Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
Cayce, Chapin, Columbia, Irmo, Lexington, West Columbia, and White Knoll
In this Issue
Volume VIII
Cayce, Chapin, Columbia, Irmo, Lexington, West Columbia, and White Knoll
Volume VIII
Editor-In-Chief:
Lori Samples Duncan
8
(ld@woman2woman.sc)
A Personal Note 2
Project Coordinator:
Lori Samples Duncan Events
4 What’s happening in and around Lexington?
Media Representative:
Theresa Adams
(adamsmedia1@gmail.com)
Kid’s Stuff
5 Future Lexington women to look for!
Contributing Writers:
Theresa Adams Let’s Talk
Lori Samples Duncan 6 Lexington Woman loves Lexington men!
Margaret Anne Pitts Gaffney 7 Let’s hear it for the boys!
Heather McNair 8 9 months and 34 minutes of a purpose filled life
Melinda Norris
Tyler Ryan
Health & Wellness
Cover Photo: 10 Having children isn’t always easy
Clark Berry Photography 14 Smart Lipo
16 Healing health and wellness mother daughter team
Publication Layout and Ad Design: 17 Sneh Patel, Vital Energy Fitness
Melissa Wates
Business & Web Directory 19
Photography:
Clark Berry Photography
Dream Weaver Photos
Timeless Expressions Photography
www.lexingtonwoman.sc
A Personal Note
H appy Mother’s Day to each of you Lexington mothers! I know a lot of you, and you are wonderful women who are raising the next
generation of Lexingtonians. You are doing a fantastic job if your children are any indication.
In celebration of one of my favorite days of the year, Mother’s Day, I thought it only fitting to share with you my incredible mother, Patsy Gail
Samples. My very first memories she gave to me. I was only two and truthfully they are not my memories; they are hers. Her memories were
of a little girl that she obviously loved, that she gave to me. I tell them to my children and we laugh. I will share them with my grandchildren
one day and they will laugh at their “nana” the same way I laugh when my grandmother tells me stories of my mother. I love her.
photos by Dream Weaver Photos When we are children we love our daddies, because I think daddies are usually more fun.
They play with us; they tease us. In my house he went to work everyday and came home at
the same time, so I looked forward to the newness with him. Mama was about taking care
of business. She did the hard stuff. She had doctor visits, eye appointments, dental visits,
bath time and making sure I ate my vegetables. Though I will say when I was hurt it was
mama that I wanted.
I remember being eighteen and having my wisdom teeth pulled. I counted to four and was
out. I woke up crying for my mother. Mom said later the nurse came to get her and said,
“she want’s you Mrs. Samples.” I remember how I felt when she walked into that room. I
was at that time already taller than her, but her presence made everything else seem okay.
I knew she had great expectations of me, how I handled my self as a young woman, and
who I would be as a woman with children of my own. I knew she believed in me. She was
my biggest fan. It used to bother me that people thought we looked like sisters instead of
mother/daughter. I was convinced that I must look really old! I now appreciate the fact that
I have a young looking mother and hope that is a testament to good genes.
There was a time in my life, I thought I knew everything. I thought her sole purpose was
to railroad any attempt I made at having a little fun. I disagreed with her simply because it
was her idea. After having children of my own I understand now all the wisdom she was
trying to impart to me by the benefit of her experience.
cigarette. She has loved her children to distraction and made every effort to help
each of us to be the best adults we can be.
Mothers’ Spotlight!
I think the day that I held my first son in my arms, I started to realize the depth
of my mothers love. On that day it was as if my heart swelled right inside my
chest to accommodate all the emotion that I felt for this beautiful baby in my
arms. Suddenly all the things I had taken for granted became so clear to me. As I
looked at him, as I did with each of his siblings, I realized I would move heaven
and earth to keep him from harm. I would climb mountains, swim oceans, stand
in front of speeding trains if it were necessary to keep him healthy and happy. I
finally understood what motherhood was all about.
