Prayers are still needed for Sgt. Barry Henderson this weekend as his condition at Northside Hospital continues to slowly improve after new measures are being taken to help him overcome COVID-19.

After Henderson was admitted nearly a month ago to intensive care and was placed on a ventilator, he’s now slowly being brought off the machine helping him breathe, according to the latest update from Chief Deputy Jonathan Blackmon of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

He said that he talked with family members over FaceTime who reported that Henderson was still in need of a ventilator to help him breathe, but is down to 50% compared to the 100% he was at last week.

Though stable, Blackmon reports that following a WSB-TV story on Henderson and his wife Chrisy’s request for doctors to do more for her husband, still is facing pushback from hospital officials. Hopes are now that he can be moved to a specialty hospital in Gainesville, Florida that is taking greater steps to help COVID patients – including lung transplants – to help patients like Henderson.

Select Specialty Hospital was the first to perform a double lung transplant last year for a COVID patient in July.

Blackmon said that all the outpouring of support and prayers are having a positive impact on Henderson’s condition and his family. He said “Tell me Barry don’t hear and know.”

“She wanted me to thank all those that have sent cards, texts or called and everything we are doing to help them,” Blackmon said. “It has helped her so much… continue to pray, seek and believe!”

The Sheriff’s Office has a t-shirt fundraiser to help Henderson’s family while he remains in the hospital.

One additional fundraiser was also announced on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook today. Kyle Pinkard’s post was shared with the following information:

After speaking with Johnny Moats, we decided to host a four-man golf tournament to benefit Barry Henderson and his family.

The tournament will be April 9th at Cherokee Country Club in Cedartown, Ga. the cost will be $500 per team and there will be lunch provided and also prizes. If you’d like to purchase a sponsorship, you can contact me or the Sheriff. Sponsorships are $100, $250, $500 and $1000.

If you want to donate anything for prizes, that would be great also. If you don’t play golf, you can still contribute.

Please contact me via PM or call/text me at 770-546-6699

PCSO’s Facvebook Page

Check back for further updates as they become available.