Events

Representing Teen Louisiana at United States of America Pageants is already a great honor, then I found out the 2026 National Service Project is Nevada’s Cure 4 The Kids Foundation Book Drive. That feels like a big hug from like minded people who can relate to my experience as:an Ochsner Community Champion focused on uplifting cancer and rare disease; inspiring children through being a horse camp counselor and music teaching assistant; and empowering kids with a love for reading. I'll be working on a book drive. Please subscribe to my website so I can notify you on donation opportunities.

May, #GrayMay, is National Brain Tumor Society’s awareness month and my dad’s birthday,5/26/76. I was 10 months old when he died two weeks after his 35th birthday challenged with his third Pineoblastoma, a very rare/0.2% of brain tumors with less than 10% of those cases in adults. At that moment, the effects of cancer changed my life, leaving me an only child of an only parent. Cancer continued to devastate my family with the loss of my Mere (lung cancer), who provided tremendous support to mom and I.

The fight against cancer is fierce and many organization are working on solutions for cures, treatments and support for patients and families. I choose to join the fight fundraising for my regional Ochsner Cancer Institute that treated Dad, Mere, other friends and family who have gone, gotten through or are currently in care at Ochsner for various cancer treatment. Most recent losses are: Tara Bixby, Margaret Bell, Great Uncle Bob, Shell, neighbor Angie, mom’s college friend Wolfgang…

Researching the subject to better tell my story and assess my own health, considering possible genetic links, motivates me to study neuroscience with hopes to become a pediatric brain surgeon. The National Cancer Institute ranks Louisiana 46th in the nation for cancer incidence per 100,000. Donations to Ochsner Hospital support various initiatives, including patient care, research, education and community health programs. They help ensure access to high-quality healthcare and innovative treatments for patients in the Gulf South region.

Your donation here directly supports my family, friends and community, ensuring our unique culture of Louisiana can flourish. For that I am constantly grateful for the blessing of your generosity. 

With sincere appreciation,

Evangeline

Heart disease is the number 1 killer of women and cause neurological damage. New Orleans local, Essence Harris Banks turned her experience with heart disease into a nonprofit organization to EMPOWER & MOTIVATE young girls and their families to take their heart health in their hands through the Heart Healthy Wellness program. By providing healthy living information and educational tools for girls ages 10-18, HNH spreads the word with  chapters in Austin, Atlanta, Houston, Nashville, Dallas and even England. 

The Louisiana Wetlands protect our communities from storm damage and is an important part of the world economy. Over 1,000,000 acres of land has washed away due to storms, cutting shipping channels, oil spills and invasive species. The term GEAUX (go) is symbolic of Louisiana’s Cajun French roots and roots are what I’m trying to protect and grow by sharing the challenges created by coastal erosion.

With my GEAUX Green platform, I intend to inform people of preservation and restoration efforts by encourage them to visit our festive culture rich in art, food, music… and volunteer to help save it. I support these efforts by being a member of Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and the Bayou Krewe, community ambassadors who celebrate all things Louisiana. #OnlyLouisiana

Since 1916, Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré committed to presenting performances to entertain and educate the community to enhance the vitality of arts in New Orleans. 

“We believe that the arts can transform communities, open minds and reflect and impact the world.”

United Professional Horsemen’s Association youth members ride to raise funds for St. Jude’s Hospital and other charities (for me HeartNHands) to learn the values of sportsmanship and service.