Help Scarlett Recover from Fireworks Eye Injury

My name is Joanna Blackstone, and I'm organizing this GoFundMe on behalf of my first cousin, Abbie Harkins, and her sweet 4-year-old daughter Scarlett Harkins.

On July 4th, Abbie took Scarlett and her twin boys to watch Thunder on the Mountain from a parking lot in Homewood. When the big fireworks show was close to starting, people in the crowded parking lot started shooting off their own fireworks by their vehicles. One big firework that was ignited nearby hit the front of the vehicle where Abbie, Scarlett, and other children were seated and landed in Sweet Scarlett's eye.

Scarlett was immediately rushed to Children's Hospital, where she spent the next 13 hours. She was sedated so doctors could open her eye fully to evaluate the extent of her injuries. She was diagnosed with a back retinal bleed, scratches, bruising, and vision loss. Scarlett has already had a few doctor appointments immediately following this ER visit.

The retina specialist has Scarlett scheduled for surgery on Wednesday, July 13th to go in and look at the severity of her retinal bleed. Abbie will know more about what will follow after this surgery. Regardless, it will be a long road for Scarlett to recover her vision (God-willing).

This tragedy has also occurred at an already difficult time for Scarlett's mom. Abbie has had to take off work, without pay, to care for Scarlett. And a few weeks prior, Abbie was also out of work with Covid, while Scarlett and her twin brothers had RSV. Abbie was looking forward to these next paychecks to cover their bills, and this unexpected tragedy has put a significant financial burden on Abbie and her family. Abbie will also likely continue to need substantial time off as Scarlett recovers from her injury and vision loss with doctors' visits and potential surgeries.

Abbie is a fantastic mother to Scarlett and her brothers. She works hard, and does not want to ask anyone for anything, but many people have reached out wanting to help Abbie, sweet Scarlett, and her family. Any amount will help - and of course, we ask for healing prayers for Scarlett and for her vision to completely return. I appreciate your help in showing love to my sweet cousins during this difficult time.

You can follow their story on FOX 6WBRC:

https://www.wbrc.com/video/2022/07/07/year-old-suffers-partial-vision-loss-after-fireworks-injury-4/