Dudley DeBosier - Q1 2021

Q1 2021

Baton Rouge 225-444-4444 1075 Government St. Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Denham Springs 225-444-4444

419 S. Range Ave., Ste. A Denham Springs, LA 70726

Lafayette 337-444-4444 2800 W. Pinhook Rd., Ste. 9 Lafayette, LA 70508 New Orleans 504-444-4444 622 Baronne St. New Orleans, LA 70113 Shreveport 318-800-8000 4300 Youree Dr., Ste. 250 Shreveport, LA 71105 Houma 504-444-4444 7887 W. Main St., Ste. 101 Houma, LA 70360

How the Dudley DeBosier Difference Changed My Life AND HUNDREDS OF OTHERS IN HOUMA

The Dudley DeBosier Difference isn’t just a “brand” at our firm — it’s a philosophy that continues to empower communities and even its staff members, knowing that such a huge firm cares about truly making a difference, big or small. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to do everything that I do for those in need in the Houma community. Let’s start from the beginning. My name is Monique, and I’m a Legal Assistant at Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers. My story started 17 years ago when I was in downtown Houma, and I noticed a young man sifting through the garbage. I’d noticed him before this, though, as many homeless people frequented the area. The first time I’d met him, he was smoking cigarette butts that he found in the trash. Something told me I needed to talk to him, and I wasn’t shy to introduce myself. But, this was the second time I’d met him — this time, he was eating food that was thrown away. “Look, don’t do that,” I said. “You can get sick. I’ll buy you a meal.” I asked him what he liked, and he said Burger King, so that’s what I got. Then, I sat down with him while he ate and learned his name was Jarius. He wasn’t always homeless. He struggled with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia his whole life but graduated from Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in counseling. He was a counselor until his mental illness overtook his reality, and he started using drugs. He lost everything. And yet, even after all these years, Jarius would never ask me for anything, and I always gave him food anyway or bought him nights at a hotel during hurricanes and heavy storms.

exist anymore. I was very lucky to still have my paralegal credentials, but it was a job I hadn’t done in many years. I managed to find work in New Orleans, but it was an hourlong commute. That was a huge concern for me. Who was going to take care of the local homeless community? Who was going to feed Jarius? Luckily, my husband and friends stepped up to help me out, and it always made me smile to see their selfies during lunch with Jarius, holding a plate of food for him. But I really missed being there. Then, while eating breakfast one morning, I saw Dudley DeBosier was coming to Houma. I had heard such wonderful things about them, and I was so excited! I learned that they were looking for a paralegal, and knew I had to go for it. I got the job, and I was able to stay close to home! It touches me how different Dudley DeBosier really is. The partners are passionate about each community they’re a part of and quick to give back when and where they can, no matter what the situation may be. During a short conversation with them, they asked me what downtown Houma could really use and what I thought the office needed. I responded half-seriously, “Oh gosh, a food pantry.” The homelessness in our area was so bad. Before I knew it, they were asking me what it took to open a food pantry. They donated money each month to cover the cost of groceries that I needed to make it happen. Although I am still working as a paralegal, I get to continue my life’s work of feeding the hungry and homeless in Houma, who mean so much to me. The mission has spread exponentially throughout the area, and I’ve been grateful to meet so many wonderful families. It makes me very emotional to think about where I am now— I can’t thank Dudley DeBosier enough — there are so many people in Houma who need help and need to be heard. But there are also many people, like me, who know and feel every day what a difference Dudley DeBosier truly makes.

Ever since then, I’ve been feeding those in the homeless community, sitting down with them to learn their stories.

Although I don’t know what it’s like to be homeless, I do know what it’s like to suddenly lose work that’d been steady your whole life. I was a Claims Adjustor and Client Manager for one of the biggest offshore boat companies in the world for 13 1/2 years.

Then, when I was 52 years old, the company filed for bankruptcy. I lost my job, and the position I had didn’t

—Monique Hagen

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MACKENZIE THE CHIHUAHUA IS ONE BIG HERO Heroes Come in All Sizes The American Humane Hero Dog Awards competition is an annual celebration that honors some of the world’s most extraordinary canines. The awards recognize dogs that have gone above and beyond the call of duty, whether it’s saving lives on the battlefield, comforting the ill or elderly, or demonstrating just how powerful the bond between humans and animals can be. Winners are crowned in several categories, but the “American Hero Dog” is the top winner selected by expert panelists and a popular vote. It most often goes to dogs who show astute bravery in what they do, and in 2020, that bravery came in a 4-pound package. MacKenzie the Chihuahua bested over 400 competitors to be selected as 2020’s American Hero Dog. Born seven years ago with a cleft palate and severe pneumonia that nearly took her life, MacKenzie fought hard to overcome her sickness and birth defects. Soon after she defied all odds, her owners noticed her affinity for other animals — despite being tiny compared to many of them. That’s when they gave her a special job: caring for baby animals born with birth defects just like she was. Many of the rescue animals MacKenzie helps care for have medical problems that prohibit them from staying with their mothers, but MacKenzie takes a genuine interest in each baby from the moment they’re introduced, no matter its species or size. She plays nurse, cleans, and comforts them through their recovery, becoming a pseudo-mother that teaches them how to socialize and play. She’s nurtured countless puppies, kittens, birds, squirrels, mice, goats, and turkeys. Despite her tiny size, she’s even mothered a Great Dane.

