Jana Poche

In 1996, Cancer Services of Baton Rouge approached the Junior League, a nonprofit organization, to conduct a summer day camp for children with cancer and their families. While there were similar camps for children who live with other diseases, there were none for cancer patients. Jana Poche, a Junior League member, volunteered to run "Camp Care" and the Junior League donated $5,000 to the cause.

A typical day at "Camp Care" starts at the Cancer Services building with breakfast, after which a songfest is held, complete with clowns and balloons. From there, a bus transports the kids to various activities, such as riverboats rides or horseback riding. Occasionally, the kids put on a skit. To wrap up the day, arts and crafts are held back at the Cancer Services building. With donated or discounted meals from McDonalds and Dominos, the kids eat snacks and laugh together all day, side by side with the Junior League volunteers, who serve as camp counselors. A nurse is always on hand to ensure the health and safety of the children.

The first summer was such a success that the Junior League now donates $10,000 per camp and the length of the camp has increased from one to two weeks.