Can compassion be evaluated? And if so, how should it be done? Does one acknowledge a single outstanding act of kindness, or must one take note of a series of good works?

Needless to say, there are no simple answers to these complex questions. But last week, I decided to explore this subject somewhat by looking into the Lydia Cancer Association.

I discovered that this non-profit organization embodies the very nature of mercy. And what’s more, since its inception in 2003, this group’s unselfish motives continue to be forged in the innermost recesses of the heart.

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I got in touch with the LCA’s former president, Ronald Landry, who filled me in on this group’s remarkable agenda.

He explained that after a close friend, James Frawley, had been diagnosed with cancer, they decided to form the LCA.

“We really saw the need,” Ronald emphasized, “for local intervention. We simply wanted to help cancer patients in this area.”

Incidentally, I’ve always felt that any organization, particularly one created to serve others, can only be truly effective if it is guided by dedicated individuals. Someone like Ronald.

He told me that one of Frawley’s last wishes was to return to Virginia, where he had spent part of his youth. Both men and their wives eventually made the trip before Frawley passed.

Ronald also admitted that he felt compelled to step down as president of LCA because of an important ongoing priority. He’s assisting his wife in providing fill-time care to her ailing parents. He does, however, remain on the association’s board of directors. Benevolence is in his blood.

I learned some additional facts about this organization. It has 137 members throughout South Louisiana and the group aids cancer patients in the parishes of Iberia, St. Martin, St. Mary and Vermilion.

The LCA assists individuals by helping to pay bills for groceries, medicines and utilities.

“If an individual has the disease,: Ronald confessed, “...it will affect him financially  in some form. We will help anyone who asks. No one is turned away.”

The association also operates two facilities that further enhance the group’s activities.

One is the James Frawley Support Center (the former Morton Weeks Library) where meetings are held as well as seminars related to cancer awareness. And the other is the Glenn Montet Memorial Library.

Ronald remarked that, in order to keep the LCA fully functional, find-raising is a major objective. “We all have to remain completely motivated,” he said.

The group sponsors the Lydia Cajun Food Fest, now in its sixth successful year. The even will take place on September 12th and 13th.

Earlier this month they also held the Angler’s Addiction Fishing Tournament at Cypremort Point. By the way, this competition was organized by Ronald’s two sons, Matthew and Bryant.

I believe that noble organizations like the LCA are rescue ships sailing the seas of despair, always ready to save anyone in need.

My sincerest wish is that all of us, in whatever way we choose, can help to keep them afloat.

Best wishes to all,

O.J. Gonzalez