SHREVEPORT, La. — The LSU Health Sciences Foundation held its 15th annual An Evening for Healers on Sept. 10 at the Shreveport Convention Center, recognizing more than 50 first responders and health care professionals while raising money for LSU Health Shreveport.
The annual event supports faculty recruitment, medical technology and scholarships across LSU Health Shreveport’s three schools. The foundation said the event recorded its highest sponsorship total to date this year, although it did not disclose the amount raised. Over 15 years, An Evening for Healers has generated more than $6 million for the institution.
The program highlighted patient stories involving teams of physicians, nurses, first responders and other health care professionals at Ochsner LSU Health.
One patient, Shreveport resident Rachel Hogan, was diagnosed at age 22 with severe epilepsy that did not respond to multiple medications. Advanced diagnostic testing identified seizure activity in the right temporal and frontal lobes of her brain, leading her care team to perform a right temporal and frontal lobectomy. Hogan has been seizure-free for two years following the procedure, according to the foundation.
The event also highlighted the treatment of Hunter Alexander, a 24-year-old electrical lineman who suffered severe high-voltage burns to his upper extremities while restoring power after a January 2026 winter storm in north Louisiana.
Alexander was airlifted from Ruston to Ochsner LSU Health after community members cleared enough ice to create a landing area for Pafford Air. He spent months in the hospital and underwent more than 15 surgeries. He has since returned home and is receiving occupational and hand therapy to restore movement and function.
“We’re proud to honor the actions, knowledge and skill that dramatically impacted the outcome of these patients,” said Lester Johnson, MD, FACS, LSU Health Shreveport senior vice chancellor. “I thank each of them that were recognized for their critical role on the healthcare and first responder teams.”
Ochsner Health returned as the event’s presenting sponsor for the eighth year. Ochsner and LSU Health Shreveport launched the Ochsner LSU Health System of North Louisiana in 2018, a partnership focused on clinical facilities, research, specialized care and medical education.
“Through the partnership between Ochsner LSU Health, LSU Health Shreveport and the LSU Health Sciences Foundation, our community has benefitted from expanded access to advanced care, improvements to quality and a commitment to putting patients first,” said David Callecod, chief executive officer of Ochsner LSU Health. “We are proud to be part of this commitment to strengthening our region and helping build a healthier future for North Louisiana.”
During the event, the foundation also sought funding for an additional EEG monitoring system for Ochsner LSU Health. The equipment is used to identify the origin of seizure activity and provide physicians with information used to develop treatment plans.
The American Electric Power Foundation provided a $30,000 grant to support the event’s fundraising effort.
“For 15 years, An Evening for Healers has shown us what is possible when our community comes together to support extraordinary healthcare,” said Kevin Flood, president and CEO of the LSU Health Sciences Foundation. “We are profoundly grateful to our generous donors and partners whose support empowers LSU Health Shreveport to innovate, educate, and deliver exceptional care. Every dollar raised directly strengthens our mission and changes lives right here in North Louisiana.”