COMMUNITY

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LIFE-CHANGING $2 MILLION GENE THERAPY AT WOMAN’S

The youngest known patient to receive a life-saving, cutting-edge gene therapy was treated at Woman’s Hospital when she was just four days old. Lexa Dennis received the one-time Zolgensma therapy to treat spinal muscular atrophy, a devastating, debilitating and often fatal disease caused by a gene mutation that leads to difficulty performing basic life functions, including breathing and swallowing. “SMA is a serious illness that causes death or severe muscle weakness if they survive,” says Charlotte Hollman, MD, pediatric neurologist at Woman’s Hospital. “It’s the most common genetic cause of death in the first year of life.” Lexa’s medical team expects the $2.1 million treatment to prevent her from ever showing symptoms of SMA. ■ womans.org

Preparing a child for kindergarten can be overwhelming. A new program from Baton Rouge Early Childhood Education Collaborative aims to help families of underserved preschoolers access what they need to be ready for the classroom. “There is a wealth of both information and programming available for early childhood education and well-being, much of which is available via the Internet,” says Patricia Smith, BRECEC executive director. “Our objective is to teach parents or caregivers how to access that information to help their children stay healthy and start learning at an early age.” The HomeStart Early Childhood Education and Technology Project began in March thanks to a grant from the Blue Cross & Blue Shield Foundation. ■ brecec.org

From its first celebration in 1970, Earth Day has grown into a global day of activism with more than one billion people in 192 countries participating. The 2021 theme, “Restore Our Earth,” provides a number of ways to participate both in large-scale global initiatives and smaller everyday steps toward more environmentally conscious lifestyles. “On Earth Day, and every day, there are many ways for individuals around the world to take action and make our shared home a more sustainable and healthy place to live,” says Terra Pascarosa, U.S. Earth Day national campaign director. “We do not have the luxury of time when it comes to combating climate change–we all need to act and act quickly.” ■ earthday.org

GRANT PROVIDES EARLY LEARNING TECHNOLOGY

APRIL 22 MARKS EARTH DAY

BATON ROUGE BALLET ENDING ONLINE SEASON

In what they hope to be a final online-only performance, Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre will present Coppélia to complete its current season. The classic, comic ballet, which is fun for all ages, will be available for viewing April 12-26 for $30. The collaborative performance shares the story of a toymaker who believes his beloved doll has come to life, and it includes mishaps, pranks and a little romance. LeTiger Walker, artist-in-residence, performs as Franz, the male lead. By filming in the studio, multiple casts, including the Youth Ballet, will enjoy the opportunity to dance and perform, and safely reach more audience members who want to see their dancer’s moment in the spotlight. ■ batonrougeballet.org

Applications for the Gift of Hope IVF Grant are open to Louisiana couples who face medical and financial roadblocks to having a baby. The grant provides one free cycle of in vitro fertilization. Eligible couples earn less than $100,000 per year, have no or limited infertility insurance coverage, and IVF is medically necessary to conceive. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 23. “We started the program as a way to help Louisiana couples undergo IVF who could not otherwise afford it,” says Dr. John Storment, medical director and founder of Fertility Answers. “We feel strongly that all couples should have the hope to build their families, no matter their financial situation or insurance coverage.” ■ fertilityanswers.com

More health care options are coming to Ascension Parish as Ochsner Baton Rouge has begun construction of its new health center in Gonzales at the intersection of LA 30 and South Burnside Avenue. The clinic is scheduled to open next summer, offering primary and speciality care. The construction project is estimated to cost $24.2 million for a two-story, 51,600 square-foot building that will complement the existing Ochsner facilities in the parish. “Our new clinic in Gonzales is a crucial part of Ochsner’s commitment to patients in the Greater Baton Rouge area,” says Eric McMillen, CEO, Ochsner Baton Rouge. “Gonzales is a major population center with a growing need for the primary and specialty care we offer.” ■ ochsner.org

