CRESTVIEW — Wendy Barefield has plenty of cause for celebration.
Drew, her 12-year-old son, is beginning rehabilitation after a boat hit and critically injured him on June 28.
Soon after the incident, a number of businesses displayed #prayfordrew signs and residents wore #prayfordrew T-shirts and wrist bands to show support.
Thursday morning, family members said, they started to see answers to those prayers when an ambulance transported Drew from Sacred Heart Hospital to the Scottish Rite Hospital in Atlanta, where he will recover.
Wendy said her son will undergo physical and occupational therapy, and physicans will monitor his renal function and blood pressure.
“He is so happy and excited to be here,” Wendy stated in a Facebook message. “He never complained one time on the five-hour trip.”
Wendy uses social media to update friends and family members on Drew’s medical progress. Her posts appear regularly on the Prayers for Drew and Emmanuel Baptist Church Facebook pages.
"We are here! Got Drew in his room all checked out, he's happy excited and hungry!! Eating good not getting sick! Praise The Lord!" she stated.
Meanwhile, the community's support for Drew's family — including his father, Trey, and sister, Savannah — hasn't wavered.
Proceeds from a 5K run/walk — scheduled for Sept. 20 at Davidson Middle School in Crestview — will help cover his medical bills.
The event starts with 7 a.m. registration. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. Entry fees are $20 per person for the 5K and $10 for the 1-mile fun run for kids age 12 and younger.
Supporters can pick up registration packets 4-6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19 at the Davidson gym, 6261 Old Bethel Road.
They can make checks payable to The Drew Barefield Donation Account and mail them to: 2260 S. Ferdon Blvd. #20, Crestview, FL 32536, Attention #RunforDrew.
No time or score will be kept on the kids' run. Walkers, strollers and baby joggers are welcome to participate.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'PRAISE THE LORD!' Two months later, boy exits hospital, starts rehabilitation