On February 7, 2018 one of our youth, Sam Marshall, suffered a stroke that was the beginning of a journey he and his family will be on for his lifetime. One that includes ongoing treatment and medical expenses. Fortunately for the Marshalls, LeBonheur Children's Hospital put them in contact with an organization whose sole mission is providing a means for families to receive assistance in meeting these bills that doesn't make them subject to excessive tax burdens. The Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy children and young adults. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of our patients helps meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free to our families, and gifts to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. (For more information about how COTA works, please visit their FAQ page.)
In the spring of 2018 our Board voted in favor of UCPC partnering with COTA to develop fundraising events and activities, the proceeds of which will be given to COTA and, through them, made available to the Marshall family. Our fundraising efforts were kicked off with our 3rd Annual Real Men Cook event on Sunday, October 7th where we debuted our COTA for Team Sam M t-shirts, available for purchase in our gift shop with all proceeds going towards COTA for Team Sam M. We invite you to work with our steering committee in planning and executing such events. If you have an idea for a fundraiser, please contact Barbara Imarhia, the head of our steering committee. You can email her at: [email protected] If you are interested in making a donation to COTA in honor of Team Sam M, you can do so via their website at COTAforTeamSamM. |
COTA for Team Sam M Events
Click links for details. 10/7/2018 Real Men Cook
Picture Slideshow from the event 11/27/2018 #GivingTuesday 3/16/2019 Community Yard Sale 9/29/2019 Real Men Cook 12/3/2019 #Giving Tuesday |
Sam's Story in Sam's Own Words
The best way to hear Sam's story is in his own words. On Wednesday, September 26th Sam and the Marshall family were featured during the kick-off of WREG New Channel 3's annual Go Jim Go! fundraiser for LeBonheur Children's Hospital. We would like to thank WREG for making the video of Sam's interview available for use, and for their ongoing support of LeBonheur. A special thank you to Jim Jaggers for his annual efforts on behalf of kids like Sam who come to LeBonheur for lifesaving medical care and treatment.
From the Marshall Family
In March Pastor Chris shared a letter written by Sam's mother on behalf of the entire Marshall family. We'd like to share their story, told through a mother's heartfelt words, with you.
Letter of Gratitude
From The Marshall Family To Rev Chris Dempsey
and The Unity Church of Practical Christianity Congregation
From The Marshall Family To Rev Chris Dempsey
and The Unity Church of Practical Christianity Congregation
Since February 7, 2018, my family and I have undergone a major life change. The pace has been swift and miracles are abounding. Yet, I would be remiss if I did not take time to extend an expression of gratitude to our church family on behalf of my family – The Marshalls.
When Rev Chris became the minister at our church, he started a program called “Angels Among Us.” This month, he is discussing what type of church is Unity Church of Practical Christianity. Well, I am one congregation member who has a testimony. At UCPC, there are “angels among us,” and I would like to share what kind of church UCPC is to me. To accomplish this, I give you a snapshot of my life for the past six weeks.
On Friday, February 2, 2018, my son, Samuel, received his Red Belt in Tae Kwon Do at his martial arts testing. On Saturday, February 3, 2018, he spent all day at the “Y” swim instructing, lifeguarding, lap swimming, and even stayed late to help guard a pool party. On Wednesday, February 7, 2018, my son was admitted to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital ICU.
That Wednesday, I spent a very lonely night at the hospital with my son hooked up to all types of IV’s with the medical staff coming in and out of his room. The medical team explained to me, very clearly, Samuel’s condition. Best case scenario is that he would be on meds for the rest of his life. Worst case scenario was that he would need a heart transplant. They gave me a prognosis for Samuel that had me wondering – have I stepped into the Twilight Zone? a wormhole? a portal? Surely, I must have walked through a Stargate into a parallel universe. Would someone please tell me where the exit is? Alas, none of these options were reality. So, I went into prayer, asking God for strength. My mom always says, “Prayer changes things. Prayer is powerful.”
I started calling people to activate prayer warriors to turn the tides for my son, who was in a critically stable condition. The next morning, in the room, were Sam’s Sunday School teachers: Keita Bey and Mary Ann, Grace Benz, Susan Rivers, and Sam’s dad, Rodney. Katherine (the Swiss Healer) led us in two minutes of silent prayer by phone. Immediately, everyone mobilized to shore up my family in strength and support in our time of need. Grace said she would watch the kids (Sam’s three siblings). Susan organized a meal program with the church office staff, setting up a website so people from the church could get food to our family, even taking account of our vegetarian diet.
