ENVIRONMENT

After being diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer over five years ago, Jeanne Connell Cameron continued to pour her immense energy and love into the Krewe of Alegria. She directed the activities of Alegria’s Kicking for Kids. The principal sponsor of the event, Feet First, measured the feet of needy children in certain public schools and at the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch so they would receive a nice pair of shoes that actually fit. She organized the Cutest Pirate Dog Contest motivated by her love for dalmatians. There were Bob and Sally “(Really Jeanne? Dogs named Bob and Sally?” “Yep!!)”; Purdy and Pongo; and Pepper and Penny. The Mourning Party at the end of the parade season included a band and a walk through the streets of Ybor City. And most importantly, Jeanne coordinated Alegria’s participation in the Gasparilla Distance Classic races which provides funding for charities Alegria supports.

Jeanne’s bout with cancer and the doctors he met during her treatment inspired her only child, Miles Cameron, to become a doctor. An accomplished pianist, having already graduated from McGill University in Toronto, he is now a 3rd year medical student at the University of Florida. And he is studying for a Medical PHD with a scholarship from the University.

Jeanne was a a talented artist and graphic designer, an Adjunct Professor at the University of Tampa until this past fall. She also taught at the Hillsborough Community College campuses on Dale Mabry and in Ybor City. She explained her work in an interview with WEDU, a local PBS station. (Link is below.)

https://www.pbs.org/video/wedu-arts-plus-432-jeanne-cameron/

The Krewe of Alegria is proud and honored to be creating a scholarship in Jeanne's name to help those in need to attend the class she taught at HCC. Please watch for additional information and details.