Sumter Girl Scout receives prestigious Medal of Honor

Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands announced the Medal of Honor has been awarded to Ivey Elizabeth Edwards of Sumter, South Carolina. Ivey’s mother, Jennifer, is especially thankful this holiday season after her daughter saved her life.

Early in the morning on May 13, 2020 Ivey heard the faint sound of her name.  She went to her mother’s bedroom and discovered blood on the floor.  When Ivey called her mother’s name, Jennifer turned her head and noticed it was covered in blood.  Ivey immediately checked to make sure the injuries were not life-threatening.

Jennifer Edwards was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes as a young girl.  On this early morning in May her blood sugar had dropped into the teens.  Ivey tried to question her mother about her injuries and condition but her mother could not communicate what happened.  Ivey realized it was her blood sugar.  Her mother could not move and was close to falling into a coma.  Ivey’s first priority was to raise her mother’s blood sugar.  Ivey quickly fed her mother sugary food and drinks.  Then checked her wounds more carefully and determined her mother had bitten her lip all the way through. Once Ivey got her mother’s blood sugar to high enough levels that she could move, Ivey drove her to the emergency room.  Because of COVID-19 Ivey was not allowed in the emergency room so she returned home and cleaned in preparation of her mother’s return. 

Ivey’s Girl Scout training helped her stay calm.  She admits she was not fearless.  It was a shocking sight for her.  But, Ivey was able to keep a level head and treat efficiently and effectively.  The doctor and nurses that treated Jennifer said Ivey saved her mother’s life.

The Girl Scout Medal of Honor is given to a girl who has shown presence of mind and true Girl Scout spirit in saving a life or attempting to save a life under circumstances that indicate heroism.

Girl Scouts of South Carolina-Mountains to Midlands

For more than 100 years, Girl Scouting has helped girls develop positive values and become active, responsible leaders in their communities. With emphasis on personal growth and leadership development through service to others, Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts of South Carolina-Mountains to Midlands serves thousands of girls and adults in 22 counties of central and western South Carolina, including Abbeville, Aiken, Anderson, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Kershaw, Lancaster, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Sumter, and Union.