In loving memory of
Carly May Harris
7/21/04 - 5/18/07
If butterflies could fly to heaven,
they would bring my love to you
and yours right back to me.
Forever Loves, Hugs, Kisses & Smiles
2 years, 9 months, and 18 days
Carly’s Birth
Carly May entered the world six weeks early on July 21, 2004, weighing only 3.6 pounds. The Harris family received Carly’s prenatal diagnosis at 22 weeks, giving them time to process what life may look like.
Carly was born with Translocation Down syndrome, a rare form that affects 3-4% of children with Down syndrome. She arrived with, quite literally, the biggest heart and brightest smile.
Carly’s First Surgery
Carly bravely underwent her first lung and heart surgeries at just four weeks old. With the assistance of oxygen support, she continued to navigate multiple surgeries, feeding tubes, bacterial overgrowth, and respiratory distress with grit and grace.
Even in the darkest times, Carly was a bright light to everyone she met. Known as “Princess Carly” in the NICU, she would sign “thank you” with a warm smile during every poke and procedure. Carly never let anything hold her back—not even an extra chromosome.
Carly’s Early Life
While the Harris family spent 80% of Carly’s life in the hospital, they embraced every moment at home. With her favorite stuffed animal, affectionately named Monkey, in tow, Carly brought laughter and love into the Harris home.
From sunny days at the park to seeing animals at the Como Zoo, Carly loved to explore the world around her. She wiggled alongside her dancing Elmo and lit up the room by blowing kisses and clapping with joy.
Carly’s Lasting Impact
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Born a fighter, Carly faced medical challenges at every turn and met each of them with immense courage. She defied expectations after fighting two cases of pneumonia, kidney failure, and ARDS. During her two-month stay at the Pediatric ICU, she even became a big sister to her baby brother, Carter.
Amidst the medical complications, a stroke ultimately changed the trajectory of her recovery. On May 18, 2007, Carly passed away peacefully, surrounded by love.
She is long remembered for her resilience, determination, and unshakable joy. Carly taught us how to fight, how to hope, and how to love—boldly, cheerfully, and without fear.
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Our Story
Oh, little butterfly,
messenger of God,
when I see you in the sky
I cannot help but nod.
You bring me respite
from grief and despair
every time I see you
sailing through the air.
You renew my faith
in all God’s wondrous plan,
and I know it’s all in Faith,
not in what I understand.
The Messenger
By Kathryn Poland
