Former President George Bush and Mrs. Bush
to Visit Baptist Medical Center in May

Jackson, Miss. - March 13, 2003 -- Former President George Bush and his wife, Barbara, will tour Baptist Cancer Services on May 5, 2003. After the tour, President Bush will make a media statement. Then, they will attend a private luncheon benefiting Baptist Cancer Services, a service of Baptist Health Systems in Jackson, Miss.

"The Bushes actively support efforts in cancer care, and use their position as a platform to promote their personal vision of a cure for cancer," said Baptist Health Systems President and CEO Kurt W. Metzner. "We are honored they are lending their support to help us in our efforts to provide excellent treatment and a better quality of life for our cancer patients."

Former President Bush chairs the Board of Visitors of M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. In July 2002, Baptist Cancer Services announced its alliance with the M. D. Anderson Cancer Manager® Program.

Baptist treats more cancer patients than any other private hospital in Mississippi. This year, Baptist anticipates treating more than 2,500 cancer patients.

Baptist Cancer Services, which opened the Hederman Cancer Center in May 2002, is expanding support services for patients and their families. Through its fund-raising efforts, Baptist Cancer Services will renovate an existing property to create The Lodge to provide housing for Baptist's cancer patients and their families. Additional funds will expand a transportation program that currently provides free transportation to cancer patients within a 30-mile radius of Jackson.

"We have already accomplished much in cancer care," said Metzner. "Patients and their families can now access services conveniently and easily through the Hederman Cancer Center, but there is still much more to do."

Corporate sponsorships for the luncheon are currently available. For more information, call Baptist's Corporate Communications Department at 968-5135

:: Back to 2003 press releases