A beloved Georgia mom who nearly drowned in front of the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club earlier this month remains in critical condition at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, The Citizen has learned.
According to a wrenching GoFundMe post, Cathy Dowdy of Brunswick was attempting to assist a child in distress in the ocean when she herself began to struggle in the surf.
“Our sweet friend Cathy Dowdy is in critical condition at Mayo Clinic,” Terri Langford wrote. “Cathy was in a drowning accident on Sunday, October 13th in Ponte Vedra while trying to save a child in distress.”
A lifeguard pulled her out of the water and administered life-saving measures before emergency crews responded to the scene.
Dowdy was taken to the Mayo Clinic where she remains.
“Please pray for my mama,” her daughter Christina wrote on Facebook. “She is a fighter, but we are going to need all the prayers we can get. Much love to everyone who has already been praying. We can’t wait for the day when she can thank you all herself.”
The campaign has raised nearly $50,000 in just a matter of days, with hundreds of heartbroken well-wishers leaving notes of support.
Several messages indicate that Dowdy was a teacher in her home state.
The GoFundMe post said that Dowdy’s family is by her side in Jacksonville, and that the funds will help ease their financial burden as she wages her fight.
“The money raised will help cover the expenses for hotel rooms, possible long term lodging, food and gas,” the post reads. “We want them to be comfortable and supported for the time it takes for our Cathy to make it back to us. Above all, we ask you to continue to PRAY for a full recovery.”
