2025 Ochsner Lafayette General Zydeco Marathon - 26.2 Full | 13.1 Half | Team Relay | 5k | 1 Mile

Every 15 minutes in the U.S. a child is born with some type of heart defect. More than 40,000 kids are born each year with a cardiac diagnosis that requires a lifetime of procedures, tests and often heart surgeries. While surgery can help, there is no cure for congenital heart defects.

Since 1985, Camp Bon Coeur has been the only program in Louisiana to provide support, information and programs to children with congenital heart defects. Only the second such camp in the nation, we remain a very small group that focuses on kids whose heart has needed mending. 

We understand the needs of heart kids and we strive to provide exceptional programs, camps and support groups to enhance their childhood experiences. Our services boost confidence, foster self-esteem and help our campers and their families to develop a network of support and a lifelong group of friends.

Family Camp and our support groups are tailored for anyone, from infants to adults, that were born with or acquired a heart condition before the age of 18. Our summer camp is available to children ages 7 to 16. It is eight days and nights, and full of activities, experiences and laughter.

Every kid wants to feel normal, to have a sense of belonging, to participate in the same activities and have shared experiences with others. Camp Bon Coeur was designed to give children with heart defects a place where they can just be a kid and find common ground with other kids who have uncommon hearts.