How MJ Irby Sees Cancer from Both Sides
MJ Irby spent years helping cancer patients at St. Dominic before becoming one herself. Read how breast cancer changed her…
A Straighter Path Home: Stevi’s Spinal Fusion Story
Stevi, 14, faced scoliosis for seven years before a life-changing spinal fusion surgery at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s…
Geaux Hero: Rylie Kuyper’s Road to Being Cancer-Free
LSU goalkeeper Rylie Kuyper faced Stage 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma with faith and care from Our Lady of the Lake.
How Deanna Beat the Odds in the St. Francis NICU
Born at 25 weeks and just 1 lb 11 oz, Deanna Jones spent 87 days in the St. Francis NICU.…
163 Days of Fight: Johanna’s NICU Journey
Born at 24 weeks and just 1 lb. 5 oz., Johanna spent 163 days in the NICU. Meet the Geaux…
An Unexpected Prostate Cancer Journey
Michael Bonnette shares his prostate cancer journey and why early detection, PSA screening and listening to your body can make…
Geaux Hero: James Faces Cancer with Faith and Humor
James, 13, faces Hodgkin’s lymphoma with humor and faith, buoyed by family and compassionate care close to home at Our…
The Coach Who Didn’t See It Coming
Kim Mulkey had 95% heart blockage and zero symptoms. Her story is a wake-up call for every woman who thinks…
Coach Danny Studied the Roster and Picked the Surgeon Who Saved His Life
Coach Danny Broussard survived a 99% widowmaker blockage after a calcium score test led to life-saving open heart surgery.
Best Friends Who Happen to Be Sisters – Mary & Bernice’s Heartfelt Journey
Sisters Mary and Bernice share a hereditary heart condition and the faith, humor and courage that carried them through TAVR…
He Coded Twice. Seven Specialists Were Already There
Keith Comeaux survived two cardiac arrests and a saddle pulmonary embolism at Our Lady of the Lake. Now he volunteers…
She Was Just Doing the Yard Work. Then Everything Changed
Cassie survived a life-threatening aortic dissection at Our Lady of the Lake and now lives with gratitude for her family…
How a Steady Care Team Gave Pete & Karen Their Next Chapter
Pete thought he had the flu. Instead, a STEMI led to open-heart surgery at St. Dominic. Read his and Karen’s…
How a Routine Heart Screening Saved Marty’s Life
Marty felt fine at 53. A $99 heart scan found a hidden aneurysm weeks from bursting. Read his story of…
How Philip Gould Stopped Documenting Life and Started Fighting for It
Philip Gould spent 50 years photographing Louisiana. Then an aortic aneurysm changed everything. He recovered thanks to Our Lady of…
A Week into Retirement, Her Heart Rewrote the Schedule
Janet gave 40 years to her community. Days into retirement, her heart faltered. Read her story of TAVR, rehab and…
Her Heart Stopped in a Bank Drive-Thru. Her Story Didn’t.
Bedie Lewis survived a sudden cardiac arrest in a bank drive-thru. See her story of faith, courage and recovery at…
Speeding Through Life, But His Heart Had Other Plans
Bobby Young survived cardiac arrest, a staph infection and triple bypass at FMOL Health | St. Dominic. See how his…
Katie Ran the Boston Marathon. Her Heart Had Another Race to Win.
Katie Eddington ran marathons before learning she needed open heart surgery in her 30s for a mitral valve condition and…
He Did Everything Right. A Heart Attack Still Found Him at 3 AM
Robert walked 5 miles a day and passed his stress test. Then came a heart attack. Read his story of…
Geaux Hero: Roger’s Close Call and Second Chance
Roger Cutrer listened to his body when something felt wrong, leading doctors at Our Lady of the Lake to discover…
The Window of Opportunity: Why Compassion Matters When Someone Is Ready to Ask for Help
Dr. Jason Green shares how compassion, not judgment, can change the course of opioid use disorder when someone is ready…
Outpatient Rehab Helps Team Member Recover from Devastating Hand Injury
For Dr. Lewis Hill and his daughter Grace, caring for families at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital…
Josepha’s Story of Survival, Recovery and Specialized Care
After a Halloween accident left Josepha with severe burns, her journey at Our Lady of Lourdes Burn Center reveals the…
Geaux Hero: For Karen, Early Detection Meant Everything
For most of her life, Karen Rhodes never thought much about the dangers of the sun. Like many people who grew up in South Louisiana, her childhood was spent outdoors. Summers meant long days swimming at the neighborhood pool, playing outside with friends and soaking up the sunshine without much thought about sunscreen or skin…
Geaux Hero: Grant’s Resilience on the Diamond
Discover Grant’s inspiring journey of resilience, overcoming medical challenges, and thriving in baseball and fishing with support from Our Lady…
Geaux Hero: Henry Shares His Voice for Fellow Cancer Patients
A life-changing diagnosis led Henry Childress to lose his voice, but not his purpose. 18 years later, he helps others…
Small Steps, Big Strength
After multiple brain surgeries, 9-year-old Wrenley Grace continues to defy the odds. As a 2025 and 2026 CMN Local Champion,…
Geaux Hero: Krystal’s Journey Forward
Geaux Hero Krystal Hamilton keeps moving forward through her ovarian cancer journey thanks to faith, resilience and her care team…
When Progress Isn’t Linear: One Family’s Autism Journey into Adolescence
As he enters middle school, Tyler continues navigating life with autism, epilepsy and hearing loss with support from his care…
From Colonoscopy Fear to Cancer Survivor: Cabell’s Story
After delaying her first colonoscopy, Cabell Mouton was diagnosed with stage 3A colorectal cancer. Now cancer-free, she urges others not…
From Seizures to Second Birthday: Miller’s Story of Expert Care Close to Home
After baby Miller suffered multiple seizures, his family came home to Baton Rouge. At Our Lady of the Lake, Dr.…
The C2 Girl – Recovery After a Devastating Crash
After a devastating crash, Katy survived a fractured neck and life-threatening injuries thanks to faith and expert care from Our…
Celebrating Our National Champion Jensen
Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital celebrates National Champion Jensen LeBlanc and the community support that helps kids receive…
