Nell’s Angels: A Community’s Cancer Legacy | Baton Rouge News

In Fordoche, Louisiana, a tiny community’s act of kindness for one family has blossomed into a life-saving legacy. Started 26 years ago to help Janelle Lacombe fight lung cancer, the fundraiser became an annual softball tournament—Nell’s Angels—that now raises over $1.2 million for local cancer patients. Though Janelle passed before the first event, her family honored her by donating proceeds to her hospice. The event thrives on unity, where race or income fades away and people rally around each other through cancer’s toughest battles. Rachel Crochet, who joined early and later battled cancer herself, says it’s not just about money—it’s the unwavering support, the friends, the family. Now, Jeremy Lacombe’s kids, ages 10 and 11, bake cookies and help on the fields, keeping their grandmother’s memory alive. This story proves that one small gesture can ignite a movement that lasts generations. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/d51c2b1c317f0c21