How this UAB football-lovin’ family found hope through a unique nonprofit

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When 11-year-old Bryce Prime was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, her parents Blake and Whitney were taken by complete surprise. Luckily, Children’s Harbor in Birmingham provided relief and support during a tough time.

Through counseling services and events like the Champions for Our Children during a UAB football game, the Primes have found a second home at Children’s Harbor. Here’s their story.

Meet the Prime family

Blake and Whitney Prime grew up in Birmingham. When they graduated from Hoover High School, Whitney went off to the University of Alabama and Blake to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).

Fun fact: Blake played football at UAB and was part of the first team to go to a bowl game!

“Since my husband is an alumnus of UAB, when Children’s Harbor asked if we wanted to be part of Champions for Our Children we were like, ‘Oh my gosh, yes, that would be so cool.”

The couple has three kids—Colt, Bryce and Layne.

Their middle daughter Bryce was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in March 2024.

“We stayed a couple nights at Children’s of Alabama during her diagnosis, and then we were introduced to Children’s Harbor.

We visited a few times specifically for Bryce to have counseling services. They made us feel comfortable and supported through this huge change that we’d been thrown into.”

Whitney Prime

Children’s Harbor offers a refuge for families

For more than 35 years, Children’s Harbor has provided refuge, respite and resources to families with children who have experienced a life-altering medical diagnosis.

When faced with unexpected circumstances, families come to Children’s Harbor for a built-in support system unique to their situation.

Families have access to:

• Basketball court
• Fitness Center
• Game room
• Hair + nail salon
• Masseuse
• Nap room
• and more!

Plus, the nonprofit offers specialized services like:

• Budgeting + financial aid
• Medical crisis counseling
• Social services

These no-cost services are offered at The Harbor Family Center at Children’s of Alabama and at a 66-acre Lake Martin Retreat in Alexander City, Alabama.

“They’re very family-oriented. It’s not just a service for Bryce specifically, but they offer counseling services and activities for our whole family. We’ve gone to the Birmingham Barons games through Children’s Harbor.

It helps us feel normal in a hard situation and connect with other families that are also going through storms in life.”

Whitney Prime

Children’s Harbor x UAB Football

For the eighth year in a row, Children’s Harbor is partnering with UAB Football for “Champions for Our Children.”

The partnership began in 2016, when former head football coach Bill Clark and his team began volunteering at the Children’s Harbor Family Center in Birmingham. In 2017, Coach Clark had his players wear the names of Children’s Harbor patients on their homecoming jerseys.

Now, under head coach Trent Dilfer’s leadership, this tradition continues.

Champions for Our Children on Saturday, November 2

During UAB’s Homecoming game, over 100 children will be represented on custom Children’s Harbor/UAB jerseys.

“Football is such a great game, but it’s even better when we play for something bigger than ourselves.”

Trent Dilfer, head coach, UAB football

Catch the Primes and 70+ families at Champions for Our Children on Saturday, November 2 at 1:30PM at Protective Stadium.

Bryce’s name will be displayed on the jersey of #15, linebacker Michael Moore.

“I think it’s cool that Children’s Harbor connects with [UAB] players and puts in a more philanthropic piece of the puzzle.

We’re excited to get involved in events throughout the year and help other families through Children’s Harbor.”

Whitney Prime

Learn more about Children’s Harbor and their impact on families in Birmingham and beyond—follow them on Facebook + Instagram.

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