Celebrations

A new critical care ambulance rolled into Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in the fall, thanks to more than $430,000 in funding from 96 donors through Prisma Health Midlands Foundation.

In December, Paul and Sarah Towns, their family and the Elgin community celebrated the 25th anniversary of Elgin Lights, an annual holiday lights and display extravaganza. Elgin Lights is held in memory of Cole Sawyer, who died in 2004 at age 11 from cancer. Thank you to Paul, Sarah, their family and all the supporters of Elgin Lights who donated $10,000 from the event and more than $161,000 total to CAMP KEMO Programs, led by the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Hospital.

Congratulations, University of South Carolina Dance Marathon (USCDM), for raising $931,016 – and counting –for our Child Life program in the Midlands. On April 9, 1,800+ students gathered for the 24th annual USCDM Main Event in Columbia. Representatives from Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals presented USCDM with the top Miracle Network Dance Marathon award: National Dance Marathon Program of the Year! USCDM has raised nearly $7 million over 24 years for Children’s Hospital.

Photo courtesy of Allen Wallace

Thank you to Curing Kids Cancer for its unwavering support of the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Hospital. The group’s donation of $210,000 will support the endowment at the Midlands Foundation to name the Gamecocks Curing Kids Cancer Clinic at Children’s Hospital.

Upstate’s Office of Philanthropy Dog-gone good news

The Upstate’s 2022 calendar featuring our furry, fabulous, four-legged team members nearly sold out of the 1,000 copies printed. That means more than $10,000 went to Prisma Health’s Canine FETCH Program for facility dogs. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this grrreat cause.

Under the Carolina Moon, a retail shop in Easley, raised $10,000 through the sales of a custom T-shirt that will make it possible for 20 children to attend Camp Courage this summer (see also Page 20).

In addition, Medicinal Whiskey Charity hosted a concert with Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors to benefit BI-LO® Charities Children’s Cancer Center at Prisma Health and Clement’s Kindness Fund. This event raised $100,000 for our pediatric patients with cancer.

Clemson Miracle Dance Marathon, held March 5, raised $173,660.95 for PICU renovations, which will begin in 2023.

In partnership with iHeart Media and Ingles Markets

During this four-week campaign, 11 live radio events to support Children’s Hospital will be hosted across Upstate Ingles Markets, ending with an on-air celebration across four iHeart Media radio stations. To learn more, go to PrismaHealthUpstateGiving.org/WeCare. Several years ago, McCain Childress was given a classroom challenge of taking $5 and purchasing something to sell and then donating the money raised to a charity of her choice. McCain turned her $5 into $1,000 by selling popsicles.

She learned early on the joy one receives from giving and supporting others, and that philanthropic outlook continues to this day. After a chance meeting with Vivi, a facility dog at Prisma Health, McCain made it her mission to continue selling popsicles to support the care of our four-legged team members.

In November, McCain (pictured, center) presented a check for $100,000 to establish the Pops for Pups Endowment. As one of our youngest philanthropists and for her tremendous generosity, McCain received the 2021 B.K. Bryan Spirit of Philanthropy Award.

Nichole Bryant, MD, pediatric hematologist and oncologist at the BI-LO® Charities Children’s Cancer Center at Prisma Health (and Editorial Board member for this publication), has raised more than $35,000 to support the Prisma Health Pediatric Hematology/Oncology inpatient unit through her book sales of My Wish.

Each September, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Bryant takes to social media to help bring awareness to childhood cancer. In her posts, she shares her powerful, heartfelt reflections and firsthand experiences from the past 17 years while caring for children with cancer and blood disorders. A parent who had recently lost a child to childhood cancer was so moved by Dr. Bryant’s words that she suggested her writings be published.

Using this mother’s skills as a graphic designer, she and Dr. Bryant collaborated on and created the book: My Wish – A glimpse into the world of childhood cancer. Upon hearing of the project, another parent who developed a foundation after the death of his child offered to underwrite the cost of the first 500 copies.

Learn more about the book or order a copy at: https:// www.lulu.com/shop. Then type “Nichole Bryant.”