While caring for her parents, who both have cancer, Sharonda Baham met several cancer patients who needed blood during their treatments. She also witnessed a period of blood donor shortages.
“That experience opened my eyes to how critical blood donations are in saving lives,” Baham said. “It instilled in me a deep appreciation for the generosity of donors and the importance of community support during times of health crises.”
Baham is organizing a blood drive Saturday, Aug 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 13322 Highway 90 in the parking lot by the Boutte Post Office. The drive will benefit her parents – Barry Baham and Diane Scott Baham – and other cancer patients.
Cancer patients use about 25 percent of the donated blood supply.
“When people understand that their one act can give someone else another day, another chance, they are more likely to act,” Baham said. “To motivate more people to contribute, I believe we need to shift the conversation. When people hear real stories about cancer patients, accident victims or children who rely on regular transfusions it personalizes the need.”
Baham’s dad has completed chemotherapy but still needs regular testing and doctor visits. Her mom has terminal cancer and is on hospice care. Baham has become a fulltime caregiver for her mom and has supported her stepmother with her father’s care.
“Balancing hospital visits, medical appointments and caregiving responsibilities has required a level of strength and resilience I didn’t know I had,” Baham said. “It’s been difficult to prioritize my own self-care, mental health and overall wellness in the midst of it all.”
But Baham said her faith has been her anchor.
“Trusting in God has given me the daily strength to navigate each moment even when the paths feel overwhelming,” she said. “This experience has deepened my empathy, sharpened my perspective on the importance of support systems and strengthened my commitment to serving others who face similar challenges.”
Baham, a lifelong St. Charles Parish resident, is the owner and CEO of A-Alpha Resources, a licensed Louisiana Department of Health personal care attendant agency that contracts with the Veterans Administration.
A-Alpha Resources assists the elderly and disabled adult populations throughout the River Parishes with wheelchair assistance, light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry and activities of daily living, like eating, dressing and bathing.
Baham has worked as a social worker for 26 years. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree from Southern University at New Orleans.
Baham said working with the elderly and disabled population has given her insight into the unmet needs they face. At the blood drive, residents can also donate toiletry items, which will be distributed to residents of the parish. Baham said A-Alpha Resources will partner with local churches and the community groups to help identify those in need.
“Some of our elderly are experiencing daily challenges due to limited income and access to basic necessities,” Baham said. “Simple items like toiletries – things many of us take for granted – can become luxuries for those living on fixed incomes. This drive is my way of bridging those personal and professional experiences to give back, raise awareness and bring dignity and support to our most vulnerable population.”
Residents can donate toothpaste, toothbrushes, denture care supplies, soap, body wash, lotion, deodorant, adult diapers, adult non-alcohol wipes, combs, brushes, nail clippers, washcloths, small towels and other items at the drive.
Baham said the elderly and disabled population deserves to be seen, valued and supported.
“They are not invisible. They are not burdens,” she said. “They are our mothers, fathers, grandparents, neighbors and friends and we all have a role to play, whether it’s through volunteering, donating, advocating or simply taking the time to check in. Small acts of kindness and inclusion can make a powerful difference in their quality of life. When we care for our elderly and disabled neighbors, we strengthen the heart of our community.”
Baham said the blood and toiletry drive is also about building community through compassion.
“I’ve drawn powerful inspiration from my participation in the National African American Women’s Leadership Institute, a program I am proud to be graduating from in November,” she said. “NAAWLI, and the phenomenal women in my cohort, have inspired my commitment to service and strengthened my leadership capacity.”
She said the group emphasizes community philanthropy and servant leadership.
“This drive is a reflection of everything I’ve lived, learned and am continuing to grow into as a leader, advocate and servant of my community,” Baham said.
