Tomorrow concludes the credit union's campaign to raise awareness and funding for the Children's Miracle Network. On behalf of the entire team at the credit union, thank you for taking an interest in these kids, and doing whatever you could to support children's research at MUSC.
I almost hate to quote a Whitney Houston song lyric, but it just seems to fit … "I believe the children are our are future; Teach them well and let them lead the way; Show them all the beauty they possess inside; Give them a sense of pride to make it easier; Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be…"
In the final story of this blog series, I am pleased to introduce you to the Paris Marchant story…
Paris in February of 2008 was a 20-month old when she was sent home early from day care with a low grade fever and a double ear infection. While at home, her parents noticed her shallow breathing, shivering and purplish legs, feet, arms and hands. Paris was 
immediately rushed to the emergency room in Augusta, Georgia.
When her condition did not improve, Paris was airlifted to the MUSC Children’s Hospital where she was diagnosed with Respiratory Failure due to Influenza A & B plus bacterial pneumonia and two days later put on a heart lung bypass machine, called the Extra-corporeal Membrane Oxygenation or ECMO machine.
Paris remained on the ECMO machine for 32 days. During this time, Paris had chest tubes inserted to remove massive amounts of body fluid she was retaining. After being taken off the ECMO machine on Easter Sunday in March of 2008, Paris’s lungs collapsed and trachea and feeding tubes were inserted.
In June of 2008, after 129 exhausting days at MUSC Children’s Hospital, Paris was sent home to her twin sister, Mattie, two older sisters, Keeley and Luci, and her parents, Amy and Wayne. In August of 2008, Paris was removed from the ventilator and in October her trachea tube was removed. While Paris still struggles with eating and endurance, her parents see her as a normal and sassy 3-year old who loves the water and is enjoying her swim lessons this summer. And, in the winter something a Charlestonian knows little about … she loves to make Paris-sized snow people.
No matter what the season $1 makes a difference and for those who would like to contribute through the credit union program, I have included some instructions below. Be in love with life. Count your blessings this Thursday … and talk back with Troy.
Special Announcement … in addition to buying the $1 balloons in our branches, members can now purchase $1 Electronic Balloons with secure e-mail (iTeller), through on-line secure chat (iTeller), or via phone (843) 797-8300. Since these are secure channels of communication, simply use the links provided to log-on. Once connected, select either e-mail or chat. In the text area include your member number and the amount of your balloon purchase. A special on-line page acknowledging your first name will be posted on the web.
My granddaughter loves to play with snow when she heads back north for a visit. Couldn’t image what it would be like if she didn’t have that opportunity. Sometimes I have to stop myself, take a breath, and remember to give thanks for the little things.
Thank you SC Federal for reminding me of just how important the little things are, like be able to play in the snow.