UCPC members came to the hospital every day, while Sam was in ICU. They (you) provided my family with support on all levels: mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Yet, the doctors were finding it challenging to stabilize Samuel. Friday night (February 9th) into early Saturday morning (February 10th), Samuel’s condition worsened. At 5:30am, I called Sam’s dad and told him to come up to the hospital. He called Grace to come pick up the kids (Caelan, Daniel, and Zamara). At approximately, 6:30 am, Samuel went into cardiac arrest. A nurse escorted me out of his room while the medical team initiated life saving procedures. The nurse asked me if I had a chaplain. I called Rev Chris. He said he was 40 minutes away and would be right there. He stayed with us, at the hospital, for at least half a day. I had called Susan Rivers to get Rev Chris’s phone number. She said, “Do you need me to come to the hospital?” I unabashedly, said “Yes!”
Grace and her husband, Richard, kept Sam’s siblings at their house from Saturday to Wednesday. Caelan said he ate three meals a day with snacks in between and had his own bedroom with a TV. Grace took them to church, the Pink Palace Museum, roller skating, and to a park to climb trees! While at Grace’s house, the children’s Sunday school teachers took them to Tae Kwon Do. Mary Ann picked them up Monday (she lives in Mississippi, Grace lives in East Memphis, and Tae Kwon Do is in Millington, TN!) Wednesday, Keita took them to Tae Kwon Do. Grace also took my mom, Rodney, and Sam’s siblings to the zoo! While the children stayed with Grace, Mona Winfrey and Rachel gave her support with gift cards and money for food and entertainment!
Mona Winfrey came to the hospital sharing words of wisdom with me and sharing heart healing mantras with Samuel, mantras that I used and played (via YouTube videos) for Samuel while he was in ICU. Ira and Satoria brought a family meal to the hospital. One day, I was coming home from the hospital and saw a box on our front door step. It was a meal from Ann and Jim West! Many meals from many loving church members followed after that.
The night of Sam’s heart transplant surgery, I was bone tired. Rodney and I walked with the medical team as he was being wheeled to the operating room. We went as far as they allowed us to go. I turn around and see JoAnna Johnson, Mike, and Sharon Tyler peeking around the corner at the end of the hallway. JoAnna says, “We came to keep you company during Sam’s surgery.” I was planning on going to sleep, but Spirit was telling me, “Just flow with it.” JoAnna brought games, Mike brought Sudoku. (Please take note that JoAnna’s granddaughter, Khloee, had the ICU room next to Samuel’s when she was in the hospital.) We would all find out later why they were with me that night, and why I couldn’t go to sleep. In the waiting room, we received an update on Sam’s heart transplant surgery. All was going well and the donor heart was on its way. Yet, a “logistics error” occurred and the med team was delayed in showing up with the heart. JoAnna got us on our feet, circled us up, touching hands and agreeing. She led us in praying for the safe and swift delivery of Sam’s new heart to the hospital! When we finished praying, we looked out the window. We saw a man getting out of a van. JoAnna said, “Is that Dr Kumar?” He is the doctor that treated her granddaughter. Sure enough, it was him! We saw his assisting nurse get out of the van with a box. We said, “that’s the heart!” and started doing our praise dance!!! God is good!!!
The work of angels was abounding. Billie Gholson, who had lost her son after Samuel went in the hospital, took the time to think of us, blessing our family with a big bowl of vegetable soup! Keita Bey and the Sunday School students made a Vision Board for our new home and connected us with a real estate agent. Susan Rivers has been a constant source of support. She let me know, from deep in her soul, that Sam was going to be ok and guiding me in expanding in love.
Henry Barnhardt brought Circus tickets to church. My family received some, and Keita took my mom and Sam’s siblings to the circus! JoAnna took my mom and the children to see “Black Panther.”
Beverly Vance dedicated a music selection at church to Samuel (entitled “Send Our Son Home Quickly!”) My mom really enjoyed visiting with the people who brought meals by the house. Paulette and Clarence Williamson visited Samuel at the Fed Ex House, bringing him a beautiful, leather bound journal. Paulette said, “This is to write down your experience.”
