SHREVEPORT, La. - Medical professionals in North Louisiana were celebrated Thursday night at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport's annual fundraiser: "An Evening for Healers."

The gala honors physicians, nurses and other healthcare workers who save lives at the hospital.

For over 13 years the event has shared patients stories of recovery and recognized over 930 health care workers. Donations to the fundraiser have totaled over $4 million to help recruit and retain faculty and obtain new technology and equipment. Funds also go toward supporting students at the Schools of Medicine, Allied Health Professions and Graduate Studies.

Mackenzie "Mac" Kelso, a student and soccer player at Louisiana Tech, is alive today thanks to the team of physicians and medical staff at Ochsner.

"I collapsed during warmups and went into cardiac arrest, which then turned into an anoxic brain injury because CPR wasn't administered until the EMT's got to me six to eight minutes after. So, I got life flighted to the hospital in Shreveport, but I coded three times during that ride," said Kelso.

Her story of recovery was featured during "An Evening For Healers."

"I wasn't communicating very well, then one of the speech therapists realized I could answer questions by blinking. That helped the whole team figure out what was wrong with me," said Kelso.

Kelso's cardiologist, Dr. Ryan Jones, and his team at Ochsner as well as hundreds of other medical professionals were recognized for their dedication to their patient's recoveries.

"I was at her bedside the second she arrived. I did ultrasounds of her heart, adjusted the medications we gave her to keep her heart pumping and adjusted her pacemaker to make it work for her until she was able to recover over the several weeks she was in the hospital," said Jones.

Though Jones provided a key role in Kelso's treatment, he says his team's expertise is the reason she is able to play soccer again.

"Every single person that is involved in the health care of our patients is important, and their work leads to our patients surviving and thriving," said Jones.

Though Kelso is still in recovery, she's eager to get back on the pitch.

"I'm still recovering right now, so hopefully I can see some minutes on the field later in my recovery. Currently I'm practicing, and practice makes perfect," said Kelso.

To donate to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, click here.