MERRIWETHER -— At 2 years old, Paris Marchant has spent more time in a hospital than many people do in a lifetime.

And in February of last year, she fell victim to two strains of influenza, Types A and B, along with bacterial pneumonia. 

She spent a total of 129 days in different hospitals, having to be placed in an induced coma and being on a ventilator. At one point, her lungs collapsed and her parents were told there was nothing doctors could do.

At the Medical University of South Carolina, she was placed on a ECMO machine where she remained for 32 days, the longest run in history. A week after being taken off the machine, she relapsed.

Her family didn’t think she'’d make it. Slowly, however, she began to improve and after minor setbacks, she is finally on the road to recovery. But miracles sometimes cost money.

And Paris'’ parents, Merriwether Middle School Assistant Principal Wayne Marchant and his wife Amy, quickly exhausted all their insurance. During Paris’' illness, her twin sister Mattie also developed bacterial pneumonia and spent a short stay in the hospital.

The Marchants have two other children.

Several fundraisers have been held and a fund was set up for Paris, but bills continue to rise.

While Paris has made a lot of progress, she still has a way to go and it is still uncertain whether she will reach full recovery. Last Friday, the Fox Creek High School Interact Club sponsored a Paris Marchant Benefit Extravaganza at Merriwether Elementary School cafeteria to help with expenses.

The event featured rue21 and Lula Balloon fashion shows, a Silent Auction, games, prizes, food and entertainment. Palmetto Cheer Academy set up “jumpers” for the children. Fox Creek Administrative Assistant, Head Coach and Athletic Director Russell Schneider entertained the crowd as “Elvis.”

Other performers included Anthony Plumley and Sam Boyd.

Amanda Schneider, organizer and Interact sponsor, said the group worked really hard and the event was successful.
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"I'’d like to commend the Interact club officers, Hannah Jacobs, Kelsey Valentine and Becca White,"” she said. "“Each year, the club picks a project to help someone out and Paris’' story was a touching one.”"

Paris’' father said that while Paris is doing great, the community’'s prayers are still needed.

“"Next week, they will sew up the stoma in her neck where the trach was and she still has a G-tube in her stomach until she can eat full-time,”" he said. “"There are still lots of breathing treatments. They did a CT scan of her lungs and the left lung has 50 percent capacity and the right one, 90 percent. They’r'e hoping that as she grows older (around —8 or 9—) she will reach 100 percent recovery."”

Marchant said Paris still has to have nursing care five to six days a week and occupational, physical and speech therapy. Mrs. Marchant said Paris is now wearing glasses because of a “floating” eye.

She also wears theratogs for a displaced right hip and UCDs in her shoes.
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"Her right foot has not developed an arch in it as it should,"” she said.

The Marchants, who live in the Merriwether Community, said they appreciate all the support and prayers and are amazed at how the community has come together to help.
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"They’ve helped with our other children and in whatever other ways we needed them,"” she said. “"We'’re truly blessed to be in this community."”