Hailey Waldo
Reporter@greenepublishing.com
The outpouring of support for Harlee Davis continues to grow as family, friends and neighbors stand beside her during her recovery from a life-threatening medical emergency. Along with the July 17 BBQ chicken fundraiser, supporters now have another opportunity to help through the purchase of #HarleeStrong T-shirts, with all proceeds benefiting Davis’s ongoing recovery.
Davis’s family recently shared the emotional details of the medical crisis that changed their lives. After returning home from a weekend getaway at the beach, the family awoke on the morning of Monday, June 1, to find Davis only partially responsive. She was rushed to Madison County Memorial Hospital, where medical staff stabilized her before she was transported to UF Health Shands Hospital for advanced treatment.
Just a few days later, on Thursday, June 4, Davis suffered another serious setback when she experienced respiratory complications. A Code Blue was called, indicating a life-threatening medical emergency, and medical personnel performed one round of CPR and administered epinephrine to restore her heartbeat and breathing before she was once again placed on a ventilator.
Following multiple CT scans, MRIs and X-rays, doctors determined that Davis had suffered a stroke. Because of the area of her brain that was affected, she has experienced difficulty swallowing and maintaining her balance.
Since then, Davis spent two weeks at the UF Rehabilitation Hospital, where she underwent intensive therapy. Her family said she received outstanding care and continues to make progress each day. However, they note that she still faces a lengthy recovery and will continue to need speech, physical and occupational therapy in the months ahead.
The family expressed gratitude to everyone who has surrounded them with love and encouragement throughout the ordeal. “We would like to thank everyone for the prayers, support through visits, calls and texts, the love shown upon us and the financial assistance to help lesson our burden,” said Laura Davis, Harlee’s mother. “And most of all our thanks are to God, for He has been with us every step of the journey.”
Throughout her recovery, Davis has leaned heavily on her faith. From the very beginning, she asked for the song “God Is Still Good” to be played and one particular lyric has become her personal anthem: “Through it all I will stand and say… God is still good.” The message has inspired the family’s ongoing #HarleeStrong campaign and serves as a reminder of the hope that has carried them through every challenge.
To continue helping with medical expenses and rehabilitation costs, supporters can join in on the “Through It All” T-shirt fundraiser. The shirt features the message “Stronger Through It All - Faith. Strength. Hope.” along with the words, “A Road to Recovery. A faith that carries you through. God is still good.”
Youth sizes XS through XL are available for $15, while adult sizes S through 3XL are $20. Every shirt purchased directly supports Harlee’s recovery journey. Payments can be made through Cash App $Prekmom5 or Venmno @LDavisPrekmom.
The T-shirt fundraiser is happening along with the BBQ chicken dinner benefit, where supporters can gather to purchase plates, order pork loins and made donations to assist the Davis family. Every contribution, whether through purchasing a meal, buying a shirt or making a donation, helps ease the financial burden while allowing Davis to focus on healing.