Geaux Hero: When Recovery Became Her Job
When LSU strength coach Katie Guillory lost her leg in a boating accident, her recovery journey at Our Lady of…
Eunice Fire Chief Back on Duty After Heart Surgery
After a heart attack uncovered a rare congenital coronary defect, Eunice Fire Chief Chaise Brown underwent life-saving open-heart surgery at…
Dancing Through Recovery: Weylin’s ECMO Journey
Weylin Robichaux survived a life-threatening heart condition with ECMO and went on to walk his daughter down the aisle and…
Geaux Hero: Wade’s New Ride
Wade’s journey with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health spans life-changing surgeries, compassionate care and the joy of riding…
Expert Heart Care Delivered with Compassion
Dale Smith shares how TAVR at FMOL Health | St. Francis restored his breathing, confidence and trust with expert care…
Surviving a Halloween Accident in Care of Lourdes Burn Center
After a Halloween costume fire, Josepha Boudreaux overcame life‑threatening burns with family support and expert care at Our Lady of…
Geaux Hero Not Slowing Down for Cancer
Geaux Hero Keitra Beach faces breast cancer with courage, continuing her nonprofit work and nursing goals while inspiring others at…
LSU Gymnast Finds Balance Again After Concussion
After months of lingering concussion symptoms, LSU gymnast Kathryn Weilbacher finds her way back through vestibular therapy and expert care.
A Geaux Hero Who Keeps Giving Back
Jerry Couvillon’s story with FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake started before he ever went home from the hospital, and it’s still unfolding today. “I was born at the Lake in 1959 when it was by the lake downtown,” he says. “I had life-saving surgery when I was 12 hours old, and they’ve…
Geaux Hero: A Speedbump on Michael’s Road of Life
When Michael King was told he had stage 4 esophageal adenocarcinoma, his response wasn’t fear or disbelief. “I actually said, ‘Let’s knock this out.’ I didn’t feel sorry for myself or anything like that.” That mindset, shaped by decades of service as a Vietnam veteran and Baton Rouge police officer, has carried Michael through nearly…
Finding Hope After Stage 4: Kelly’s Lung Cancer Journey
When Kelly Kelly thinks back to early 2024, she remembers feeling unusually tired and disconnected. She kept pushing through her days, working at a surgical practice, helping care for her aging mom and settling into life with her new husband. But something felt off. Her family noticed changes too. She struggled to finish her sentences.…
Ja’Kayden’s Journey from Wheelchair to the Marching Band
After four years in a wheelchair, 14-year-old Ja’Kayden is walking again. And not just walking. He’s marching across the field…
Geaux Hero: Robert’s Second Chance
On March 31, 2025, Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Williams was directing traffic at a large oil tank fire in Livonia. As fire trucks left the scene, a distracted driver failed to stop, striking Robert and a fire official’s pickup truck. He was knocked unconscious and suffered life-threatening injuries. “I went airborne, hit the…
Pancreatic Cancer Patient Overcomes Obstacles to Get Back on the Tennis Court
Tennis is life to Shelby Dufrene. She played tennis in college at University of Louisiana – Lafayette and has taught…
Geaux Hero: Team Scarlett Cheers Through It All
When Scarlett Phillips, a sophomore at LSU’s University Laboratory School, first felt a pain in her knee last fall, she thought it was from cheerleading practice. “I just kept thinking I was being dramatic,” she says. “I wanted to push through for my team.” Her coach of eight years, Millie Brown, saw something different. “She…
A New Lease on Life: Larry’s Journey Through Esophageal Cancer Surgery
At 80 years old, Larry Boudreaux thought he had his health figured out. So when he began feeling unusually tired, the Thibodaux native assumed it was related to his diabetes. But within weeks, he started having trouble swallowing, the first sign that something more serious might be going on. “I went to an ENT because…
Geaux Hero: A Young Mom Battles Breast Cancer with Strength and Support
At just 27 years old, Katelyn Carmouche’s world shifted in a moment she never saw coming. Two weeks before her daughter Ellianna’s second birthday, Katelyn was diagnosed July 15 with Stage 3 triple negative breast cancer. The Carmouche family had been living in Korea, where Katelyn’s husband, Nathaniel, was stationed with the military. “We loved…
A Life-Saving First: Mississippi’s First TAMBE Patient at St. Dominic Hospital
When 76-year-old farmer Dan Branton thinks about his care at St. Dominic Hospital, one word rises above the rest: grateful.…
Geaux Hero: Swinging Back Strong After a Rare Sinus Fungus
When 9-year-old Brayden Guillot’s eye began to swell and shift over the summer, his mom, Rejetta, knew something was wrong.…
A Lifeline After the NICU in Baton Rouge: The Neurodevelopmental Clinic
When a baby graduates from the NICU, the journey isn’t over. Life has just begun. That’s why the Neurodevelopmental Clinic, a collaboration between Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health and Woman’s Hospital, exists: to give NICU graduates the specialized care and support they need to thrive. For nearly 20 years, this clinic has been…
‘Like My Chest Exploded’: Cassie’s Story of Surviving an Aortic Dissection
It was supposed to be an ordinary summer day in Vacherie. Cassie Falgoust, 55, was outside doing yard work while her husband mowed nearby. She started weed eating when she was hit with a sudden pain. “I felt this enormous pop in my chest,” Cassie recalls. “It was like there was a giant hole in…
Geaux Hero: Choosing Joy During Pediatric Cancer Journey
When you meet 12-year-old Kinley Spencer of Youngsville, the first thing you notice isn’t her diagnosis. It’s her personality. “She…
Advancing Innovation and Clinical Excellence: HF’s Story of Vibrio, Sepsis and Survival
Sometimes, how we healthcare is by changing the game and redefining what’s possible. For more than 36 years, Herman “HF” Middleton and his wife, Regina, have shared life side by side. They married in 1989, the same year Regina began her career as a nurse at Our Lady of the Lake. Over the decades,…
