Twitter Feeds, Heart Surgery, & #pinkalicious

I have been blown away this week. Actually stopped work twice yesterday to have a conversation about how social media, Twitter & Facebook, to be exact have changed my small town (big hearted) community. I live in what could be considered the quintessential small town. I like to think, as a community, we are there for each other with or without Twitter, but honestly Twitter & Facebook have made a big impact this week.

Our Mayor, Mel Pennington & His wife Kerri have two beautiful girls. Mayor Pennington uses Twitter on a regular basis and I started following him when he ran for office. I like having Mel on my list because I am always in the know about the happenings of Hartsville. This twitter feed also gives me insight on any personal tweets and this is how I originally found out about Mel & Kerri’s daughter, Mary Clare. Mary Clare was born with half a heart and had heart surgery this week.

Mel & Kerri both have tweeted since arriving at the hospital using the tag #pinkalicious. I’ve been amazed to watch the Twitter feeds over the last couple of days. Tons of prayers, good wishes, and words of encouragement have come from people far and wide. Because of Facebook and Twitter, Mary Clare's story and updates are available instantly. The Pennington family can feel the love and support of people from all over.

Honestly, I’m vested. I’ve never personally met Mary Clare, but I’ve shared tweets with co-workers and friends.

A tweet the day of the surgery.
@mayorpennington: UPDATE: Off Heart-Lung bypass! Could be in PCICU in a little over an hour. #fingerscrossed #pinkalicious #Hartsville

Or a tweet one day after surgery
@kerripennington: MC has been sipping on juice. Very groggy/out of it still. Hanging in there! Sitting, praying, waiting. Life in PCICU.click here

March 30th was designated as “Pinkalicious Day” my members of the community in Hartsville. People wore pink and sent pictures to show their support. Two news stations have picked up the story via Twitter and have updated on both the 6pm and 6:30am news.

Think of the difference social media made for this family during this time. We are long past the days of phone calls, but this is a great example of social media making a difference for people. Not just for convenience, but truly making a difference. I dare say they have been covered with prayers by people they know and don’t know. Encouraged by pictures, tweets, and postings. Social media has the ability to make a difference in ministry, just as it has here.

Take the time to check out the feeds, tweets, news stories, etc. People were simple using social media to communicate their support for a tiny member of their community. WOW!

Twitter: @mayorpennington @kerripennington
Twitter Feeds: #pinkalicious #hartsville
Blog: www.babypennington.com
News Stories: WMBF news and WISTV news