Parents of terminally ill children live with a level of uncertainty that most families are fortunate to never experience. For Barbara and Ray Harling of Chippewa Falls, their toddler's rare, progressive, and incurable brain disease took them on a heartbreaking journey dedicated to making their child comfortable and bringing him joy for as long as possible.

David Lee "Davey" Harling was born May 11, 1985. There was no indication of trouble until Davey began missing the usual childhood milestones. Doctors diagnosed Davey with Leigh's disease. This led to his hospitalization at the former St. Joseph's Hospital, where he lived until his passing on March 25, 1999, at age 13.

Barbara decorated Davey's room like any cheerful childhood bedroom. There were cartoons and movies playing, and colorful balloons. The Harlings spent every day talking and reading to Davey, and comforting him during his many breathing treatments. They made the most of their time together, regardless of how exhausting some days could be. But they were not alone.

"The administration and staff at St. Joe's bent over backward for our family," said Barbara, who is still in touch with some of Davey's caregivers. "Many times, people who were not on Davey's rotation would drop by anyway just to say hello."

Occasionally, the Harlings were able to bring Davey home. "It was a lot of work, but they'd send a private duty nurse with us," Barbara said. "They did everything!"

The Harlings set up a fund with the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation while Davey was still alive. They donated to it each year and on special occasions, to help support the hospital and honor their son. The David Lee Harling Memorial Endowment Fund is now in the care of the Community Foundation. The fund will be directed to needs like in-home medical care for children, and to help the elderly receive care at home for as long as possible.