Miles

Recognizing A Need

When Miles was diagnosed with cancer in 1995, his family promised to give him a life filled with normalcy and joy. Their journey provided firsthand experience of the daily challenges of fighting cancer.

Though Miles passed away from a brain tumor (glioblastoma) the following year, his legacy inspired the creation of a place of hope and help for those facing cancer. What began as a small tribute has grown into Miles Perret Cancer Services – a comprehensive resource center that has supported over 28,000 families in Acadiana.

Our Mission

The mission of Miles Perret is to serve families in Acadiana fighting and surviving cancer, with care and compassion.

Service Map Area

Service Area

We serve families in the following parishes:

  • Acadia

  • Avoyelles
  • Evangeline
  • Iberia
  • Jeff Davis
  • Lafayette
  • St. Landry
  • St. Martin

  • St. Mary

  • Vermilion

Who We Are

Miles Perret is a resource for individuals and their families fighting, surviving and living with cancer. We are here to provide emotional support, guidance, programs, and hope. Our services are comprehensive and always provided at no charge. No appointment is necessary; services are available to individuals with an official cancer diagnosis from an oncologist and are subject to eligibility guidelines, including date of diagnosis. We are located in Lafayette and our mobile unit extends services to outlying communities throughout Acadiana.

Games of Acadiana is still the principal source of funding for Miles Perret though Miles Perret hosts other events throughout the year. Additionally, Miles Perret accepts private donations, memorial gifts, and grants. Miles Perret is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

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Our Impact

Hear firsthand how Miles Perret is making a difference across Acadiana, as shared by survivors, supporters, and the nation’s top early-stage disease prevention scientist.

Through the Years

Explore the remarkable journey of Miles Perret in Lafayette, LA through our history. From the Perret family’s gift in developing the inaugural Games of Acadiana in 2001 to surpassing 28,000 client families served, learn about the significant milestones and impactful moments that have shaped our organization’s mission to help local families fight, survive, and live with cancer.

1st Games of Acadiana
Games of Acadiana
2001

The first Games of Acadiana was held in August 2001. This fundraiser provided the funding for the Miles Perret Center to open its doors and begin serving clients. Games may look a little different now, but it is still the signature fundraiser for the organization providing funding to help thousands of clients every year.

Miles Perret Center Opens
miles perret building
2002

After working with local oncologists to learn the needs of cancer patients, the Miles Perret Center opened and began serving clients in June 2002. In 2008, the center would change its name and become Miles Perret as it is still known today.

First Camellia Crossing
Camellia Crossing event
2003

Although it wouldn’t become Acadiana’s Gleaux Run until 2012, the first Camellia Crossing was held in 2003. Now, every year, over 3,000 participants come together on Thanksgiving Eve to light up Camellia Boulevard and help local families fight, survive, and live with cancer.

Children’s Programs Begin
Smiles 2006 Acadian Village
2004

The first children’s program began in 2004. This later became SMILES for Miles which features a monthly outing for parents and children to enjoy quality time together in the company of other families going through similar experiences.

Mobile Miles hits the road – Name changes to Miles Perret
Van
2008

The Mobile Miles unit began extending services throughout Acadiana in 2008. Each week, Mobile Miles travels to outlying parishes and rural areas to bring support to those that cannot travel to the Lafayette office.

The Wellness Center Opens
fitness class
2009

The Wellness Center is a full service gym with guidance tailored to the needs of Miles Perret clients. In addition to open exercise, the Wellness Center holds classes such as Yoga, Toning, and more. Since opening in 2009, many clients have stated they have made lifelong friends through the Wellness Center.

Celebrated 20th Anniversary of Games of Acadiana
kids playing
2020

In August of 2020, Miles Perret celebrated the 20th anniversary of Games of Acadiana with the inaugural virtual scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt allows participants to complete fun tasks and activities to win points towards a prize drawing. Every year, thousands of submissions are received from indiviudals and families as they Play with a Purpose.

28,000 Families Served
event
2025

In 2025, Miles Perret achieved a new milestone of 28,000 client families served since its inception.

Passionate and Dedicated

Meet Our Staff

Miles Perret approaches cancer support in a very personal way through our dedicated staff. Your needs are unique, and so is our approach.

Pweaver
Phyllis Weaver

Executive Director

Donna
Donna Guarino

Chief Financial Officer

Addi
Addi Kowalksi

Development Manager

Taylor
Taylor Huval

Care Director

Caroline Gielen

Program Care Coordinator

michelle
Michelle Dugas

Care Coordinator

rhoda
Rhoda Cormier

Care Coordinator

Stephen North

Care Coordinator

Heather
Heather Pace

Healthy Living Director

Sydney
Sydney Balfa

Healthy Living Coordinator

Avery Grubb

Advancement Director

Beth Guidry

Public Relations Coordinator

Gabrielle
Gabrielle LeDee

Marketing and Branding Coordinator

Rebecca Blanchet

Advancement Administrative Assistant

Board of Directors

Meet the driving force behind Miles Perret – our esteemed Board of Directors. Comprised of visionary leaders from diverse backgrounds, they steer our organization with unwavering dedication towards a shared goal: empowering and uplifting individuals and families impacted by cancer. Get to know the dynamic individuals who guide our mission and contribute to our unwavering commitment to the Acadiana community.

Paula Blanchet

Retired Oil & Gas Executive, Community Volunteer

Senator Gerald Boudreaux

Retired Director of Parks and Recreation, LCG

Donald H. Broussard, Jr.

Retired CFO, The Lemoine Company

Thomas Chance

Retired Technology Entrepreneur

Tracy Delhomme

VP of Oncology Services, Our Lady of Lourdes

Robin Ferguson

Local Restauranteur & Business Owner

Evelyn Goodrow

Ochsner University Hospital and Clinics Breast Navigator

Jaimie Hebert, PhD

Provost and VP for Academic Affairs, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Ruben Henderson

Assoc. Dir. of Undergraduate Recruitment, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Mary-Katherine Hooper

Junior League Representative

Reggie Judice

Retired Oil & Gas Executive

John Kleyla

AVP of Clinic Operations, Ochsner

Brandon Moore

CEO, Park Place Surgery Center

Melinda Oberleitner, PhD

Retired Dean, College of Nursing, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Hank Perret

Family

Jordan Perret

Family; Oil & Gas Executive

Debbie Perret

Family

Perri Prellop, M.D.

Radiation Oncologist, OncoLogics

John Rainey, M.D.

Retired Medical Oncologist

John Rongey

Business Owner, Louisiana Scrap Metal Recycling

Steven Saccaro, M.D.

Medical Oncologist, Ochsner

 Annie Spell, PhD

Special Projects Manager, Tides Medical; Clinical Psychologist; Community Volunteer, State Representative

Frank Stagno

Retired CPA, Broussard Poché, LLP

Geoff Stewart, PhD

Marketing Professor, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Sara Zuschlag

Attorney, Andrus Boudreaux Complete Title