Landon’s Fight with Flu: Don’t Wait to Get Vaccinated
What began as a mild fever and cough quickly spiraled into a life-or-death emergency for 3-year-old Landon. Within just 36 hours of being diagnosed with the flu, he was on life support. When Prairieville mom Crystal Sawyer took her son to the doctor on December 13, 2024, she expected what many parents do during flu…
Geaux Hero: From Playground Accident to Pediatric Stroke Survivor
When you think of a stroke, you probably picture an adult in their 60s or 70s. But for 11-year-old Cole Ditmore, it happened after an accident on a playground in Ascension Parish. Thanks to his mom’s quick instincts and the seamless response of multiple hospital teams, Cole not only survived; today, he’s thriving. The Accident…
We Are Part of Something Greater: Zion’s Incredible NICU Journey
Sometimes, how we healthcare is hospitals working together so one tiny fighter can make it home. When Magan Darby and Damion Celestine welcomed their son Zion at just 25 weeks, he weighed only 1 pound, 5 ounces, small enough to fit in the palm of their hands. “That part was scary,” Magan recalls. “I…
From Indiana to Louisiana for the Right Doctor at the Right Time
When 16-year-old Maria Kovach from Indiana started having unexplained problems with swelling and discomfort in her mouth, her family never imagined it would lead them halfway across the country. “It ended up being salivary stones — two of them, one on each side,” her dad, Bill Kovach, explains. “One had already been removed, but we…
Patient’s Battle with COVID Highlights Louisiana’s Top Respiratory Care Center
In August 2021, Dillon Major was doing everything he could to stay out of the hospital. He had gone four…
A Simple Test, a Life Saved: How IntelliSep Is Changing Emergency Care
Kristen Degelman thought she just had the flu. She and her daughter had gone on vacation, and when they came…
Precision and Peace of Mind: How Robotic Surgery Helped One Man Beat Throat Cancer
John was sitting in his deer stand in Mississippi when he first noticed a small lump beneath his jawline. At…
Playing Strong: Preventive Rehab Helps Owen Stay in the Game
At 13, Owen lives and breathes sports. From basketball courts to baseball diamonds, he plays nearly year-round, point guard and shooting guard for St. Jude the Apostle and JOELITE, catcher for the Louisiana Leopard Dawgs, and even finds time to fish and cook on weekends. “He’s just a natural athlete,” says his mom, Andrea. “He’d…
A NICU Journey of Hope: Weston’s Story
On a recent spring afternoon, Sarah Finney sits outside of her Crossett, Arkansas, home as she discusses her youngest son,…
Local Pride, System Strength: ECMO Program Gives Young Mom a Second Chance at Life
Sometimes, how we healthcare is the strength of many hospitals acting as one ministry of healing. On a recent afternoon, sisters Ashia Abraham and Kayla Labbe giggle as they feed Ashia’s 10-month-old daughter in her highchair. The baby is enjoying macaroni and cheese, although just as much of it ends up on her face as…
Geaux Hero: Brock’s Strength Through Kidney Disorder
Brock Wesberry has faced more in his seven years than many people do in a lifetime. But you’d never know…
A Stroke at 18: How Quick Action Saved Katie’s Life
At 18 years old, Katie Arrington was like any other freshman at Mississippi State University — excited for the future, balancing classes and new experiences, and spending as much time as possible outdoors doing what she loved. A passionate bowhunter and artist from Inverness, Mississippi, Katie never expected that she would face a life-threatening medical…
Breaux Bridge Mom Survives Stroke at Age 31
Megan Claire McCarty always took pride in living a healthy lifestyle. She worked out three to five times per week for more than a decade. She ate clean and avoided alcohol and smoking. After the birth of her daughter, now 5, she was right back into her fitness routine and lost the additional weight within…
Louisiana Girl’s Life Transformed with Innovative Epilepsy Treatments
Just before Harmoni Jones turned four years old, her preschool teacher alerted Harmoni’s mother, Deantonecia Jones, that the little girl had experienced a seizure in class. As surprising as the news was, it was just the beginning of a years-long struggle to diagnose Harmoni and find a solution. Harmoni continued to have as many as…
A Heartfelt Farewell and a Grateful Heart
For Karen, the first week of April was a journey filled with deep sorrow and unexpected comfort. As her beloved…
When Every Step Matters: A Journey of Healing
One morning, everything changed. A young mother in Ascension Parish woke up feeling numb on one side. Within moments, she…
Geaux Hero: Oncologist Greg Bizette’s Story of Stroke Survival
As a cancer doctor, Greg Bizette, MD, has spent his career helping patients face their toughest days. But just days after turning 60, he found himself on the other side of the hospital hallway, this time, as the patient. A week and a half before Dr. Bizette celebrated his birthday on March 5, he had…
From the Dugout to the ICU: Coach Lou St. Amant’s Comeback Story
At 86, Coach Lou St. Amant still throws out the first pitch, still shows up for daily Mass and still inspires everyone who knows him. But just a few months ago, he suffered a stroke following a cardiac procedure which could have benched him for good. Thanks to quick action, expert care at St. Francis…
Geaux Hero: Zachary’s Journey to a Confident Smile
Zachary Dugruise has been part of the Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health family since he was a baby, after being diagnosed with a cleft lip and palate. What began as a referral for specialized care turned into a long-term relationship with a multidisciplinary team that’s supported Zachary through more than a decade of…
From Fragile Beginnings to Thriving Futures: Catching Up with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital’s First Patients
Five years later, we catch up with three of Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital’s first patients — stories…
