Brian Harman used his RSM Classic press conference to raise awareness and ask for prayers for a woman who tried to save his son.
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Brian Harman talked about the must-haves – his season, his break, The latest PGA Tour changes and more – but the most important topic he spoke on RSM Classic on Tuesday came at the end of his press conference.
Harmon explained that he wanted to touch on a personal situation that has been on his mind for the better part of the last month, and that he wanted to use his platform to give thanks — and pray — for those who need him right now.
Harman said that while he was in China last month, his wife and children went to Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., for vacation. Harmon’s 6-year-old son was paddling in the ocean when he was thrown overboard by a strong current. Cathy Dowdy, a family friend who was also on the trip — “we call them family friends, but they’re family,” Harmon said — went into the water to help but couldn’t get to him.
Another man, Crane Cantrell, saw that the two were in trouble, jumped into the water and picked them up. He brought them back to shore, but Dowdy was injured while she was in the water. Harmon said she has been in a coma for nearly six weeks.
“Obviously our world down here was kind of turned upside down,” Harmon said. “You know, I don’t really know what I wanted to say, other than I wanted to use whatever platform I have to bring awareness to what Cathy did, what Crane did. They ignored themselves, entered the water, saved my son, and how do you thank such people? I don’t know but to say what I think. I think bravery and doing something like that for people who are not your blood is the most beautiful thing you can do in this life.
“So Cathy is still hurt really bad … we’re thinking about her,” Harmon continued. “The outpouring of support we have received from Glynn County and the St. Louis community. Simons is another one of the most moving things I’ve ever experienced. And for everything we’ve been through and how horrible it’s been for Mike, Christina and Nicole, they’re family to us and we’re with them until the end and I appreciate everyone who helped us through it all. You know, prayers for Kathy.”
A GoFundMe has been set up for Dowdy. As of Tuesday, she has raised over $70,000. You can donate here.
