Baron’s Ball to honor memory of local woman

In its seventh year, the Baron’s Ball is inviting the community to “Tip Your Hat Towards a Cure.”

The event will take place 7 p.m. Aug. 16 at 601 Spring St. in Shreveport and benefits the American Cancer Society.

This year’s Baron’s Ball event is in memory of Suzy Ryan, an honorary chair who lost a battle with cancer in 2013.

Casey Ryan, Suzy’s daughter, said she is honored for the recognition to her mother.

Ryan’s family lost Suzy a mere 85 days after she was diagnosed with bone and lung cancer.

“It all happened so fast,” Ryan said. “Her lower back was hurting. She thought she pulled some muscles in the yard. She was a Master Gardener and would spend hours outside with her flowers. After four weeks of it not getting better, she went to see her doctor.”

The diagnosis came back with Stage 4 bone cancer and Stage 4 lung cancer. “We went through a full round of radiation and reduced the size of the two tumors on her spine, but with the reduction of the tumors, it revealed that she had a fractured spine, making her not able to walk,” Ryan said. “The last two and a half months of her life were spent at Heritage Manor West.”

But not all the memories are hard ones. Ryan and her family enjoy remembering the good times they shared and honoring what made her mother unique.

“Mom’s favorite thing was Mardi Gras and the Krewe of Centaur,” Ryan said. “The week she was diagnosed, she called Renee Hankins and gave her every parade binder she had from years past. Told her that if she died, Renee had to finish putting the parade together for her, and Renee did just that. It was a beautiful day and one of the best parades yet.”

Ryan said she wants all of her mom’s friends to come be a part of the Baron’s Ball.

“We have personally lost a lot of family and friends to cancer, and we want to do our part to help break the cycle,” she said.

Ann Harvey, patron/table sales chair, has been on the Baron’s Ball committee since it’s inception and said everyone has been affected by cancer in some form.

“It might be a family member, friend or even themselves diagnosed with this devastating disease. This event is a way to raise money for the American Cancer Society, an organization that works tirelessly to find a cure and lends a helping hand to those who face a cancer diagnosis.”

Harvey is a cancer survivor and has volunteered with the local American Cancer Society since her remission.

“The goal of the Baron’s Ball is to raise money for our local American Cancer Society,” Harvey said. “All of the money that is raised stays here in our area to help cancer patients. The American Cancer Society plays a huge roll in cancer research as well as provides services to our local cancer patients.”

Harvey’s favorite part of the ball is the casual, fun theme. “It’s a really fun event for a wonderful cause. The dress code is relaxed, jeans are welcomed,” Harvey said. This year, Silver Star Smokehouse will provide the cowboy cuisine. Other entertainment includes live music by Hipshot, casino games, live and silent auctions and a birthday cake raffle.

Rachel Stern, community events specialist, is new to the American Cancer Society, and said she is enjoying her time assisting with the Baron’s Ball.

“My favorite part is watching all the funds that we raise being used here in our local community,” Stern said. “You can see the money being used in our patient service center in our local office, in our American Cancer Society programs such as ‘Look Good … Feel Better and Road to Recovery,’ to name a few.”

Stern said she hopes the community turns out for the cause and catches the committee’s enthusiasm.

“By coming to the Baron’s Ball, you’re not only coming out to have a good time, but your funds are making a difference in the American Cancer Society’s fight to help people stay well, get well, find cures and fight back against cancer,” Stern said. “We are creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays!” Auction items include: four LSU vs.

Ole Miss tickets, two Saints suite tickets for the Saints vs. Bengals game Nov. 16, a box for Super Derby at Harrah’s at Louisiana Downs and a Golf Getaway to the Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale, Ariz. Patron couple tickets are available for $250 and tables of eight are available for $1250. Tickets can be purchased online at http://main.acsevents. org/site/TR/Gala/GalaFY10Mid- South?sid=79760&type=fr_information al&pg=informational&fr_id=63156.

–Betsy St. Amant