Make every day count – Up Front

Years before he became a Fox News correspondent, Bill Hemmer hosted a show on CNN called American Morning. I remember one of the most insightful interviews he ever did was with film critic Joel Siegel, who was battling cancer and eventually died in 2007. Here is an excerpt of their conversation, which aired June 13, 2003:

Hemmer: You said cancer changes your life, and oftentimes for the better.

Siegel: Yes. Gilda Radner said this in her book. What cancer does is, it forces you to focus, to prioritize, and you learn what’s important. I mean, I don’t sweat the small stuff. I used to get angry at cab drivers. It’s not worth it. And when somebody says you have cancer, you realize it’s all small stuff. And what Gilda said is, if it weren’t for the downside, everyone would want to have it. But there is a downside.

I remember that day and thinking about how important it is to enjoy the moments in life, because no one knows when his or her number is up. Hopefully, we can recognize that most of the little things in life are probably the big things in life. Cultivating friendships, investing in relationships, creating memories and attending our kids’ Little League games—you know, all the stuff that really matters. Right? Usually it isn’t until we face personal adversity that we realize just how precious life is.

Many of us have been affected in one way or another by cancer. Maybe it’s a relative, a friend, a neighbor—or maybe it’s you. My father-in-law died of cancer a few years ago, and I have had a few colleagues at work who have fought the good fight and become cancer survivors.

Recently, a good friend of mine, Dr. Fraser Landreneau, was diagnosed with colon cancer. He’s 42 years old, a brain surgeon, husband and father of three children. I’ve met few people in my life who bring the zest and passion to life that Fraser does. He is in the fight of his life and is approaching his battle just as he has every other challenge in his life—with everything he’s got!

He and his wife Amy have committed themselves to raise awareness and support of the American Cancer Society’s mission. This month, they are serving as the honorees for the Society’s annual JAMAICA ME CRAZY event at the Hilton Capitol Center, Aug. 13 at

7 p.m. It’s a fundraiser to help save lives by helping people get well, stay well and find cures for this terrible disease. My wife and I will be there with our friend, joining the fight to find a cure, and we hope you’ll join us, too. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 767-7197 or visit Facebook and search “Jamaica Me Crazy Baton Rouge.”

Fat fight!

Speaking of health, this month’s cover story could not be more important and timely. Contributing writer Maggie Heyn Richardson shares what informed local parents and advocates for children’s health are doing to help Baton Rouge kids make healthier choices about exercise and the foods they eat. A recent study found that Louisiana has the fifth highest rate of obesity in America. It’s not easy to navigate the calorie-packed minefield of modern food choices in our city. From cheap fast food to sugary snacks and sodas available at every corner, children are constantly tempted to consume, and too many are becoming obese at a very young age. Our story shines a light on some promising efforts right here in Baton Rouge and offers some practical advice.

Far behind the scenes

Our local film industry continues to prosper. Generous tax incentives may lure Hollywood producers here, but it takes a concerted effort by local people to keep them coming back. Entertainment Editor Jeff Roedel turns the spotlight on five unsung heroes whose problem-solving dedication keeps our film business humming along. They work in some unexpected fields, such as traffic engineer Teresa Beauregard, who arranges street closures, and Inspector Kyle Morris of the Baton Rouge Fire Prevention Bureau, who gives permits for special effects explosions. Read about these unheralded locals in this issue.

Avenue Rouge Runway Show returns next month

We’re proud to announce our second annual Avenue Rouge Runway Show, which will take place Thursday, Sept. 22. Dedicated to celebrating local fashion and presenting a national designer on our runway, we bring a New York-style experience to the Capital City, while also offering a sneak peek at fall trends coming to our local boutiques. This year’s event will be held at Celtic Movie Studios, where guests will enjoy an authentic fashion show experience complete with red carpet, mixologists presenting specialty beverages, food creations by The Edible Event and an unforgettable after-party.

Tickets are limited. To order yours now or get more information, visit 225batonrouge.com/avenue-rougerunway.