Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South. Ochsner inspires healthier lives and stronger communities through our mission to serve, heal, lead, educate and innovate.
Mrs. Gayle Benson brings holiday cheer to Ochsner Children’s Hospital
NEW ORLEANS – Ochsner Children’s Hospital was recently transformed into a festive winter wonderland to celebrate the holiday season. New Orleans Saints Owner and Pelicans Governor, Mrs. Gayle Benson, brought joy and holiday spirit to patients, their families and students from the Dr. John Ochsner Discovery Health Sciences Academy.
Mrs. Benson’s Holiday Kick Off was a celebration of community, care and connection, complete with gifts, treats and holiday-themed crafts. The day also featured memorable performances and appearances by Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, and beloved mascots Pierre the Pelican and Sir Saint. Adding to the festivities were the Saints Cheer Krewe and the Pels Squad.
“This time of year holds special meaning, and the generosity provided by Mrs. Benson goes beyond bringing holiday cheer – it creates moments of joy and comfort that our patients and their families will treasure. We are immensely grateful to Mrs. Benson for her generosity,” said Shon Baker, PhD, system vice president, chief development officer, Ochsner Health. “Mrs. Benson’s Holiday Kick Off is an example of the incredible impact that compassion and kindness can have.”
Ochsner Children’s is exclusively dedicated to pediatric healthcare and is home to over 200 physicians who specialize in more than 30 pediatric specialties and sub-specialties, offering a level of care unmatched in Louisiana. The team cares for more than 100,000 children every year, treating some of the most complex and critical conditions. Its principal facility is in New Orleans, with subspecialty clinics throughout Louisiana and Mississippi.
Ochsner Children's Hospital is the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana for the fourth consecutive year according to the 2024-2025 Best Children’s Hospital rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Ochsner Children's Hospital also continues to shine nationally with top 50 rankings in three specialties: pediatric cardiology and heart surgery, pediatric gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery and pediatric orthopedics. For more information about Ochsner Children’s Hospital, please visit www.ochsner.org/pediatrics.
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About Ochsner Health
Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 46 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. For 13 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has recognized Ochsner as the No. 1 hospital in Louisiana. Additionally, Ochsner Children’s has been recognized as the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana for four consecutive years. Ochsner inspires healthier lives and stronger communities through a combination of standard-setting expertise, quality and connection not found anywhere else in the region. In 2024, Ochsner Health cared for more than 1.6 million people from every state in the nation and 63 countries. Ochsner’s workforce includes more than 40,000 dedicated team members and over 4,900 employed and affiliated physicians. To learn more about how Ochsner empowers people to get well and stay well, visit https://www.ochsner.org/.