Gonzales woman overcomes rectal cancer with fighting spirit, family support and finding care close to home
In some ways, Alison Teal wasn’t shocked when she learned she had Stage 3 rectal cancer in the summer of 2022. Both of Teal’s parents, as well as two brothers, had gone through their own bouts with various forms of the disease. Teal always had a nagging feeling she may eventually develop breast cancer, which…
Geaux Hero: Kendall’s Journey from Cancer Diagnosis to Advocacy
For Kendall Stephens, Spanish Town isn’t just a parade — it’s family. The pink flamingo-filled streets, the quirky, beloved Mardi Gras parade and the tight-knit community that rallies around one another became her lifeline when she needed it most. When Kendall was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, her community didn’t just cheer her on. They showed…
Faith’s Journey: From NICU to Thriving
The Berken home in Lake Arthur is filled with love and activity. Although the oldest of the six Berken children have moved out, the entire family is together often for celebrations, meals and activities. In the midst of it all is the youngest, Faith, who will turn 10 years old this October. “She is so…
Geaux Hero: Exceptional Care Saved Liam’s Life
When Liam Joshua started daycare in January, his family never imagined they’d soon face a nightmare. Within weeks, the 18-month-old was battling a severe illness that escalated rapidly, landing him in the ICU at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. What began as a case of RSV quickly turned into pneumonia, pushing Liam to…
A Voice for Awareness: Bryce’s Journey with Colorectal Cancer
Bryce Ramsey knows the importance of listening to her body. A nurse with 16 years of experience, she was no…
From NICU Preemie to Thriving 4-Year-Old
The first time Kelsey held her son, Tahj, he was impossibly small — born three months early, weighing just over…
Overcoming Heart Failure with Life-Changing Surgery
From an unexpected heart failure diagnosis to life-saving surgery, Richard Moss’ journey is marked by his deep faith, a strong family support system and the expert care he received at St. Francis Health. An Unexpected Diagnosis After contracting COVID-19 for the second time in early 2024, Richard started experiencing severe breathing difficulties. “I couldn’t breathe…
Advancing Cancer Care for the Gulf South: A Life-Saving Milestone
A routine checkup led to Ed Carruthers’ multiple myeloma diagnosis. His journey to recovery and a milestone 50th wedding anniversary…
Geaux Hero: Sheryl Miller’s Unstoppable Spirit
Sheryl Miller thought it was just stomach pain. As a registered dental hygienist for nearly 37 years, she was used…
Geaux Hero: Aiden’s Incredible Comeback
Some heroes wear capes. Others, like 13-year-old Aiden East, wear determination like armor and fight their way back from the…
Helping a Young Athlete Get Back in the Game
When you’re the youngest of three competitive brothers, sports are more than a pastime — they’re a way of life. For 10-year-old Hudson Davis, sports like football and basketball are his passion, and he’s always eager to compete. But a football injury just two days before his first tackle game sidelined him unexpectedly and set…
Geaux Hero: Amber’s Unstoppable Determination
Amber Russell’s laughter and bubbly spirit light up every room she enters, but what truly defines her is her incredible resilience. Amber, 15, manages life with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD, which occurs in 1 in 7,500 people), a rare genetic condition that affects her respiratory system. Despite daily challenges, she faces each day with determination…
Geaux Hero: Geralynn’s Fight Against Cervical Cancer
In 2021, severe stomach pains sent Geralynn Brown to the hospital, where she received life-altering news: stage 4 cervical cancer. …
Baton Rouge Man’s Stroke Recovery Highlights Life-saving Local Expertise
After years spent working with senior citizens and seeing some of his own relatives deal with the aftermath of a stroke, Mark Calvit had a strong suspicion about what was happening to him on Oct. 20, 2023. “All of a sudden, I felt like I was caught up in a tidal wave,” Calvit says. “My…
Routine Checkup Leads to Life-Saving Liver Cancer Surgery
When David Talmage received his liver cancer diagnosis late last year, he felt like things were grim. “I did a lot of research about liver cancer and based on what I saw, it seemed like the prognosis was not too good,” he said. “I felt like it was a pretty bleak diagnosis. You think about…
Geaux Hero: Blaise’s Resilience Through Trauma Recovery
Father’s Day weekends at False River were always about making memories for Blaise and his dad, Rory. But last summer, a day of tubing and laughter turned to tragedy when a pontoon boat struck Blaise, then 14, leaving him with severe injuries to his feet. What followed was a journey of exceptional care, resilience and…
Facing Breast Cancer with Humor, Hope & Personalized Care
This year has been unlike any other for Sasha Fogle. Fogle, 43, had always taken her routine mammograms seriously, particularly since her mother had breast cancer. When she went for her annual screening this past February, doctors noticed something unusual. A repeat mammogram and a biopsy in March confirmed Fogle’s own breast cancer diagnosis. In…
Geaux Hero: Maverick’s Exceptionally Specialized Pediatric Care
When Amelia and Casey Green welcomed their son Maverick to the world in January 2022, they were ready to bring home a healthy baby boy. But his arrival marked the beginning of a complex health journey they never anticipated. During Amelia’s pregnancy, doctors had noticed an issue with Maverick’s kidney draining slowly, but it wasn’t…
How a CT Scan Saved Henry Chase from Lung Cancer
Henry Chase was used to joining his wife, Judith, who has emphysema, for checkups with her pulmonologist, James L. Vermaelen, MD. As they were leaving one of those checkups in October 2023, Henry asked Dr. Vermaelen a question that had been weighing on his mind. “I told him I get an annual physical, and things…
Broussard mom grateful for “angels” at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital who helped 23-week baby grow into thriving toddler