As a mother myself, I can look back on the sacrifices she made, without com-
plaint and see them for what they were, a mother’s love. I can remember hearing Beth Branham with her mother
her prayers over each of her children, how I thought she was silly to pray so hard. “Of course I have the best Mom in the world! She and
Dad live in Chester, SC where I was raised. I consider
I now realize the language of love she was speaking over her family. I can look her a best friend who is always there to support me and
back with a woman’s eyes and see the love she poured into every dress she sewed encourage me no matter what happens in my life. I espe-
for me, every cut she cleaned, every bruise she kissed, every off key tune she sang cially enjoy the times now when we get together for no
to soothe us and know how she loves us. particular reason but to have lunch or go shopping.”
– Beth Branham
Even now, at 37, when she gives me advice or tells me I need to do something…
that little girl who doesn’t like to be bossed around rises up in me and I laugh.
Usually she is right. I remember when I was pregnant with Ryan and I was so
worried about the news the doctors had shared. I knew she was too far away to
come to the ultrasound, and had other responsibilities at home. I didn’t expect
her to drive 3.5 hours to hold her grown daughters hand, yet she did. When the
doctor gave us good news and not what we had feared, she stood at the head of
my bed and cried with me.
Happy Mother’s Day, Mama. I pray that I am as present and loving in my chil-
dren’s life as you are mine.
www.lexingtonwoman.sc
Events
Mother’s Spotlight!
3 generations:
Ruth with her mother, Beverly Jennifer Hutchinson with her Mandy Bowden with her
Abdalla, and daughter Christine daughter Elizabeth mother and grandmother
“My mom has never met a stranger. She is the “A hug and kiss from my Elizabeth consumes my “I am so lucky to come from generations of strong,
friendliest, most outgoing Southern lady you will heart, her big blue eyes look at me with nothing kind, loving and beautiful women.We are never too
ever meet!” but love and I am proud to be her mother.” old to need our Mommies!”
– Ruth Chapman – Jennifer Hutchinson – Mandy Bowden
$ROP )N AND #REATE 4HURSDAY n 3ATURDAY AM PM
!RT #LASSES s #ERAMICS s "EADING s 3TEPPING 3TONES s 'LASS &USION s #LAY
www.lexingtonwoman.sc
Let’s Talk
REVERSE ANTI-AGE
Regimen for Brown Spots, Regimen for Fine Lines,
Dullness and Sun Damage Wrinkles, and Loss of Firmness
UNBLEMISH SOOTHE
Regimen for Acne Regimen for Sensitive,
and Post-Acne Marks Irritated Skin and Facial Redness
www.lexingtonwoman.sc
Let’s Talk
find out a final diagnosis two days later on to make certain we preserved our memo- Crystal: We both believed that God intend-
February 5th. We were told that our sweet ries of him as best we could. This diagno- ed for us to carry out this pregnancy, and He
baby boy, (who we had named Benjamin sis confirmed our greatest fear. Most babies was in control. I felt amazingly blessed that
Michael Poston II) had a disorder called with this condition are stillborn, but some Benjie felt the same way. We never once con-
Thanatophoric Dysplasia. live for minutes to hours after birth based on templated an alternative. I felt I was given the
the severity of their case. The chance of sur- opportunity to carry and hold Benjamin for
Thanatophoric Dysplasia is a type of fatal vival for a baby like Benjamin was impos- 9 months. To deny Benjie the opportunity to
dwarfism that affects 1 in 60,000 pregnan- sible. We struggled beyond comprehension hold him also, would have been unfair. He
cies. While the baby is in utero, he is safe, for the following days. We had to address loved him too!
happy, and healthy. But at birth, he is unable all of our friends and family. And we had to
to breathe. With this disorder, because of the stay strong for each other and Bailey. We im- Dr. Stands was extremely supportive of our
small size of his chest, there is no room for mediately reached out to our Pastor. (Alex decision and helped along the way to ensure
the lungs to expand. Twedt of Transfiguration Lutheran Church). us that we were taking the appropriate steps.
