When Jensen LeBlanc was just seven months old, his parents woke in the middle of the night to find their baby struggling to breathe.
They rushed him to FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, where he was diagnosed with croup and stridor, a dangerous narrowing of the airway. Although Jensen was discharged the next day, the episodes returned without warning.
As he grew, so did the challenges.
Jensen experienced painful gastrointestinal issues and severe reflux that made eating nearly impossible. He was later diagnosed with Duane syndrome, a rare eye condition that affects movement of the eye. Over the years, he underwent scopes, procedures and multiple surgeries, including a procedure at age six to correct his reflux that would ultimately become a turning point in his journey.
Throughout it all, donor-funded Child Life Specialists helped transform fear into fun during hospital stays, creating a sense of safety for Jensen and his family during some of their most difficult moments.
Today, Jensen is thriving, and he’s helping other kids do the same.
A National Champion for Kids Like Him
After serving as a local Children’s Miracle Network Champion in both 2023 and 2024, Jensen was selected as a 2026 National Champion for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, one of just 19 children nationwide chosen to represent the millions of kids treated at children’s hospitals across the country.
As a champion, Jensen shares his story to help raise awareness and funds for pediatric care, encouraging other children facing medical challenges to keep going.
Celebrating “Jensen LeBlanc Day”
On Monday, February 23, leaders from across the Capital Region gathered at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital to celebrate Jensen’s recognition and the impact he is already making for patients and families. Jensen’s parents, Jenna and Braxton, and siblings were also present to celebrate.
David Toups, mayor of Addis, officially proclaimed February 23 as Jensen LeBlanc Day and presented Jensen with a key to the City of Addis, a moment that drew an excited reaction from the 11-year-old advocate.
Also in attendance were Sid Edwards, mayor-president of East Baton Rouge Parish; Jason Manola, president of West Baton Rouge Parish; hospital leadership; clinicians who have been part of Jensen’s care journey; and community partners whose ongoing support helps power Children’s Miracle Network fundraising efforts for local kids.
Powered by Community Support
During the celebration, Shaun Kemmerly, MD, chief medical officer for Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, spoke about the impact community support has made for local patients and families since the hospital’s partnership with Children’s Miracle Network began in the early 1990s.
To date, community partners and donors have helped raise more than $23.5 million in support of children receiving care at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. That support funds equipment, programs and services that help children like Jensen receive the care they need close to home.
Looking Toward the Future
Jensen, known for his big smile and playful sense of humor, continues to use his voice to advocate for children receiving care at children’s hospitals nationwide.
While he dreams of becoming the CEO of Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, Jensen shared that he also aspires to become a pediatric surgeon so he can continue helping kids just like him.
