Paris Pate was determined to walk out of McLeod Health Cheraw after spending more than 260 days in the hospital. Supported by the staff, she waves to the crowd gathered to celebrate her miraculous outcome.

Paris Pate of Bennettsville spent more than 260 days in McLeod Health Cheraw and McLeod Regional Medical Center battling complications from COVID-19. On Friday, May 20, 2022, the hospital staff and members of the Cheraw and Bennettsville communities came together to celebrate with Pate and her family as she was discharged from McLeod Health Cheraw.

Speakers during the celebration included Pate’s Pastor Eddie Davis with Community of Grace Church in Bennettsville, SC House Representative Pat Henegan, McLeod Hospitalist Dr. Andre Dyer and Hospital Chaplain James Smith. Pate was also driven home in a limousine with a police escort.

Pate addressed those gathered saying, “People say treat others the way you want to be treated. These loving nurses and staff have been good to me…all of them. I’m so grateful to be alive I’m grateful…grateful…grateful. Just tell anybody, everybody how good God has been to me. And God did it.”

A patient of McLeod Health Cheraw since December 2021, Pate impacted the lives of so many of the staff members at the hospital especially the Respiratory Therapy team. Danielle Pentecost, RRT, said, “Mrs. Pate has touched the lives of every healthcare provider that has cared for her. She has allowed all of us to be part of a true miracle giving us all inspiration when we needed it the most. She is the definition of humble and kind with a smile that lights up the entire room. I have been lucky enough to be part of her recovery process here at McLeod Cheraw. One day in particular I will never forget as it truly touched my heart. I assisted Physical Therapy and another Respiratory Therapist while Mrs. Pate was walking down the hall. Mrs. Pate made it more than halfway to the front door which was the longest she had walked. When Mrs. Pate got back to her room, she sat on the bed with tears rolling down her face. She said, ‘Thank you all of you, you all have saved my life.’ We were all crying with her and she said with a smile, ‘I love all of you but I’m walking out that front door.’ And, she did.”

Tracy Hatcher, RCP, shared, “Mrs. Pate is a patient who will certainly always be remembered and never forgotten. She taught me more than I could have ever taught her and she is living proof that miracles do happen every day. After being here for almost a year, Mrs. Pate had many overwhelming days of despair. One day, she asked if there was any way she could go outside and I had the privilege of being the one to share this moment with her, alongside her physical therapist and nurse. Once we opened the door and pushed her out in the wheelchair, Mrs. Pate immediately threw her hands up in the air, closed her eyes, and said ‘thank you Jesus.’ I get chills every time I think about it. This made it all worth it for me. All the hard work, blood, sweat and tears shed through COVID had been lifted. I was honored to be a part of sharing this moment with her as we all cried happy tears. She will always be so very special to me and her will power and determination will always be something I strive for every day. Through it all, Mrs. Pate has had a smile on her sweet face and remained so strong in her faith. She fought to the very end as we assisted in her care. She never gave up. Mrs. Pate is the epitome of humble, strong, kind, and determined and I was honored to be a part of this trying time in her life because even though it wasn’t always easy, it was certainly worth it in the end. She did more for me than I could have ever done for her.”

“Paris seems like part of our family here at McLeod Health Cheraw,” said Registered Respiratory Therapist Sandi Byrd. “Those of us in Respiratory have been with Paris from day one. We’ve seen her in her lows and her high’s. I couldn’t imagine staying in the hospital for months like her. I know she missed being around her family and friends. One day, I noticed that Paris’s nails were really long, and I asked her if I could trim them, and she said yes. I went to the store and got some things to give her a ‘Little Spa Session.’ My co-worker and I soaked her hands, cleaned and trimmed her nails, and rubbed her face, hands, arms and legs with lotion. She kept saying it felt wonderful and relaxing. I’m very thankful that I was a part of her care knowing how far Paris has come since she first arrived at McLeod Health Cheraw.”

Pricilla McRae, Director of Respiratory Therapy, added, “As I listened to the staff during shift change sharing numerous experiences and tears regarding Mrs. Pate’s progress, it reminds of a quote by Steve Maraboli. ‘We are designed with a dreaming brain and a hopeful spirit; it is our nature to envision the life of our dreams. And while dreaming comes easy to us, we must never forget that it takes strength, dedication, and courageous action to bring that dream to life.’ Mrs. Pate had a dream that she shared with the Respiratory staff, her desire to have her tracheostomy removed, walk, and return home. With her faith in God, strength and dedication, and the courageous actions of the medical staff at McLeod Health Cheraw, her dream was brought to life.”

“Mrs. Pate’s recovery highlighted the Medical Surgical, Respiratory Therapy, and Rehabilitation Services’ amazing teamwork, compassion, and success that they delivered while caring for her,” said Cassie Davis with McLeod Service Excellence. “The care provided, relationships developed, and progress she made is nothing short of outstanding. Mrs. Pate is now walking with assistance and is off continuous oxygen. It has truly been a work of the heart between these departments to get Mrs. Pate where she is today.”