HARRELLS — The homecoming was an emotional one for family members, friends and supporters of 3-year-old Katie Whitman, one that they kept praying would happen since early October.

On Thursday morning, Katie was officially released from UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill after battling for her young life since Oct. 4 when she was diagnosed with a very rare form of hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). She has been in critical condition at the hospital since the day of her diagnosis.

HUS is characterized by the triad of hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure. The only distinguishing feature is that in TTP, fever and neurological symptoms are often present; but it is not always the case. The two conditions are sometimes treated as a single entity called “TTP/HUS”.

Despite being released, Whitman has a long road ahead of her, family members said. She is still on dialysis and a host of medications, and she is working to build her strength back.

“She’s home,” said Katie’s cousin Marie Blackburn. “And we are all excited about it.”

Blackburn said the doctors expected Katie to be in the hospital at least two more weeks to continue therapy, but the youngster was already eating and making efforts to walk.

“She walked two laps around the hospital,” Blackburn said. “She was doing so good that the therapist said that she would be OK to go.”

For the past two days, Katie’s appetite has grown.

“Katie has been eating chicken nuggets and drinking Sprite,” Blackburn noted. “That is a good sign ...”

Since Katie was admitted to the hospital and pleas for prayers went out, the community, Blackburn said, had rallied, leaving the family overwhelmed with gratitude.

“We just appreciate everything that everyone has done,” she said. “We just ask that you continue to keep her in your prayers, because it is working.”

This weekend a Horse Ride for Katie will take place at 131 Wyne Lane in Harrells. Onsite camping is encouraged, with the horse trail ride beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21. There will be a trial ride for those who have horses, entertainment, music and an auction.

For more information on the Horse Ride for Katie or to donate items for the auction call 910-337-1014 or 910-385-6522.

There has also been a fund set up for Katie at First Citizens Bank and there are T-shirts and “Praying for Katie” prayer signs on sale.

For more information on how to purchase shirts or signs, call Eason at 910-385-5086 during regular business hours. To send a donation, send checks to First Citizens Bank, c/o St. Pauls FWB Church/Katie Whitman Fund, P.O. Box 116, Newton Grove; or to St. Pauls Freewill Baptist Church c/o ‘Katie Whitman Fund’, P.O. Box 64, Newton Grove; or stop by any First Citizens Bank branch.

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or send e-mail to sisports@myclintonnc.com.