Andrena Cluse had a feeling her baby would be born early. It was an intuition she couldn’t explain, but one that prompted her to prepare her baby’s room and purchase supplies like a diaper bag and first teddy bear well in advance of her due date. Those instincts proved to be correct when Cluse went…
Geaux Hero: Tucker’s Journey with Mitochondrial Disease
When Kandis and John welcomed their son Tucker into the world, everything seemed perfect. The pregnancy was normal, and Tucker…
How a Clinical Trial is Helping a Sickle Cell Patient Manage Her Disease
Brandi Woods leads a busy life. Two careers keep her constantly on the move and often traveling. But as someone with sickle cell disease, that kind of non-stop lifestyle can take a toll. Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that affects the shape of Brandi’s red blood cells, making them stiff and sticky. This…
Baton Rouge mother grateful for every moment after quick treatment helped her recover from a stroke at age 29
It was a routine day in June 2019 when Jessica Pannell dropped off her daughter at daycare. But, within minutes,…
Balancing Breastfeeding and College Classes
Emily found out she was pregnant at 19, in the middle of her sophomore year at the University of Louisiana Monroe. She knew her life was about to change in ways she couldn’t fully predict. What she didn’t expect, however, was how beautifully her journey into motherhood would unfold — starting with the birth of…
Louisiana Tennis Coach Recovering from Pancreatic Cancer
Shelby Graciana had spent her whole life as a successful athlete. From the time she was a teen, Graciana was a star on the tennis court, at one point ranking as the top tennis player in Louisiana. More recently, Graciana has worked as a tennis coach in South Louisiana, passing on her talent and love…
Motherhood Against the Odds: An Inspiring Journey
When a tragic accident left Katie Hughes paralyzed, her dreams of motherhood seemed impossible. But with unwavering faith and incredible support, Katie’s journey became an inspiring testament to the power of resilience and love. Embracing God’s Plan In 2011, a devastating car wreck left Katie paralyzed from the waist down. Her journey to recovery began…
Going Above and Beyond: Exceptional Physical Therapist Gives Courage and Confidence
When Jaclyn and Todd Peters brought their 9-year-old daughter Cecilia to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health for physical…
Diabetic Wound Care Patient Credits Lourdes Team for Healing and Compassionate Care
Stepping inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber might be intimidating for a lot of people. Eric Navarre was one of them.…
Abbeville plumber back to work after stroke thanks to his wife’s quick thinking and fast care at Our Lady of Lourdes
Connie Gremillion was in her Abbeville home the morning of January 22, 2023, when she heard a sudden crash from the kitchen. Startled, she ran to the room to find her husband Brian on the floor trying to pick up pieces of a coffee cup he dropped. “I asked him what had happened, and I…
Embracing Motherhood and Community
When Katelyn Tageant first crossed paths with her future husband, Clay, she couldn’t imagine where life would lead them. Their love story blossomed from fierce competitors to college sweethearts, eventually becoming parents and lifelong partners. Returning to their roots in Franklinton after college, Katelyn and Clay began to build their lives. Clay followed in his…
Stroke Recovery in the Middle Years
At 49, Shannon’s life took an unexpected turn when a stroke struck without warning. “When I woke up, I was not able to move. I tried to move, but when I got up, I fell,” Shannon says. “My niece had noticed there’s something wrong, so she called 911. They came and took me to the…
Lafayette Man Credits ‘Angel’ Physician at Our Lady of the Lake with Helping Him Overcome Rare Cancer
Brandon Finley had always struggled with sinus problems. The recurring infections and congestion were annoying but never prevented him from going about his life. However, they kept showing up into adulthood, even appearing in CT scans after Finley sustained concussions as a college and professional soccer player. Still, Finley was able to live his life…
Geaux Hero: A Triumph of Teamwork and Resilience
Picture this: A young boy just going about his days like any other kid growing up in Hammond, playing baseball, riding his four-wheeler and enjoying a healthy Minecraft obsession, when suddenly he’s hit with leg pain and limping. For 7-year-old Dominic, this was the beginning of a journey that would test his bravery and resilience…
Inspired by Compassion: A Living Kidney Donation
Remarkable stories of resilience and healing happen every day at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, but an extraordinary gift of love from an exceptional team member has changed one patient’s life forever. Earlier this year Lauren, 17, received a kidney from Lori Vaughn, RN, supervisor of sedation services at our children’s hospital.Lori’s Act…
The Power of Prompt Action: A Stroke, Fast Treatment and Recovery at St. Francis Medical Center
Although Ms. Willie Mae Davis downplays her experience of having a stroke last November at her home in Bosco, her story is a testament to the importance of fast treatment and care for stroke. “When it happened, it just happened all at once,” Ms. Davis, 78, remembers. “I was coming in the house, made it…
Daughter’s Quick Thinking Leads to Father’s Stroke Recovery
Picture a typical Sunday morning in December. A dad is making breakfast for his daughters before his youngest’s final “Mississippi Ballet Nutcracker” performance. For Ryan McBride, 46, this normal morning routine ended with a medical emergency. Thanks to his daughters’ swift action Ryan was able to get immediate treatment and is recovering from a stroke.…
Opelousas Pastor on the Road to Recovery After Our Lady of Lourdes Heart Hospital Team Uses Advances to Treat Heart Damage
When most people think about the symptoms of a heart attack, they often picture sudden problems like chest pain and trouble breathing. However, in many cases, a gradual progression of symptoms like fatigue and a feeling of indigestion are signs that there may be a serious cardiac problem. “It’s actually quite unusual that you hear…
