor Lillian Arcement, was born, January 24, 2019, at Women’s and Children’s to Mr. and Mrs. Andre Arcement of Rayne.
The mother is the former Penny Hardy.

Kaylee Grace Hebert
A daughter, Kaylee Grace Hebert, was born January 22, 2019, to Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Hebert of Abbeville.
The mother is the former Taylor Gaspard.

Nevaeh Lynn Baudoin
A daughter, Navaeh Lynn Baudoin, was born January 22, 2019, at Women’s and Children’s to Cheryl Sanford and Travis Baudoin of Kaplan.

Randi Ra’nay Bearb
A daughter, Randi Ra’nay Bearb, was born January 18, 2019, at Women’s and Children’s to Kellie Burgett and Cody Bearb of Crowley.

Harmoni Kai Benoit
A daughter, Harmoni Kai Benoit, was born January 18, 2019, at Women’s and Children’s to Diamond Chargois and Tyler Benoit of Maurice.