ROBERTSDALE, Alabama --- By now, most people are familiar with Starla Chapman, the 3-year-old girl fighting for her life at USA Children's and Women's Hospital in Mobile.

Diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia in September, Starla was rushed to the hospital over the holidays and spent weeks in a coma clinging to life.

Her struggles gained attention later in January when Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron wore a "Team Starla" t-shirt underneath his jersey and, more visibly, a band around his wrist in support of Starla, during the BCS National Championship game in New Orleans.

Like many people, Dominique Harris, an avid Alabama football fan, watched with interest as the story was told on television about Starla and the bond she and her family formed with the eventual National Championship MVP.

"When they said on the news that she had spent Christmas Eve in the hospital," he said. "I just thought I didn't want her to spend her whole life in the hospital."

Unlike a lot of people who watched the news that day, however, Dominique, a 12-year-old sixth grader at Robertsdale Elementary School, has a more personal stake in Starla's story. You see, Starla is his first cousin.

Dominique remembers attending Starla's first birthday and recalled a little girl who was full of life and energy.

"They got her a little car that she could drive around on her own and she was running into everybody," he said. "They finally had to stop her when she headed toward the door and was about to go through the screen door."

So, while watching television that night, Dominique decided he wanted to do something to help Starla. He approached RES Principal Faye Sheppard about organizing a fundraiser at the school.

"At first, we were going to have an out of uniform day and have kids bring money to the school," Sheppard said.

But, because laws prohibit schools from raising money for individuals, the plans had to be modified somewhat.

"We were able to go through our Parent-Teacher Organization, who has a separate account set up," she said. "The money raised went into that account and will be passed on to Starla and her family."

So on Friday, Jan. 20, students from Robertsdale Elementary School donated money for "Team Starla" raising $374 for the little girl and her family.

"We want to thank everybody that came out and donated," Dominique said. "We've just been overwhelmed by the response here and throughout the area and the more than 14,000 people who have responded to her page on Facebook."

As for Starla, she remains in the hospital and still has a long road to recovery, but she's showing signs of improvement.

Harris said he went with his family to visit Starla following a candlelight vigil that was held Sunday, Jan. 22.

"I didn't get to go in and see her because I am too young, but my mom (Valerie Harris) got to see her and she said her eyes were open and she's doing a lot better," he said. "When my mom went to leave she (Starla) didn't want her to go and she started crying."

Harris also said, while he wished the circumstances were different, he enjoyed the experience of being able to help his cousin and can't wait to do it again.