Paris Sledge, a student at Jack Hayes Elementary, celebrated her 7th birthday on September 29th—a milestone her family has been eagerly anticipating since the day she entered the world as a miracle baby.
Born at just 26 weeks, weighing only one pound 13 ounces, Paris was so small that she could fit in the palm of her mother’s hand.
Her parents, Joe Sledge and Brittanee Smith, and her grandmother, Donecia Presley, vividly recall the critical early days of her life. Paris faced immense challenges, including bleeding on the brain and a hole in both the top and bottom of her heart. For nearly nine months, she remained in an incubator, her family holding fast to faith and prayer, believing that God would bring them a miracle.
And a miracle they received.
Paris’ great-grandmother, Willie Jewel Cotton, often reminds her that God has great plans for her life. Her family’s faith sustained them through their darkest moments, and today, Paris is a living testimony to the power of prayer, determination, and resilience.
Though her premature birth brought physical and developmental challenges, Paris has flourished in ways no one could have imagined. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed her education, as she could not attend preschool or Head Start. However, her natural curiosity and resilience shone through. Now, as a student at Jack Hayes Elementary, she is an outstanding performer, excelling in her studies despite the obstacles she faced.
Paris is known for her infectious positive attitude and outgoing spirit, making her a beloved friend to many. Her teachers and peers admire her strength and perseverance, and she inspires all who know her.
Her family is grateful to see Paris thriving and growing. As they reflect on the past seven years, they do so with full hearts, knowing that their miracle child has already defied the odds—and her journey is just beginning.
