Since exhibiting what at first was thought to be regular flu-like symptoms in the fall of 2009, Harrells 3-year-old Katie Whitman has been fighting for her life.

Katie, who who was diagnosed with a very rare form of hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) and Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), was in critical condition at the hospital Oct. 4. through early November.

She came home for the first time in the middle of November 2009. However, since then, she has returned time and again for continuous testing.

Earlier this week she was admitted overnight because of high levels of potassium and phosphorus, as well as high blood pressure.

“She is doing better,” her cousin Marie Blackburn said late Tuesday. “And she has been put on the list for a kidney transplant. They have been doing a lot of tests on her, and she is making progress, but she has a long way to go.”

The youngster’s kidney function is at around 15 percent. It has been damaged so much, she is one of the top candidates for a transplant as soon as one comes in, her cousin said.

Blackburn said that earlier this week, Katie, who will be four on May 19, was kept in the hospital after going in for her routine round of tests earlier this week.

“Her potassium and phosphorus levels were very high,” she said. “On top of that, her blood pressure was over 135 and a low of 100, so they kept her in there to get it down.”

Blackburn also reported that doctors are working to pinpoint the disease from which Whitman is suffering.

“The test that we were waiting on proved that whatever it is, it is not genetic,” she said. “However, the doctor’ also said that it may not be TTP — they are still trying to find out exactly what it is.”

In the meantime, family, friends and the community continue to rally around the child who is still suffering.

In November, the family held a fundraising that garnered over $8,000, money being used to help pay medical expenses. In the months after the diagnosis, T-shirts and signs for Katie have been purchased in support of the child. A fund has also been set up for Katie and the family at First Citizens Bank.

“We appreciate everyone keeping her in their prayers,” said Blackburn. “We hope that they still do. We know she still has a long way to go.”

For more information on how to purchase shirts or signs, call family friend Nikki 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.