When most families are planning a fireworks celebration and potluck meals, the family of Carson Andrew was mourning the loss of his cousin, Mary Kate, better known as “Katie Girl.” Mary Kate passed away on New Year’s Eve in 2009 at the age of six from heart disease. Even though the spunky girl was very sick, her outside appearance fooled many. Mary Kate took dance, played t-ball and attended school at Aynor Elementary. Carson, her cousin and friend, would describe Mary Kate as very bossy and prissy.
Having a fairly large family, with lots of very close cousins, one of the hardest moments was telling the other children of the unexpected loss of Mary Kate.
For Carson, as well as the entire community, his world had suddenly changed. There were many tears and much sadness, but the entire family rallied together to make sure that Mary Kate’s story would touch others and her spirit would stay alive.
In February, Aynor Elementary holds it annual “Jump Rope For Heart.” It is a time to raise awareness of heart disease in children. When Carson Andrew came home from school with his packet, he told his mom that he would raise the most money and he was determined to make Mary Kate proud!
With emotions very high, kids raised a lot of money, but Carson kept his word and raised the highest amount that year. Carson ranked No. 2 in the state. When he received his plaque, he told his mom that he wanted to be No. 1 for the 2011 year. The next year, he worked hard, and with the help of many generous donations from family, friends and local businesses, he pushed to the top again! This time to everyone’s surprise, not only did he rank No. 1 in the school, but No. 1 in the state of South Carolina, No. 1 in the mid-Atlantic and No. 1 in the nation.
Carson beat out over two million kids! He told his mom that night in bed that he thought Mary Kate would be proud…in his mom’s words, “I know that she is proud.”
Carson is the son of Benjie and Angela Usher Andrew and is the grandson of James Robert Usher Jr. and Martha Usher and Mr. and Mrs. Benny Andrew.
Carson will be participating in the 2012 Jump Rope For Heart and plans to jump in honor of Mary Kate and her brother, Andrew Lovell, age 14, who also battles heart disease.
If you wish to donate, please call 843-254-1990 to see how you can help Carson raise awareness of childhood heart disease.