There is so much more that UCPC has done and is doing to support my family in our time of need. I just wanted to share this snapshot of my life with you to testify of the depths of love in expression that my family has been a recipient of from UCPC. I feel lifted up on angel wings. There are truly angels among us. What kind of church is UCPC? The kind of church where Jesus principles are lived and taught: Love your neighbor as yourself. Love in action. Love that heals, conquers, abounds, evolves.
Since Samuel’s heart transplant (February 16th), he has been recovering at a miraculous rate. Sam’s Sunday School teacher, Keita Bey, said that in ICU, Sam was in a cocoon. When he comes out of it, he’s going to better than before. I truly believe that. We ask that you continue to lift up Samuel and our family in your prayers.
Samuel had a children’s worship song CD when he was younger with worship songs from around the world and various faiths. There was one song called Hashem Benadiv. “You can’t outgive the Giver.” That’s what I’m living. That’s what me and my family are experiencing. UCPC, the Marshall family wants to say thank you. We love. We appreciate you. We honor the God in you! Thank you God. Thank you God. Thank you God.
With Love from The Marshalls:
Rodney, Auset, Samuel, Caelan, Daniel, and Zamara (and Grandma Brooks)
When Rev Chris became the minister at our church, he started a program called “Angels Among Us.” This month, he is discussing what type of church is Unity Church of Practical Christianity. Well, I am one congregation member who has a testimony. At UCPC, there are “angels among us,” and I would like to share what kind of church UCPC is to me. To accomplish this, I give you a snapshot of my life for the past six weeks.
On Friday, February 2, 2018, my son, Samuel, received his Red Belt in Tae Kwon Do at his martial arts testing. On Saturday, February 3, 2018, he spent all day at the “Y” swim instructing, lifeguarding, lap swimming, and even stayed late to help guard a pool party. On Wednesday, February 7, 2018, my son was admitted to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital ICU.
That Wednesday, I spent a very lonely night at the hospital with my son hooked up to all types of IV’s with the medical staff coming in and out of his room. The medical team explained to me, very clearly, Samuel’s condition. Best case scenario is that he would be on meds for the rest of his life. Worst case scenario was that he would need a heart transplant. They gave me a prognosis for Samuel that had me wondering – have I stepped into the Twilight Zone? a wormhole? a portal? Surely, I must have walked through a Stargate into a parallel universe. Would someone please tell me where the exit is? Alas, none of these options were reality. So, I went into prayer, asking God for strength. My mom always says, “Prayer changes things. Prayer is powerful.”
I started calling people to activate prayer warriors to turn the tides for my son, who was in a critically stable condition. The next morning, in the room, were Sam’s Sunday School teachers: Keita Bey and Mary Ann, Grace Benz, Susan Rivers, and Sam’s dad, Rodney. Katherine (the Swiss Healer) led us in two minutes of silent prayer by phone. Immediately, everyone mobilized to shore up my family in strength and support in our time of need. Grace said she would watch the kids (Sam’s three siblings). Susan organized a meal program with the church office staff, setting up a website so people from the church could get food to our family, even taking account of our vegetarian diet.
UCPC members came to the hospital every day, while Sam was in ICU. They (you) provided my family with support on all levels: mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Yet, the doctors were finding it challenging to stabilize Samuel. Friday night (February 9th) into early Saturday morning (February 10th), Samuel’s condition worsened. At 5:30am, I called Sam’s dad and told him to come up to the hospital. He called Grace to come pick up the kids (Caelan, Daniel, and Zamara). At approximately, 6:30 am, Samuel went into cardiac arrest. A nurse escorted me out of his room while the medical team initiated life saving procedures. The nurse asked me if I had a chaplain. I called Rev Chris. He said he was 40 minutes away and would be right there. He stayed with us, at the hospital, for at least half a day. I had called Susan Rivers to get Rev Chris’s phone number. She said, “Do you need me to come to the hospital?” I unabashedly, said “Yes!”