Geaux Hero: Resilient Young Patient Recovers from Dog Bite Thanks to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital
Seeing Katie Lundy perform flips in her backyard or taking tumbling classes, you might not realize she almost lost her right arm after a severe dog bite last year. The 11-year-old was rushed to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital’s Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in February 2023 after a dog bit her arm…
Heart Procedure Helps St. Francis Patient Get Back on Her Feet
Waterfront homes in Louisiana are usually high off the ground because of flooding, and Venessa Chapman’s home on the Ouachita…
Rosalind’s Gratitude for Exceptional Pediatric Care
What began as persistent fever and swelling on the side of 2-year-old Mila’s neck led to a hospital stay over the holidays, including two admissions and one surgery at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. Once a familiar face in the hospital as a former nurse, Rosalind Kenny, BSN, RN, Mila’s mom, found herself…
Geaux Hero: 4-year-old Leukemia Patient Gets Expert Care at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital
In January 2023, Destiny O’Bryan was starting to worry about her daughter. At 3 years old, Ahnalyse Choplin wasn’t much…
Challenges and Triumphs: Keeping the Gabriel Family Close During a NICU Stay
Bringing a child into the world is filled with joy, excitement and anticipation. For Kristen and Michael Gabriel, their journey…
Geaux Hero: After a Work-Related Accident and 37 Surgeries, Ryan Boudreaux is on the Road to Recovery Thanks to Our Lady of the Lake
Going through surgery requires a lot from a patient, including a determination to heal and recover in order to get back to a normal quality of life. Ryan Boudreaux has gone through that process a total of 37 times since an accident in March brought him to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.…
Carson’s Journey with Child Life Services
In the heart of every child beats a rhythm of dreams, laughter and boundless curiosity. For 8-year-old Carson Fremin and…
Brightening Futures One Smile at a Time: Ms. Gwen’s Experience with St. Bernadette Community Clinic
Lafayette native Gwendolyn Marie Dunbar, affectionately known as Ms. Gwen, experienced transformative care from St. Bernadette Community Clinic, an outreach ministry supported by Our Lady of Lourdes Foundation that serves people experiencing homelessness and under insured by providing non-emergency medical and dental care services. Born and raised above 12th Street, Ms. Gwen had always been…
Geaux Hero: Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital Helps Two-Year-Old Breathe Easy with Reconstructed Airway
Respiratory issues due to COVID-19 and RSV are a top concern for parents and pediatric doctors. For two-and-a-half-year-old Carter Parker, the side effects of those illnesses put his life in danger, making it incredibly difficult for him to breathe. In January 2022, the Sulphur native had an emergency intubation to open up his airways and…
Innovative COPD Procedure Helps Our Lady of the Lake Patient Breathe Easier
Vicario FletcherVicario Fletcher was having trouble breathing. At night, she would get winded just walking from her bed to the bathroom. She thought maybe it was her heart medication that was making her short of breath. An appointment with her cardiologist in August 2020 confirmed that the medication wasn’t the problem, and Vicario, who lives…
Three-Time Breast Cancer Survivor Shares Her Remarkable Story
In 1994, Trudy Marlbrough faced a battle that shaped her: a diagnosis of breast cancer. Although she experienced 25 years of remission, her cancer has returned twice in recent years. Trudy has received care throughout her journey from Our Lady of Lourdes J.D. Moncus Cancer Center. The Initial Battle At age 24, Trudy had just…
A Little Firecracker’s Triumph: Elliana’s Journey
Being able to access exceptional healthcare close to home is important for Elliana, a 5-year-old Kindergartener in Lafayette who’s been through a lot in her young life. At her 20-week anatomy scan, Jessica Cavalier learned that Elliana had spina bifida, a complex condition that happens when a baby’s spine and spinal cord don’t develop properly…
Leaning on Faith, Kidney Cancer Patient Finds Healing at Our Lady of Lourdes Health
For Terry Broussard, “throwing a promise at a problem” was his way of staring cancer in the face and showing his determination to fight on. His promise was that he would overcome stage 4 renal cell cancer — a type of cancer that starts in the kidney — and that through his faith he’d be…
Seeking a Lifeline to Fight an Ultra-Rare Kidney Disease
In a race against time, 17-year-old Lauren is teetering on the verge of needing dialysis. She is in need of…
Geaux Hero: Sadie Soileau Gets Expert Care From Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital Pediatric Trauma Team
It was supposed to be a celebratory day. Sadie Soileau, just 9 years old, was riding home from her sister’s…
Local mother grateful for Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital PICU after baby son receives life-saving care
Last June, Kelsey LeBlanc noticed something seemed amiss with her seven-week-old son, Nash. He had a slight fever and kept coughing. At a local emergency room, Nash was diagnosed with RSV and released shortly thereafter. But, Nash’s condition worsened over the next several hours. A second ER visit revealed the newborn had both RSV and…
Lafayette Musician Saved by the Quick Action of Our Lady of Lourdes Stroke Care Team
As a drummer, Lafayette native Steve Dugas traveled across the South with acts like Sonny Landreth, Bobby Kimball, Julius Farmer and Willie Tee. Now 72, Dugas’ touring days are behind him, but he keeps a drum kit at home and plays for his own enjoyment. When he wasn’t behind the drum kit, Dugas often worked…
Mom of 3 Young Girls Shares Her Miraculous Stroke Recovery
