Camo for Liam
Published 6:19 pm Thursday, January 25, 2018
- The Grant Union Prospector basketball team, coaches and assistants wear camo in a show of support for second-grader Liam Flanagan of Pilot Rock who died Jan. 21 of a flesh-eating bacteria, also known as necrotizing fasciitis. Camouflage was a favorite of Liam's and supporters were asked to wear camo today in his memory. Head coach Kelsy Wright, second from left, is a friend and former classmate of Liam's mom Sara Hebard.
The Grant Union Prospector boys basketball team took time after their Friday night win over the Enterprise Outlaws in John Day, to show support for a young Liam Flanagan who lost his life Jan. 21 to a flesh-eating bacteria.
The entire team dressed in camouflage, Liam’s favorite.
Liam, a second-grader from Pilot Rock, came down with the infection, known as necrotizing fasciitis, just days after a bicycle wreck.
Prospector head coach Kelsy Wright graduated from Prairie City High School with Liam’s mom, Sara Hebard.
“Sara is a long time friend and classmate of mine,” Wright said. “I told the team the story about her son Liam.”
He added, “They wanted to show support and honor Sara’s request to wear camo today to help raise awareness for necrotizing fasciitis. Their compassion for others is amazing, and I’m very proud of them. They are fine young men.”
Hebard said her son’s pain level was higher than she expected for the size of the injury.
Other signs to look for, according to the Centers for Disease Control, which may start a few hours after the injury, include the wound being warm to the touch, red or purplish areas of swelling that spread rapidly. Later symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue and vomiting.
A GoFundMe page has been set up, already raising $38,355, along with accounts at Banner Bank and Old West Federal Credit Union to help the family pay medical and other expenses.
