TEAM ARAINA

The Star in the East Chapter #268 Order of the Eastern Star located in Columbia, South Carolina is a part of an organization that is noted to be the largest fraternal organization in the world that consist of both men and women. We are comprised of persons with religious convictions and spiritual values.  A deep bond exists within which makes us near and dear to each other.  The personal welfare of our members is vital to each of us and it is considered a privelege to help whenever we can. We are dedicated to the cause and sincerely strive to reflect the spirit of fraternal love as we work together to benefit mankind throughout the world!

We march for "Araina" (Angela's granddaughter) and we stand with March of Dimes to fight for the health of all moms and babies everywhere. 

Araina's Story

"Araina" was born at 26 weeks on July 17, 2016.  She was 12 inches long and weighed only 1 pound and 7 ounces.  She faced many challenges in her 204 days, (or 29 weeks and 1 day, basically 6 and a half months) stay in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).  Her weight went down to 1 pound 2 ounces and remained at 1 pound 4 ounces for days.  It was very hard for Araina to gain weight.  She remained at Palmetto Health Baptist NICU for 6 month and a half months.  She was discharged on Monday, February 6, 2017.  While in the NICU, Araina received many blood transfusions and was surrounded by machines that helped her lungs function, displayed her vitals, and helped her to breathe.  On September 8, 2016 when Araina was almost 2 months old, she had an incident where her feeds were going into her lungs and her oxygen was going into her esophagus.  This incident caused her to aspirate and she was diagnosed with pneumonia and secondary infections.  This was a touch and go moment.  Araina was very sick, but over time continued to get better.  Araina was also diagnosed with klepsiella blood infection and numerous other infections, a hole in her heart, Respiratory Syncytical Virus (RSV), chronic lung disease and a floppy airway.  Because of this history, Araina was not able to be extubated for a long period of time.  Hence, the dreaded decision of surgery.  Araina's doctors met and discussed with her parents the possibility of surgery and how it would be beneficial for Araina. This surgery would include a tracheotomy, gastrostomy tube and a nissen fundoplication.  With much prayer, staff support and education, her parents decided that this would be helpful for Araina.  Three and a half months later, Araina was able to go home with her parents.  Araina came home on a ventilator (this continued to help her breathe and gave pressure support to her lungs), concentrator (this is used to deliver the oxygen to the ventilator), pulse ox (this monitors her oxygen saturation and heart rate), suction machine, and feeding pump. 

Since Araina's homecoming in 2017, she has been diagnosed, Bronchitis, MRSA, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Staph infections, Rhino Virus (twice), Enterovirus (twice), Pneumonia three times, Klepsiella Pneumonia, Critical Glucose Levels, Gastritis, Seizures, every year she has had RSV and had been hospitalized for Aspiration Pneumonia .  In the beginning, she had at least 5 doctors appointments each month and was transported via Logisticare (Ambulance Service - We had to have an EMT or paramedic available during the transport).  Since she is no longer vent dependant, we are able to transport her ourselves, however, we have to have at least two people available to transport her. Her appointments have dwindled down to on average 3 appointments a month. She's didn't pass 5 of the earlier hearing tests.  She had a sedated ABR, Auditory Brainstem Response, hearing test which showed that her hearing on the right is normal and the hearing on the left showed no signs of hearing.  She underwent behavioral hearing studies at the Medical University of Charleston (MUSC) and we were told that she did excellent.  We are now in the process of scheduling a sedated MRI of Araina's eardrums and additional behavioral hearing studies.  This is to ensure that her bones have developed properly. Currently, Arania has had 3 swallow studies, 2 of which she hasn't passed completely due to her upper esophageal sphincter not opening properly.  The third swallow study showed improvement and we've been asked to repeat the swallow study within 4 to 6 months. She's had 4 surgeries/procedures (tubes put in both ears, a trach revision, a laporademy and a Micro Direct Larynogoscopy resulting in decannulation - Yay!!!! ), GI Studies, ECHO's, MRI's of the Brain, Chest X-rays, EEG's test related to the brain, EKG test related to the heart, and many ER & Children Day Hospital visits and hospitalizations.  Even though this may be a lot and may seem a bit overwhelming, Araina continues to beat the odds. She has now been weaned off the vent and was decannulated on Saturday, August 18, 2018. We are so grateful to the many doctors, nursing staff, respiratory therapist and others who have been instrumental in the growth and development of Araina.  We thank the March of Dimes - "March for Babies" for everything they are doing to bring about prematurity awareness and their desire to make a change in ensuring Healthy Moms and Healthy Babies and giving us the opportunity to share our story!

"Team Araina" stands with March of Dimes to fight for the health of all moms and babies. Families in our community and across the country are touched by the fundraising efforts we do, and we won’t stop until we reach our goal of building a better future for us all. The March of Dimes is proud to help provide resources and programs to educate and empower moms so every baby can have the best possible start. But we need you on our team. Together we can encourage more friends, family and supporters to join us to raise critical funds to tackle the biggest health threats facing moms and babies.