Prayer Vigil for Injured Sailor

The Gulf Coast community unites to pray and show support for a local sailor who was severely burned during a boating accident in September.
As a local businessman, sailor and a graduate of Gulfport High School, John Harrison Doucet is well-known throughout the Gulf Coast community. Tonight, family and friends organized a way to show John Harrison just how much love and support he has here along the Coast as he fights his way through recovery.
Twenty-year-old John Harrison Doucet is still fighting for his life after an electrical shock left the majority of his body covered with severe burns. His parents remain by his side as he recovers at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, Georgia. His stepmother, Katie Doucet, said, “At this point, he’s still very critical and the more prayers, the better.”
Prayers for John Harrison echoed through Jones Park as close friends, loved ones, and strangers gathered to show support for the Gulfport sailor and his family. Pastor Rachel Benefield-Pfaff said, “Pray that the infection will pass and his body will continue to get stronger and to heal.”
With infections from the third and fourth degree burns covering 80 percent of his body, the road to recovery is a long one.
Bracelets, koozies and “praying for John Harrison” t-shirts were available for purchase during the vigil. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go toward John Harrison’s medical expenses and his recovery.
Pledge cards were also available for those who decided to spread out their monetary donation over an extended period of time. John Harrison’s uncle, Steve Doucet, said, “Just to know that people are out there, so many people care. There’s no words to explain it. It’s overwhelming.”
With parents by his side and the community in his corner, his family hopes John Harrison will return home soon. Molly Doucet, John Harrison’s grandmother, said, “It is lonesome. He always helped us and did anything we asked him. We miss him, but he’ll be back.”
The Doucet family continues to receive support from all across the Gulf Coast. A fish fry and golf tournament in honor of John Harrison are both scheduled for the future. One hundred percent of proceeds go towards his recovery.