Anne Michelle, Darby's mother, is a nurse and was required to stay and aid in medical treatment for others. So, when Robin Russell, Darby's aunt in Springtown, received a phone call asking her to come and get the girls, she did not hesitate to drop everything and run.
After Darby was forced into a shelter with her four sisters and her mother, Anne Michelle Counts, she found herself needing change for laundry.
As she approached the door, a black Labrador dog knocked its owner out of the way and latched onto Darby's left arm, causing her muscle to rip, leaving a five-inch gash.
"it only lasted a minute or so, " Darby said, "But it felt like a lot longer. A nurse and some guys wrapped [my arm] in a t-shirt."
Russell said Darby is still suffering from nightmares and she and her sisters are adjusting the best they know how.
"they are were right there in the middle of it," Russell said. "Once they made it to the shelter, their mom blew two tires and drove on the wheels to get there."
Russell said they made it to the Grand Casino, where they stayed and helped other victims that came in.
"Callie [Darby's 14-year-old sister] pulled five bodies out of the water."
Russell said the girls are still afraid at night.
"They share a bed together and I stay with them until they fall asleep, " she said.
Darby winces as she recalls details of the storm and aftermath.
"I was thinking 'what will we do if we survive this?', " she said. "'Where are we going to live?' I was scared and I cried."
Russell added she hated to split the girls up, but was forced to leave Darby's three other siblings with their grandmother in Chico.
According to Russell, after settling in Springtown, Darby and her sister Sydney, 7, have made many adjustments and are doing well.
She said Darby had not seen a doctor since the attack and knew she needed additional medical attention.
She took Darby to see Dr. Ganzon in Springtown, and said the scar tissue was bad, but told Darby she could get her stitches removed Monday.
"He put her on antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection." Russell Said.
Though she was being treated for her lacerations, Darby was still in need of hearing aids.
Carolyn Hamilton of Campbell Health Systems got in touch with Jim and Anne Winquist of Anne's Hearing Center, who offered immediately to help Darby out.
"She called us and we agreed to supply her with new hearing aids, " Winquist said. "I spoke with her aunt, and she was in tears. I'm on the edge myself."
Thursday, Anne fitted and tested Darby for a custom pair of hearing aids.
Anne's Hearing Center donated their services for testing, fitting, and follow-up care for Darby. The couple did not stop their generosity. They gathered donations from customers and local businesses. Thursday, Darby and Sydney received a $100 gift certificate each with cash to spend however they desired.
"We just figured they didn't need anybody's used stuff," Jim said. "They need stuff of their own. Kids have it hard enough as it is and these girls apparently went through enough."
Anne had a different reason for donating.
"We had two boys of our own," Anne said. "If something happen to them, I'd want someone to step up to the plate and help them. This sort of thing makes you feel really good."
Jim said Omni Hearing Systems is donating Darby's hearing aids and has set up in Houston to help other victims who need hearing aids.
Darby will receive her hearing aids in about one week.
"I can't express my gratitude to people who've helped us out," Russell said, " God's made it possible by sending us people like Anne and Jim and Dr. Garzon."
After being tested, Jim presented the girls with their gift cards and cash.
Both girls smiled graciously and hugged them tightly.
"Thank you, thank you." they said.
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