Last year, a young mom from Meridian, Mississippi, experienced an uncommon type of stroke, a subarachnoid hemorrhage, and was airlifted to St. Dominic Hospital for treatment at its Comprehensive Stroke Center. Lauren Pogue, now 36, not only survived, but she has experienced phenomenal recovery. She and her husband, Jeremy, shared their experience in this episode…
Heart of a Tiger: The Legacy of John Clarke Perry
The world of college football is known for intense rivalries and passionate fan bases. The power of organ donation and love have overcome the rivalry for two families who root for opposing Tiger teams. The Journey to a Shared Heart In 2015, Louisiana State University fans Jonathan and Holley Perry gave birth to twins —…
Minutes Matter: One Patient’s Story of Speedy Stroke Care and Recovery
Waking up to a stroke was a total surprise and life altering moment for Jeff Elliott, but immediate care from the team at St. Francis Medical Center got him on the road to recovery. Elliott, now 66, was healthy and active, working long days at his maintenance job at St. Joseph Continuing Care and additional…
Treating The Person, Not The Illness
We believe that to achieve complete healthcare, it’s important to provide the best services possible to address health concerns, but…
How Our Social Workers Extend Our Care
Sometimes, the best support we can provide our patients isn’t something tangible like a vaccine or medicine, but rather allowing…
Tobacco Cessation Participant Now Volunteers Her Time to Help Others
Elishia Boutwell, like many longtime smokers, was struggling to quit. The now-retired Monroe teacher had been smoking for 46 years. A visit to her primary care provider at St. Francis Medical Center in 2020 changed everything — and led her down a path to helping others, as well. “He told me if I didn’t quit…
Patient Credits Tobacco Cessation Program with Saving His Life
As a teenager, Robert Gauthier thought smoking cigarettes was the cool thing to do. A native and resident of Lafayette,…
Former NICU Baby Interested in the Medical Field
Years ago, the Juneau family welcomed triplets in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St. Francis Medical Center. “The appointment was at 11 a.m. and we walked across the street to the hospital and by 1:09 pm, Daniel was born,” says Mark Juneau. “I mean it was that quick.” Angela Juneau says she got…
NICU Nurse Adopts Baby From the Unit
“We love it. I think this is what we’re meant to do, it’s a little hard to watch the kids come and then they get ready and they go. You get attached,” smiles Lloyd Ferris. It’s a family affair for the Ferris Family. Dawn Ferris has worked at the St. Francis Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for…
The Miracle of Jeffrey Rushworth
Jeffery Rushworth is nearing his first birthday, and that’s a milestone his parents weren’t sure they would see. “They were strapping her and wrapping her, doing all kind of stuff, and I was panicking and I was like what the heck is going on and they’re going we’re going to have a baby,” says Jim…
The Finney Family
Many families rely on St. Francis Medical Center to make it through a tough time, including the Finney family. Curtis and Sarah Finney’s son, Weston, spent 102 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St. Francis Medical Center. What started as a normal day ended with a surprise birth months ahead of schedule.…
Overcoming Breast Cancer Day by Day
Brooke LeBlanc was only 30 years old when she received her breast cancer diagnosis, despite having no family history of…
A Mother Finds Healing in Her Son’s Gift of Organ Donation
As an active mother and grandmother, Kim Neal never imagined her life’s story would include bringing awareness to organ donation and keeping her son David John Neal’s name alive. In January 2019, Kim’s life changed forever. David was rushed to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and placed in the ICU. Within days…
A Stroke, a Heart Attack and Extraordinary Care
The days leading up to Richard’s heart attack and stroke at first seemed to him like any other week. “I was real big into exercising,” he says. “As age came on, I started doing speed walking. I got to where I’d go down two miles, then turn around and go back to my truck.” Walking his…
No Complaints: Keeping a Positive Attitude After 30+ Surgeries
[et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ content_last_edited=”on|desktop” content__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” content_tablet=”From Garth Brooks concerts to Gatlinburg trips, 10-year-old Hattie leads an exceptional life. Diagnosed in utero with spina bifida, Hattie has experienced more than 30 surgeries since she was born. The most recent was in November 2021 when Hattie had spinal fusion surgery at Our Lady of…
Monroe Patient Feels Great After 100 Pound Weight Loss
Maintaining a healthy weight is key to overall health, and it can be harder for women to shed unwanted pounds. Having a coach and support system at St. Francis Medical Group has been the key to Holly Sullivan’s successful weight loss journey. Holly has lost 100 pounds so far on the Ideal Protein diet,…
Baton Rouge Man Thankful for Smooth Recovery After Treatment at Louisiana Cardiology Associates
Denny Erwin has always led a busy life. In addition to serving as billing manager for Louisiana Cardiology Associates, a part of Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group in Baton Rouge, he also enjoys spending time with his family, working in his yard and exercising on a regular basis. These activities always came easily…
Lourdes Team ‘Like Family’ for Head and Neck Cancer Patient
Daniel Seymour had visited doctor after doctor, dentist after dentist for a debilitating problem with his jaw. “I had trouble for about a year and a half,” he says. “It felt like my jaw was tightening up. Every doctor and dentist said it was TMJ. It got to the point that I could not open…
Healing Is Grounded in Listening for This Youngsville Family Medicine Physician
The process of healing begins with something so simple, so innate. Listening. Many of us are born with the ability, but time and experience, when interwoven with compassion, hone it into a skill that can help heal. No matter her the person’s age, background or situation, Dr. Sara Doguet, family medicine physician with Lourdes Physician…
