“Sugarplum Ball” Co-Chairs Cherie Albro and Jamie Cangelosi with Children’s Hospital patients and brothers Christopher (9) and Henry (7) Dufrene, stand outside what will soon become one of two family housing units for Children’s Hospital patient families. Christopher and Henry were both born with congenital heart defects and have had numerous surgeries and procedures at Children’s Hospital. Many patients and families like the Dufrenes travel from around Louisiana and the Gulf South to receive care at Children’s Hospital. Often, families must stay in the hospital with their child, for days and even months at a time, far from their homes. The 36th annual “Sugarplum Ball” aims to help provide a solution to this challenge.
Co-Chairs Albro and Cangelosi have been hard at work planning this year’s “Sugarplum Ball,” the hospital’s largest charitable fundraising event of the year. On April 1, friends of Children’s Hospital will gather together at the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad for the ball, themed “Casino Royale: A Night in Monte Carlo.” Each year, proceeds from the event are allocated to a specific project that will help the hospital give the most comprehensive care to its young patients. This year’s ball will benefit the Patient Family Housing Initiative, on-site family housing that will provide 28 private suites for families. The facilities will be located across Henry Clay Avenue and will allow parents to stay close to their child in the hospital with the comforts of home.
To purchase tickets and for more information, visit CHNola.org/Sugarplum.
Photographed by Jeffery Johnston Special thanks to Children’s Hospital’s Special Events Manager Kim Coniker
