Keith Harmon's Fight

As many of you may know, on the night of Aug 11th, Keith suffered from an anomalous kind of stroke called a cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (5 in 1 million individuals are affected by CVST per year) which is caused from a blockage in the drainage vein of the brain. He immediately underwent emergency surgery to remove a portion of his skull to relieve the pressure caused from the hemorrhage on the temporal lobe of his brain. Following the traumatic surgery, Keith was diagnosed with DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation). DIC is a serious disorder in which proteins that control blood clotting become overactive causing blood clots all over the body. The DIC disorder caused blood clots to develop in all his extremities. The team of hematologist were unable to treat the clotting due to the normal treatment of blood thinners causing the bleed on his brain to worsen—the team of medical staff kept referring to his case as “rare” and “double edged sword”. At this point, Keith’s body was going to have to cure itself and in time he fought hard to beat those odds! After being on this “roller coaster” of a journey for a couple of months now, it is putting quite an emotional and economical strain on his family as you can imagine. During this time his devoted and loving wife, Tammy, has not left his side. Often his sons, Jared and Jesse, and daughter-in-law, Brooke, are making trips back and forth from Newberry to be of support to both Keith and Tammy. They tried assiduously to get Keith admitted to a nationally ranked rehab facility known as, the Shepherd Center of Atlanta, Georgia. Multiple times they were told that he was not a candidate due to his inability to complete certain requirements. Due to Keith’s strong-willed nature, FINALLY, on September 13th, Keith proved that he could beat the odds once AGAIN and was accepted into the Shepherd Center! While they’re elated of this wonderful news, the transition from Newberry to Richland and now to Atlanta has been an adjustment and the family needs all of us more than ever. Medical expenses are becoming outrageous along with travel and everyday living in Atlanta. Tammy continues to stay with Keith every step of the way and Jared, Jesse and Brooke often spend long weekends in Atlanta with them as well. Being that they’re undergoing adversities that no family ever wants to experience, any monetary donation that can be spared for this precious family would be greatly appreciated. They are one of the most caring, kindest and giving families I know and now it’s our turn to assist them. Even if you’re unable to make contributions to them at this time, we ask that you please say a quick prayer for them. Pray that Keith makes a miraculous recovery and can be healed completely. Pray that Tammy continues to have patience as well as the rest of their family as their lives have forever changed. Keith will be remain in treatment in Atlanta through the beginning of the year and they hope to have him home in Newberry for good ny the end of February. The support that all their friends and family have shown during this trying time has been outpouring and they cannot thank you all enough for all that you have done and continue to do for them. Thank you again for the thoughts, prayers, contributions, visits, etc.! You all are very special to them and your prayers have brought Keith a long way.“The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” “Psalm 91:14-16