He is an amazing preacher, and throughout His knowledge as a doctor helped to guide
The reality that we would only be with our our entire journey, he stood with us. There us and give us a peace in our minds, but
son for 4 more months was overwhelming. were moments at the hospital when there it was his strong devotion to the Lord that
Knowing that he was healthy and happy were no words necessary. His presence was comforted our hearts.
inside of me, made me wish the pregnancy enough. We are very thankful for the role he
would take its time. I wanted to feel every played in Benjamin’s life and death. I believe that I was a surrogate mother for
kick, and every hiccup, and all of the back the Lord. I enjoyed my pregnancy, and my
aches and heartburn. I dreaded my due date, For Benjie and me, there were no hard de- time as his mommy, but he wasn’t mine to
because I knew it would also be the day I lost cisions to make. I believe that you become keep. He belonged in God’s hands.
my child. a mother the minute you find out you are
pregnant. Benjamin was my son, and I loved Lori: When was Benjamin Michael Poston,
Lori: When you received the diagnosis, what him unconditionally already. II born?
were some of the important decisions that Crystal: Benjamin was born (full term) June
had to be made? Lori: What do you feel played a major role in 10, 2009 at Baptist Hospital. Dr. Stands and
Crystal: The important decisions were how making those decisions? the staff there had arranged for me to re-
cover in a large room where I was joined by
my family for a small service performed by
Pastor Alex. My family was able to hold Ben-
We visit his grave jamin before the service (after his death). I
often, and take Bailey of course lay in my recovery bed with Benjie
holding Benjamin beside me, surrounded by
there with us. It is my family. It was beautiful. In the most dev-
astating moment of my life, for a moment,
not a place to be sad. just like on February 3rd in Dr. Stands’ of-
For us, it is a place fice, there was peace. I know I am watched
over, and I know that God trusted in my and
to love, and share Benjie’s faith, and our marriage. We were
strong, and because of Benjamin, our faith
Benjamin with Bailey. AND our marriage are now even stronger.
Lori: How long did he live?
www.lexingtonwoman.sc
Let’s Talk
803-254-3230
columbiawhc.com
www.lexingtonwoman.sc 11
Health & Wellness
www.lexingtonwoman.sc 13
Health & Wellness
Smart Lipo
by Heather McNair
tion with little or no downtime? Then your no recovery time. A local anesthetic is used. Other procedures that Dr. Carter offers at
answer is Dr. Dee Carter and her team at the the Cosmetic Laser Studio include laser hair
Cosmetic Laser Studio. SmartLipo is great for areas that one has removal, laser vein removal, fractional CO2
trouble toning with exercise. This procedure skin resurfacing, erbium skin resurfacing,
Dr. Dee Carter has a degree in electrical en- is not used for weight loss, but instead is permanent makeup, Botox and M.C.A., or
gineering and worked in that field for eight Multitrepannic Collagen Actuation.
years before deciding to attend the Univer-
sity of South Carolina School of Medicine. M.C.A. is a non-surgical technique that uses
The Cosmetic Laser dry needles (no fillers) to cause micro trau-
The Cosmetic Laser Studio is a full service ma in the skin, thus stimulating the patient’s
medi spa that offers the latest technology Studio is a full service own skin rejuvenation. This works for both
available. The office is small and discreet medi spa with the latest men and women who want to look younger
“so you won’t meet your neighbor walking without surgery. And, unlike fillers, the re-
through the front door,” Dr Carter said. technology available. sult is permanent.
Dr. Carter does not believe that any single The Cosmetic Laser Studio also offers spa
procedure is the answer for everyone; there- services such as facials and skin treatments,
fore she offers many different treatment used to sculpt such areas as the “love han- such as microdermabrasion and chemical
techniques. “An array of tools in the tool dles,” the neck, inner and outer thighs, ab- peels.
box,” she said. dominal fat, and the area most women refer
to as “bra fat.” Dr. Dee Carter also carries makeup and skin
Laser Body Sculpting, or SmartLipo, is an care products for her patients, brands such as
innovative treatment that is laser assisted Thermage is also offered at the Cosmetic La- Clayton Shagal, Rodan & Fields, Cosmelan,
liposuction. The patient is not put to sleep ser Studio. Thermage is a non-surgical, injec- and the Clarisonic brush. She recently add-
for this procedure. There is less bruising and tion free treatment that uses radio frequency ed the Glo Mineral make-up line.
