McKenzie’s Moving!

A Pierce County girl left paralyzed by a New Year’s Day car crash has just made an unbelievable step in her recovery.

“She is moving her right elbow purposely,” says mom, Sara Harris. “We’re like, ‘move it up, move it down.’ And she’s doing it. It’s amazing!”

Sara was also injured in the crash, along with her husband, Doug, and their 3 year old son, Wyatt.

McKenzie, 7, is the only family member still in the hospital, but she could be discharged as early as next week.

A project, spearheaded by KIRO Radio’s Ron and Don Nation, to remodel the Harris home in Eatonville and accommodate McKenzie and her electric wheelchair is nearly complete, but they could still use a little help for the finishing touches.

Family friend Katrina Flowers, who has been organizing volunteers, says their immediate need is for an experienced installer to lay the tile in McKenzie’s bathroom this weekend.

Materials for the entire $120,000 remodel project have all been donated or have been covered by cash donations to the Harris family. All of the labor has been done by volunteers.

“It’s going so great! Every time I show people a picture of her room, they’re like ‘You’re right, it’s really amazing!’ Our community has done so much,” says Sara.

What’s even better is the recent progress McKenzie has been making as they’re just about a week away from her going home. Sara says McKenzie is excited to feel her body waking up. She’s also starting to feel tingling and pain in her hips and legs.

While they’re grateful for the excellent care McKenzie has received at Seattle Children’s Hospital, McKenzie is ready to go home.

“McKenzie really wants to go – she’s going to get up and walk out of here,” laughs Sara.

You can find out more about how you can help, donate to the Harris family or join one of the many fundraisers being planned by the community at You Caring.com or Facebook.