Grace and her husband, Richard, kept Sam’s siblings at their house from Saturday to Wednesday. Caelan said he ate three meals a day with snacks in between and had his own bedroom with a TV. Grace took them to church, the Pink Palace Museum, roller skating, and to a park to climb trees! While at Grace’s house, the children’s Sunday school teachers took them to Tae Kwon Do. Mary Ann picked them up Monday (she lives in Mississippi, Grace lives in East Memphis, and Tae Kwon Do is in Millington, TN!) Wednesday, Keita took them to Tae Kwon Do. Grace also took my mom, Rodney, and Sam’s siblings to the zoo! While the children stayed with Grace, Mona Winfrey and Rachel gave her support with gift cards and money for food and entertainment!
Mona Winfrey came to the hospital sharing words of wisdom with me and sharing heart healing mantras with Samuel, mantras that I used and played (via YouTube videos) for Samuel while he was in ICU. Ira and Satoria brought a family meal to the hospital. One day, I was coming home from the hospital and saw a box on our front door step. It was a meal from Ann and Jim West! Many meals from many loving church members followed after that.
The night of Sam’s heart transplant surgery, I was bone tired. Rodney and I walked with the medical team as he was being wheeled to the operating room. We went as far as they allowed us to go. I turn around and see JoAnna Johnson, Mike, and Sharon Tyler peeking around the corner at the end of the hallway. JoAnna says, “We came to keep you company during Sam’s surgery.” I was planning on going to sleep, but Spirit was telling me, “Just flow with it.” JoAnna brought games, Mike brought Sudoku. (Please take note that JoAnna’s granddaughter, Khloee, had the ICU room next to Samuel’s when she was in the hospital.) We would all find out later why they were with me that night, and why I couldn’t go to sleep. In the waiting room, we received an update on Sam’s heart transplant surgery. All was going well and the donor heart was on its way. Yet, a “logistics error” occurred and the med team was delayed in showing up with the heart. JoAnna got us on our feet, circled us up, touching hands and agreeing. She led us in praying for the safe and swift delivery of Sam’s new heart to the hospital! When we finished praying, we looked out the window. We saw a man getting out of a van. JoAnna said, “Is that Dr Kumar?” He is the doctor that treated her granddaughter. Sure enough, it was him! We saw his assisting nurse get out of the van with a box. We said, “that’s the heart!” and started doing our praise dance!!! God is good!!!
The work of angels was abounding. Billie Gholson, who had lost her son after Samuel went in the hospital, took the time to think of us, blessing our family with a big bowl of vegetable soup! Keita Bey and the Sunday School students made a Vision Board for our new home and connected us with a real estate agent. Susan Rivers has been a constant source of support. She let me know, from deep in her soul, that Sam was going to be ok and guiding me in expanding in love.
Henry Barnhardt brought Circus tickets to church. My family received some, and Keita took my mom and Sam’s siblings to the circus! JoAnna took my mom and the children to see “Black Panther.”
Beverly Vance dedicated a music selection at church to Samuel (entitled “Send Our Son Home Quickly!”) My mom really enjoyed visiting with the people who brought meals by the house. Paulette and Clarence Williamson visited Samuel at the Fed Ex House, bringing him a beautiful, leather bound journal. Paulette said, “This is to write down your experience.”
There is so much more that UCPC has done and is doing to support my family in our time of need. I just wanted to share this snapshot of my life with you to testify of the depths of love in expression that my family has been a recipient of from UCPC. I feel lifted up on angel wings. There are truly angels among us. What kind of church is UCPC? The kind of church where Jesus principles are lived and taught: Love your neighbor as yourself. Love in action. Love that heals, conquers, abounds, evolves.
Since Samuel’s heart transplant (February 16th), he has been recovering at a miraculous rate. Sam’s Sunday School teacher, Keita Bey, said that in ICU, Sam was in a cocoon. When he comes out of it, he’s going to better than before. I truly believe that. We ask that you continue to lift up Samuel and our family in your prayers.
Samuel had a children’s worship song CD when he was younger with worship songs from around the world and various faiths. There was one song called Hashem Benadiv. “You can’t outgive the Giver.” That’s what I’m living. That’s what me and my family are experiencing. UCPC, the Marshall family wants to say thank you. We love. We appreciate you. We honor the God in you! Thank you God. Thank you God. Thank you God.
With Love from The Marshalls:
Rodney, Auset, Samuel, Caelan, Daniel, and Zamara (and Grandma Brooks)