Bogalusa Physician Keeps Community Healthy with Engaged, Whole-person Approach
As a family medicine physician in a rural community, Cori Sumrall, DO, takes seriously the responsibility to care for the whole person. That means that during visits with patients, Dr. Sumrall makes sure they know they can feel comfortable opening up to her about physical problems as well as any mental or emotional issues they…
From Nonverbal to Non-stop Talking: Young Patient Thrives While Living with Autism
Diagnosed with autism as a toddler, 8-year-old Tyler is now thriving as he and his family manage the ups and downs of life with the condition. Diagnosis and Early Therapies The first provider to mention autism to Jessica, Tyler’s mom, was a physical therapist working with Tyler when he was about two and a half…
New Moms and Babies Are Now Healthier Thanks to Rise Up at Our Lady of the Angels
In October 2023, The Advocate wrote about Rachel and Raedynn’s story, and the editorial board published this editorial about the…
Local Woman Receives Life-saving Brain Operation After St. Francis Clinician Notices New Symptoms
At St. Francis Primary Care Clinic in Calhoun, nurse practitioner Cynthia “Sam” Pippins has become like another member of Joy Dickey’s family. In recent years, Pippins has become a trusted medical provider for Dickey, her husband, children, other relatives and even friends. “She’s so sociable and good at what she does. She treats you like…
Acadiana Businessman on the Road to Recovery After Complex Procedures at Our Lady of Lourdes Heart Hospital
When Scott LeJeune started feeling fatigued, he thought he was just pushing himself too hard. The married father of five and owner of several Acadiana grocery and convenience stores had a busy schedule that always kept him on the go. When the tiredness worsened and he began experiencing shortness of breath, LeJeune knew something else…
Making History with Louisiana’s First Non-invasive Pediatric Spinal Surgery
On February 22, 2022, 14-year-old Emily made history that had nothing to do with the repeating twos in the date. On that Tuesday, she became the first patient in Louisiana to receive a new spinal surgery treating adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Called the ApiFix procedure, the surgery is a less invasive, motion-preserving option for achieving spinal…
Shining His Light to Honor His Twin’s Memory
A six-year-old ball of energy, Ali’s light shines wherever he goes. Ali gets a little extra support for his development…
Well Woman Exam Uncovered Cervical Cancer
Although a Pap smear is no one’s idea of a good time, women who make it part of their annual routine can keep themselves healthier longer, and cervical cancer can be detected before it spreads. After not having a well woman exam for 10 years, Anita Ewing made an appointment with May S. Thomassee, MD,…
Hope and Healing
When Lucy Richard was diagnosed with leukemia, oncology specialists with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health helped her family find hope. It was the kind of news that every parent dreads. At the tender age of 3, Lucy Richard of Church Point, Louisiana, was living life as any other healthy and vibrant little girl—with…
A Perfectly Patched Heart Full of Love
At only 9 years old, Vaundy Clarke has overcome a variety of health challenges—including a congenital heart defect, bacterial overgrowth…
Hearing You is a Vital Part of Healing You: How Listening Changed the Story
“The day I had my anaphylactic reaction to the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, I told my husband neither I nor our 10- and 8-year-old boys were ever getting a vaccine again. I was just too scared.” Karen Tantzen shares what happened next thanks to her relationship with Kathryn Neupert, MD, pediatric allergy and immunology…
Keeping the Happy in Happy Birthday in the Hospital
While no one wants to be in the hospital for their birthday or the holidays, one young patient said he…
Regular Screenings Detect Lung Cancer, Saving Her Life
After five decades of smoking, Tana Allain was hesitant to go in for her first lung cancer screening. But regular…
Finding Family in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Although they live in Monroe, Meghan and Joseph Duckett find themselves at home at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health in Baton Rouge. When their oldest son, Noah, was a baby they made the three-hour drive south, following the ambulance to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. “As new parents, we were scared to death. You never want…
Robotic Knee Replacement Helps Broussard Man to Regain Active Lifestyle
In 2015, Patrick Dubois noticed an odd clicking sensation in his left knee during his evening stroll around the Chevron compound in Nigeria, where he worked. “It wasn’t tremendous pain,” he said. “It was just the first time I noticed that something was going wrong.” The pain level continued to increase after he retired in…
Aspiring Softball Player Overcomes Breathing Issue, Gets Back in the Game
Thirteen-year-old Paityn Martin has a dream. She has her heart set on playing softball for highly competitive perennial powerhouse for Kaplan High School. Right now, she’s honing her skills at second base by playing for both a recreational team- LA Hearts- and an all-star team- Voodoo. She’s on the field for about 50 games a…
Young Athlete Battles Rare Brain Cancer While Trusting God’s Plan
Until 2019 Jazmon was a healthy teenager who loved sports and being the life of the party, always dancing at…
Sickle Cell Disease Doesn’t Slow Her Down
Meet Kyliee, a young sickle cell disease patient and learn about her health journey with us.
Our Lady of the Lake gives patients hope
In 2019, Jorge Castellanos, MD, joined Our Lady of the Lake’s Heart & Vascular Institute and Louisiana Cardiology Associates, adding his expertise and giving patients access to even more non-invasive alternatives to open heart surgery. Dr. Castellanos is part of a new breed of cardiac specialists called structural interventionists. They perform intricate repairs within the…
