Shawnee community rallies around injured girl

Benefit is planned

Family friends have organized Raegan Dayz, set for Nov. 16-18 at the Bethel Baseball Fields. The event will include an adult T-ball tournament, live music, an appearance by champion noodler Don “Katt Daddy” Brewer and an Elvis impersonator.

“It's just been astonishing,” Ealy said of the community's response. “We knew that we loved her, but there have been so many people who have shown they love her, too. Words can't describe it.”

Family friend Billy Mitchell decided to organize what he thought would be a small benefit that has turned into something much bigger. He said the goal is to raise as much money as possible to help with expenses not covered by insurance. Vendors will also donate a portion of their proceeds to the family.

“It's just blown up over the last five days,” Mitchell said. “We've had so many people who want to take time out to help.”

Mitchell's own daughter battled kidney failure as a toddler.

“My daughter's situation isn't as traumatic as Raegan's, but I know what it's like to have a child in and out of the hospital,” he said. “I know what it's like to need help but not know how to ask for it.”