Toddler suffers heart failure

Just a few weeks ago, this column told the story of 15-month-old Lexie Speights, who was born with heart problems. Despite the constant medical procedures she needed to undergo, Lexie grew into a happy and active child. However, multiple surgeries failed to solve the problem, and her parents, Michael and Stephanie Speights, were told that the baby needed a heart transplant.

Willing to do anything that might save their child, the Speights family prepared to pull up stakes and move to Houston to be close enough to the transplant center and a second chance for Lexie, but it wasn't to be. As they drove to Houston, Lexie became cold and lethargic. They raced her to the emergency room, but she died of heart failure shortly after reaching the hospital.

Her family is grateful for the support of their family, friends and the community during Lexie's life. Contributions to help defray funeral expenses can be made at any Capital One bank, to the Lexie Nicole Speights Donation Account.

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Kids helping kids is the theme of a recent project for some Marrero Girl Scouts, Brownie Troop No. 40060 and Daisy Scout Troop No. 711. Last week, as part of earning their Sharing and Caring badge, troop members made blankets for Project Linus, a nonprofit organization that makes it their mission to "provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, hand-made blankets and afghans."

Project Linus blankets are created by volunteers known as "blanketeers" and then distributed to Children's Hospital, homeless shelters, helicopter nurses, and a variety of first responders. Fabrixx of Metairie sponsored the troops' efforts with a donation of material.

Stacy Decossas, one of the troop leaders, said the girls selected Project Linus as part of their community service this year because it was such a hands-on way of helping other children in need. The blankets will each be accompanied by a hand-written note from one of the Scouts, as an added dose of comfort and fun.

For more information on Project Linus, visit www.projectlinus.org or call 309.454.1764. Details on the Girl Scouts and local troops can be found at www.gsle.org or by calling 504.733.8220.

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If you love live music, head out to the Immaculate Conception Le Bon Vivant Music Festival this weekend for some good tunes and a good time. The festival will be held Friday evening and all day Saturday, with three stages to choose from.

The Blackened Blues Band will start things off at 7 p.m. on the main stage. Friday evening also features Marrero's own Lindsay Mendez singing on the Petit Stage, and a variety show featuring the Louisiana Kids on the Café Stage.

On Saturday, the show begins at 10 a.m. and doesn't end until 8 p.m., with Iguana and Southern Cross among those on the main stage. Other guests include La Destiny, the Latin Four and performers from the New Orleans Opera. Wander from stage to stage to hear Cajun music, barbershop harmony, Broadway tunes and more.

Admission to Le Bon Vivant Music Festival is $5 on Friday and $10 on Saturday, and each ticket is put into a drawing for a $500 monetary prize. Food, drinks, crafts and carnival rides also will be available. The festival is located on the fairgrounds of Immaculate Conception, 601 Avenue C, Marrero.