Charlene Marie Richard, who is known as "The Little Cajun Saint" was born on January 13, 1947 in Richard, Louisiana. The second oldest of 10 children. A Roman Catholic she is regarded by many in the South as a Saint. When she was 12 she was diagnosed with leukemia. Inspired by a book she read about St. Therese she asked her grandmother "if I pray like St. Therese could I become a saint". She did just that. A newly ordained priest visited her daily Charlene asked him everyday whom should she pray for. Many believed they were healed due to this. She accepted her fated illness and offered her suffering for others. She is considered a Saint because of this.