OCHSNER EXPANDING WITH NEW CLINIC

CONNECT COMMUNITY

TEEN COURT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Many high schools require volunteer hours as part of graduation requirements, and a unique way to fulfill that requirement that also provides some real world experience is to participate in the Baton Rouge Bar Foundation’s Teen Court. This voluntary program helps keep young firsttime misdemeanor offenders out of the traditional legal system and instead receive fair and constructive sentencing from their peers. Teen volunteers serve as prosecuting and defense attorneys, bailiffs and jurors, and hearings are held in a local courthouse with strict confidentiality. Licensed attorneys serve as judges. Interested middle or high school volunteers can contact Donna Buuck. ■ (225) 214-5556 The Emerge Center is hosting a community-wide raffle campaign, “Project Puzzle: Building Hope Piece by Piece” to mark Autism Awareness Month in April. Proceeds will provide scholarship assistance to families with children in year-round preschool therapy. “Emerge is committed to serving families regardless of their ability to pay,” says Deanna Whittle, The Emerge Center CEO. “Funds raised through Project Puzzle will enable more families to access our life-changing therapies and we are grateful for the support from our community.” Each ticket is $20 and is a chance to win one of five prizes that include a photography session, dinner, gift card, or Topgolf private event. ■ emergela.org

THE WALLS PROJECT LAUNCHES #ONEROUGE

What began in 2012 as work to drive progress in Baton Rouge and stimulate Louisiana’s creative economy through creating public art, The Walls Project has evolved to collaborate with like-minded programs and organizations in more ways. During the pandemic, the community reactivation organization focused on closing the digital divide by offering free intergenerational technology training and increasing access to fresh produce by building 15 urban farm sites in food deserts across East Baton Rouge Parish. The nonprofit has launched a crowdsourced fundraiser, #OneRouge, to reignite and expand its mural program, featuring existing community partners and encouraging others to join its efforts to reduce the barriers preventing Baton Rouge communities from rising out of poverty. ■ thewallsproject.org/onerouge

NEW MUSEUM SEEKS COMMUNITY SCIENTISTS

The new Canal Lighthouse Museum and Education Center in New Orleans is studying microplastics and looking for community scientists who want to help shine a light on pollution. The Pontchartrain Conservancy constructed the new museum and center on the same spot as an 1890 lighthouse and incorporated original wood. At the Lakefront Learning Lab, community scientists, which the museum calls Lakefront Algae and MicroPlastic Scientists, are invited to bring water samples for testing and learn new skills from staff. Participants learn about water quality conditions, detect algae, and analyze microplastics found in our waterways. Training videos are available online to learn about the laboratory. ■ scienceforourcoast.org

Every day of working and learning from home is take your kid to work day, but this year’s official Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work day is April 22. It will mark the 28th anniversary of the international event celebrated by more than 44.5 million students, parents, educators and employers. What began in 1993 to “make girls visible, valued and heard in the workforce” was expanded in 2003 to include boys. With its 2021 theme,

“Boldly Moving Forward,” the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation will provide live and pre-recorded virtual resources to mark the day. Even if COVID restrictions don’t allow in-person visits with mom or dad, students can still learn about careers. ■ daughtersandsonstowork.org

HELP FOR RAISING HEALTHY KIDS

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health and Louisiana Public Broadcasting have teamed up to help raise a healthier generation with “One to Grow On.” The new program provides parents across the state information, best practices, and quick tips about healthy eating habits, prenatal care, child safety, and mental health. The provided information is based on scientific research from the American Academy of Pediatrics. “We all have a hand in the future of Louisiana’s children,” says Trey Dunbar, MD, president of Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health. “Through this partnership with LPB, we hope to connect with more families in providing tips and education on how to raise a healthier generation.” ■ onetogrowon.org

FOR 7TH GRADE GIRLS AND PARENTS

WE CAN’T WAIT TO MEET YOU!

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021

Socially distanced tours offered between 3:30 and 6 p.m. Tour campus with Student Ambassadors. Visit with teachers and administrators. Learn all about what makes the Academy so special.

Please note that you must register for a specific tour time. Reserve your time at visitsja.org.

Questions? Our Admissions Team is ready to help. admissions@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2243

1991 • 1996 • 2002 • 2016 Founded in 1868 by the Sisters of St. Joseph. St. Joseph’s Academy has a non-discriminatory admissions policy. 3015 Broussard Street Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225) 383-7207 | www.sjabr.org