Shreveport Honors Healthcare Heroes at Annual Gala Celebrating Compassion and Recovery

Shreveport Celebrates Local Healthcare Heroes at Annual Gala

SHREVEPORT, La. – This past Thursday, the vibrant city of Shreveport held a heartfelt celebration honoring the dedicated medical professionals who work tirelessly in North Louisiana. The annual gala, “An Evening for Healers,” organized by Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, was not only a night of recognition but also a testament to the remarkable power of compassion and healing in the healthcare community.

A Night to Remember

For over 13 years, this gala has become a cherished tradition, spotlighting the inspiring stories of patients who have made incredible recoveries thanks to the unwavering commitment of healthcare workers. This year alone, the event highlighted the contributions of over 930 healthcare workers, from physicians and nurses to various other vital staff members.

Throughout its history, the fundraiser has gathered an impressive $4 million in donations. These generous funds have played a crucial role not just in attracting and retaining top-notch faculty but also in acquiring advanced medical technology and equipment. Moreover, they support students studying at the Schools of Medicine, Allied Health Professions, and Graduate Studies, ensuring fresh talent continues to enter the healthcare sector.

The Heartwarming Story of Mackenzie Kelso

One of the most touching moments of the evening came from the story of Mackenzie “Mac” Kelso, a Louisiana Tech student and soccer player whose life was saved by the skill and dedication of Ochsner’s medical team. Mackenzie shared her terrifying experience when she collapsed during a warm-up, suffering cardiac arrest that led to an anoxic brain injury due to delayed CPR.

As she recounted the moments leading up to her medical emergency, Kelso revealed, “I coded three times during that ride” in the life flight to the hospital. Miraculously, she was stabilized by the exceptional medical staff, including her cardiologist, Dr. Ryan Jones, who was there right from the start.

Mackenzie praised the teamwork at Ochsner, mentioning that despite her challenges with communication post-incident, a perceptive speech therapist discovered she could answer questions by blinking. This breakthrough was pivotal in guiding her treatment and recovery.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Dr. Ryan Jones spoke passionately about the collaborative effort of his team during Mackenzie’s care. He emphasized the significance of every individual’s role in healthcare, saying, “Every single person that is involved in the health care of our patients is important, and their work leads to our patients surviving and thriving.”

Even though Mackenzie is still on her path to recovery, she remains hopeful about getting back on the soccer field. With a determined spirit, she shared her outlook, stating, “I’m still recovering right now, so hopefully I can see some minutes on the field later in my recovery. Currently, I’m practicing, and practice makes perfect.”

Looking Ahead

The night was not just a celebration but a reminder of how vital healthcare workers are in our community. Every dollar raised at “An Evening for Healers” continues to make a difference in the lives of many, helping to ensure that patients receive the best possible care in their times of need.

If you wish to contribute and support the incredible work being done at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, there are opportunities to make donations throughout the year. Together, we can ensure that these healthcare heroes have what they need to continue their lifesaving work.

This annual event reaffirms our community’s pride in its healthcare professionals and their commitment to saving lives. Here’s to many more years of honoring these unsung heroes who help make Shreveport a healthier and happier place!