History of CFL

In 2001, DeeDee Cook, an oncology nurse at Glenwood Hospital, and Virginia Knickerbocker, Assistant Director of the Northeast Louisiana Cancer Institute, saw firsthand the unmet needs of local cancer patients. Inspired by a fundraising workshop, they envisioned creating a local organization in NELA that could help.

That vision became the Cancer Foundation League (CFL)—a stand-alone nonprofit group, unaffiliated with any medical facility or organization, dedicated to helping cancer patients across 13 parishes no matter where or what treatment they chose. Since CFL was stand-alone, they were able to receive funds from a variety of sources without conflict.

During its formation, the Cancer Foundation League (CFL) originally approached the American Cancer Society but instead chose to partner with the Louisiana Cancer Foundation (LCF), a newly formed non-profit and not in competition with the CFL efforts. The LCF agreed to facilitate the funds, ensuring they directly supported patient services through education, outreach and screenings, while CFL was the fund-raising partner.

Over the years, CFL has developed innovative fundraising methods, including an annual Gala and a Golf Tournament in memory of past President Theresa Marsala. CFL also formulated a creative way for the community to help our fundraising efforts with a program called the Angel Wings Program. It is a third-party program that allows individuals to donate or the community to host fundraisers and contribute to CFL’s mission.

Today, CFL still remains an independent nonprofit group, retaining full control over how funds are distributed and selecting who facilitates.

CFL has helped thousands of patients over the years. It is a testament not only to DeeDee and Virginia’s vision but also to the hundreds of dedicated women who have championed its mission over the years and still continue to support!