bleeding than is seen in traditional liposuc- energy to tighten the skin. This treatment is
tion, and SmartLipo only requires a few days great for treating fine lines and wrinkles by Dr. Carter is board certified. She lives with
www.lexingtonwoman.sc 15
Health & Wellness
HTherapy.
ima Dalal is a growing name in
Lexington with her Vital Energy
alongside. Together, they help their custom-
ers heal to their fullest.
providing resistance and aquatic her mother’s Vital Energy Occupational/ “Vital Energy Fitness Studio is small,” Sneh
weights that help for strengthening Physical Therapy Center. said, “so that I can work one-on-one with
and power hose that helps massage my clients. It is a personal experience.”
muscles. Those who suffer from Vital Energy Fitness Studio specializes in
obesity also use this Hydrotherapy bariatric fitness and personal training. Bar- Not only does Sneh specialize in bariatric
treatment. iatric fitness basically means obesity in chil- fitness, but she also works with people who
dren and adults. want to just lose a few pounds, who have suf-
For conditions, such as diabetes and fered injuries and are having difficulty losing
high blood pressure, Hima told the Although born in Cleveland, Sneh moved weight, and geriatric fitness (fitness for the
magazine they offer a combination with her family to India at the age of eight. elderly), people who are into body building,
of proper selection of food group, After spending eight years there, they moved want to participate in a cardio workout, or
lifestyle changes and therapeutic back to America. who want to participate in specific sports
exercise. fitness.
Sneh graduated from the University of South
Hima also offers yoga, Reiki and Carolina in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree “It all depends on a person’s fitness level,”
Myofacscial Release therapy that in exercise science. Her mother owns Vital Sneh said. Sneh helps children and adults of
“stimulates the muscle energy flow Energy Occupational Therapy and Wellness all ages.
that keeps everyone feeling alive Center and because of the known name, Vital
and happy.” Energy, was already out there, Sneh decided Sneh Patel said she does not have a favorite
to use that name for her business as well. mother’s day moment with her mom, but
Sports therapy, pediatric therapy, instead said: “I’ve always wanted to be just
and hand therapy are also provided “I love helping people and working with like my mother. Hopefully one day I will be
at Vital Energy by a Board Certified people,” Sneh said. “I picked fitness so I just like her.”
Physical Therapist and Hand Thera-
pist.
• Weight Loss
Hima and her staff work with new- • Personal Training
born to elderly patients providing • Bariatric Fitness
Physical/Occupational/Hand Ther-
• Geriatric Fitness
apy/Aqua Therapy. Pediatric Ther-
apy provided at Vital Energy helps • Toning
young children who suffer with • Nutritional
birth defects, scoliosis, torticolis, au- Sneh Patel, Exercise Physiologist Consulting
tism, etc., just to name a few. (803) 467-4217 • Facials
163 B Charter Oak Road • Lexington, SC 29072 • Massage
Sneh offers personal fitness and Email: vitalenergyfitness@gmail.com • Male and Female
weight loss for adults, children, and
Personal Trainers
geriatric clients. www.vitalenergyfitness.com • Under Water
Together, mother, daughter and staff Treadmill
work hard for the people in Lexing-
ton to achieve good health, fitness
and wellness.
Hospice
Nikki Haley with and her Hospice Care Of Tri-County..........................................18
mother, Raj Randhawa www.medicalservicesofamerica.com
“My mother taught me that whatever
you do in your life, be great at it, and
make sure people remember you for OB/GYN
it. I am thankful everyday for the les- Columbia Women’s Healthcare......................................11
sons I have learned from her and the www.columbiawhc.com
support she continues to give me.”
– Nikki Haley
Photography
Clark Berry Photography..................Inside Front Cover
www.clarkberry.com
Volume VII
G, AND EDUCATIN
G Real WOMEN
CELEBRATING, MOTIVATIN
CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING
, AND EDUCATING Real WOMEN
Melissa Birdsong
What’s cookin’ mama?
Dooley
Ashley McGuinn 2ndAnnual Surviving the
At home with Ashley Holidays Fashion Show
www.lexingtonwoman.sc 19