As St. Tammany Health System and Ochsner Health prepare to unveil their all-new cancer center this summer just south of Covington, St. Tammany Hospital Foundation has hired a major gift fundraiser to help further bolster STHS’s cancer programs.
Jennifer Garrard, who joined the foundation team in January, will work out of the comprehensive, state-of-the-art St. Tammany Cancer Center, a campus of Ochsner Medical Center that will be operated in cooperation with STHS when it opens in June at Interstate 12 and Highway 21.
She is the first fundraiser in the foundation’s history to be hired specifically to focus on a single service line.
Garrard brings a wealth of philanthropic experience to the position, having previously worked with such human service organizations as Habitat for Humanity, educational organizations including the LSU College of Business, and healthcare organizations including an assisted living facility in her former home state of Florida.
“My parents inspired my heart for helping others,” Garrard said. “Their example of service to our family and community is what fueled my career path in philanthropy. Here at St. Tammany Hospital Foundation, I have the privilege of assisting donors to make a meaningful impact in areas they are most passionate about. Each gift transforms the lives of individuals and advances the health of our community.”
In her new role, Garrard will assist donors in making a meaningful impact on cancer care through a major gift program that includes naming opportunities, corporate giving, grants, direct program support and more.
Given that she’ll be based out of the cancer center, she’ll also have an opportunity to develop relationships with the patients there and their loved ones.
The opportunity to advocate on their behalf by boosting the center’s transportation, nutritional and educational offerings is particularly meaningful to her, Garrard said.
“I’ve had two family members who have been diagnosed with cancer,” Garrard said. “Having great access to care close to home prevented them from having to travel long distances while dealing with side effects from treatment. The St. Tammany Cancer Center is a wonderful opportunity to provide individuals excellent care close to home.”
She added: “St. Tammany Health System started because of a need within our community to provide better access to healthcare close to home. The St. Tammany Cancer Center’s new building and increase in specialties of care will enable us to meet those needs here. The people of our community are at the heart of what we do, and this cancer center is a gift to our community. It is an honor to be a part of it.”