BAY MINETTE, Alabama — “Just Trust” isn’t just a phrase when you talk to DeAndra and Kory Chapman, but a way of life. 

Deandra and Kory are the parents of little 3-year-old Starla Chapman. Back September of 2010 Starla was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Just hours before the child was to start her first rounds of chemotherapy, Starla looked over at her dad and told him “Just Trust.” 

DeAndra started the Team Starla Facebook page shortly after the diagnosis as a method to keep friends and family up to date on Starla’s condition. Bracelets were made for those friends and family to remember and pray for Starla everyday.

On Christmas Eve, Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron visited the University of South Alabama Children’s and Women’s Hospital where he met Starla. McCarron and his brother were passing out gifts when he met Starla. She in turn gave McCarron a Team Starla bracelet and he wore it during Alabama’s BCS National Championship win in January.

On January 3, Starla had a seizure and went into cardiac arrest due to the medication damaging her heart. She was placed on life support and was in a medically induced coma. The doctors told the family there was nothing more they could do medically. Starla’s family quickly gathered prayer warriors up for Starla. During the National Championship game the Team Starla Bracelet was shown for the world to see on numerous occasions. After the game the word quickly spread about the bond and promise between McCarron and Starla, also word spread on Starla’s condition. As of Sunday afternoon the hospital was able to take Starla off of the ventilators. Her condition is improving and the Team Starla Facebook page has over 17,000 people worldwide praying and trusting that God is going to work a miracle in Starla. 

Several fundraising events are scheduled for the Chapman family:

Eastern Shore MMA Open House: Concessions, Tumble Bus, and a Silent Auction will be Jan. 28 from noon until 2 p.m.  

Men's and Women's One-Pitch Softball Tournament Benefit: Feb. 4 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at OC Waters Park in Bay Minette. Entry Fee is $125 per team  and proceeds will Benefit the Chapman Family. Contact Kasey Rolin Wise, 251-367-6933 or Myca P. Brooks, 251-583-3447 for more information.

Ride 4 Starla: Feb. 4, sign up from 10-11:30 a.m. Ride begins at noon. Sign up at Halliday Park in Bay Minette. Entry Fee $10 per person including rider. Contact Marsha Stevens 251-802-9683 for more information.

Steps 4 Starla 5K Race and 1 mile Fun Run/Walk: Feb 11 at Community Kids Park In Bay Minette. Fun Run begins at 8 a.m. and the Race at 8:30 a.m. Race fees are $22 (ages 14 and older) and $15 (13 and young). Fee increase to $27 and $20 after Feb 4. Fun Run Pre-Registration Fees are $15-$10 prior to Feb 4 and After Feb 4 $20-$15. Registration can be done online at http://www.active.com/running/bay-minette-al/steps-for-starla-2012. Contact Miranda Bounds, 251-454-6318 or Julie Penn, 251-776-2938 for more information.