The latest condition of Sgt. Barry Henderson – at least as of Saturday – remains unchanged as he passed his 49th day on a ventilator after he became ill with COVID-19, but efforts are being made to bring him back around.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jonathan Blackmon reported that he visited and prayed with Henderson on Saturday at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, where he has remained for more than a month in the intensive care unit.
This past Tuesday, Henderson was set to be transported to University of Florida Shands Hospital, but complications due to renal failure forced the trip by air ambulance to be called off.
He’s been undergoing dialysis to help improve his kidney functions, and still needs the ventilator to help him breathe. However, Blackmon said that as of Saturday, he’s no longer on medication that keeps him immobile and sedated in hopes that his condition can improve enough again to allow for the transfer to Florida.
Blackmon reported a “great visit and prayer with him” on Saturday night, but had no further updates at this time.
Meanwhile, supporters of Henderson continue to come up with ways to help him and his family as he continues to undergo treatment for the virus.
Kyle Pinkard and others are organizing a golf tournament at Cherokee Country Club in Cedartown in April to help Henderson and his family with the expenses of his treatment.
The April 9 tournament is scheduled for a tee-off time of 10 a.m., and will feature a number of prizes and a 50/50 raffle. Sponsorships are available for those organizations or businesses that want to help, and it is $500 per team to play (with teams cut at 25.)
“I’ve know Barry most of my life. He has always been a caring man and a great friend,” Pinkard said. “When I was informed of the situation, I wanted to help him and his family. I know Barry would do the same for his community.”
He added that prizes already provided – but won’t be limited to – a putter donated by Scotty Cameron, a free foursome at Cherokee, Cedar Valley and Meadow Lakes locally along with Brookstone Country Club, Bridgemill Country Club and the Marietta City Club.
Additional items will include donations of sports memorabilia.
Tournament sponsors include Polk County Public Service, Duffey Southeast, Blueline Solutions and Jefferson’s of Cedartown.
Sponsorship packages start at $100. Courtesy Ford of Rome is also sponsoring a chance to win a car with a Hole in One contest as well. Plaques will be awarded for the first and second place teams.
Those interested in signing up can contact Pinkard directly at 770-546-6699.
Check back for additional updates on Henderson’s condition as they become available.