ZANTAC CAN IRREVERSIBLY DAMAGE YOUR HEALTH PSA:

If you’ve suffered from heartburn and acid reflux, you’ve probably relied on over-the-counter medicines such as Zantac (chemically known as ranitidine) to settle your stomach. However, back in September 2019, it was revealed that Zantac — and other medications with the same compounds — contains low levels of a carcinogen called N-nitrosodimethylamine, or NDMA. Experts say that Zantac users only need three months of exposure before cancer can potentially develop. The type of cancer can be liver cancer, stomach cancer, bladder cancer, or prostate cancer, among many others. NDMA itself is so dangerous that some have used it intentionally to poison others. Unfortunately, prior to this discovery, many people have relied on Zantac regularly for years. Introduced in 1983, it was one of the bestselling drugs on the market. This was a very shocking development for the public and experts alike. As a histamine-2 blocker, Zantac reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces and is often used to treat and prevent ulcers in your stomach and intestines as well as other conditions like peptic ulcer disease, Zollinger- Ellison syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Many doctors have prescribed Zantac to help treat these conditions or their symptoms, but they wouldn’t have if they had known it could contain NDMA. Zantac was believed to be safe for over 30 years and was even endorsed and highly regarded by the World Health Organization. By October 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered all manufacturers of ranitidine products to conduct testing for NDMA. Preliminary results indicated unacceptably high levels of NDMA, with over 3 million nanograms in a single dose of Zantac. By April 1, 2020, the FDA requested the removal of all ranitidine products from the market. If you or a loved one has relied on Zantac and similar medications for many years, there’s a chance you are suffering or have suffered from cancer or wrongful death. If this is the case, call Dudley DeBosier for a free consultation today — get what you deserve.

In addition to caring for rescued animals, MacKenzie also helps kids learn to be open- minded about both animals and people with physical differences or disabilities. The Chihuahua

teaches the kids kindness and patience and shows them that no matter how small you might be, you can make a big difference. MacKenzie lost her ability to bark very early in life, but she has one of the loudest voices when

it comes to speaking for disadvantaged animals. Heroism truly comes in all shapes, sizes, and forms, but MacKenzie

demonstrates that the most heroic act of all is exuding compassion for others, no matter their circumstances.

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What You Can Do When a Loved One Is Hospitalized

Especially in these times, it can be overwhelming when your loved one is hospitalized and requires long-term care. The COVID-19 pandemic has left many people with complete uncertainty in almost every facet of what hospital stays used to be like. But while a hospitalized loved one can make you feel incredibly worried and isolated, there are ways to show that you’re next to them, even if you aren’t in-person. First, ask your hospital staff what comfort items and gifts are allowed, if any. With COVID-19, there’s a chance that staff won’t be able to transfer food or other gifts to your loved one, depending on how impacted the hospital is.

video game console. As a plus, they’re sure to adore reminders that you’re thinking about them and what they’re going through! Second, set up a CaringBridge account. If Facebook seems too public to post health updates, but you still want to keep your family and friends in the loop, get permission from your loved one to set up a CaringBridge account for them. CaringBridge allows you to make a private website to upload private photos, videos, and other updates on how your loved one is doing. Everyone you know can post positive encouragement and support for them in return! It’s free at CaringBridge.org.

of yourself. Right now, it might seem selfish to request support for someone just for yourself, but remember that a comforting hug or a listening ear can make a huge difference. But you can’t take care of anyone else if you’re out of commission. Keep your mental health in the best condition you can, so you can be available for your loved one through this very difficult time. This could mean taking lots of breaks for activities that relax you or spending more time with those closest to you. We hope these tips will help you! If you have any more questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to talk to your Dudley DeBosier team. We’re happy to give plenty of advice and assure you that you’re not alone in these times.

However, if it is permitted, there’s a good chance your loved one would love their favorite blanket or

Third, reach out to your family and friends for your own support — and remember to take care

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Inside THIS ISSUE

How the Dudley DeBosier Difference Changed My Life

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A Tiny Dog Is Crowned the Biggest Hero PSA: Zantac Can Irreversibly Damage Your Health

What You Can Do When a Loved One Is Hospitalized

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What’s the Deal With Valentine’s Day Cards?

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It ’s in the Cards This may be the first year in a long time that kids don’t p ss out Valentine’s Day cards at school. Going into the new year, the seasonal section of most stores is lined with cards featuring fun characters from superheroes to unicorns. Handing out cards is now a well-loved

WHY VALENTINE’S DAY IS THE ULTIMATE CARD HOLIDAY the originator of this holiday tradition was Saint Valentine himself. One story says that on the night before he was set to be executed, Valentine wrote a small letter to a jailer’s daughter. He ended the note with “Your Valentine.”

tradition, but have you ever wondered how Valentine’s Day became one of the biggest card-giving holidays of the year?

It’s unknown whether that story is true, but to 18th century Europeans and Americans, it was inspiring! So inspiring, in fact, that the entire Valentine’s Day industry began to gain traction. A guidebook called “The Young Man’s Valentine” was published in 1797 to help suitors garner the attention of their love interests through the written word. Eventually, books aimed

Like many holiday traditions, the convention of handing out Valentine’s Day cards goes back centuries. During the 1700s, it became fashionable to trade Valentine’s Day cards with a short poem or verse. The popularity of swapping cards only increased throughout the 1800s. Sometimes, people would go as far as to paint or draw spring- like images on the cards. They were much more elaborate than what we typically see today, though they were still usually very small. But where did those folks get the idea? People of that era were likely inspired by stories that go back even further. There are legends that

at women were also published, including “The Lady’s Own Valentine Writer,” which served much the same goal. These publications, along with young people writing notes to one another every February, have made Valentine’s Day cards an ingrained tradition, and now people can’t get enough of them!

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