Fundraiser for third grader ahead of major brain surgery

(GREENSBURG, Ind.) — A fundraiser continues for a young Greensburg girl who will soon have a surgery that could change her life. 

9-year-old Myla Speer was diagnosed as an infant with Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) which is a rare neurological condition. The condition impacts about 1 person out of every 20,000 to 50,000.

That condition has caused Myla to have seizures and stroke-like episodes. 

In February, Myla and her family will go to Boston Children’s Hospital for a surgery known as a Hemisperectomy. It will require doctors to disconnect the two halves of her brain. 

“Doctors believe this procedure could finally free Myla from those struggles — giving her the chance to live a life filled with joy, discovery, and peace,” the family said.

The family will have to remain in Boston for up to two months for rehabilitation and therapy. 

The ‘Myla’s Mission: Boston Bound Benefit’ was held in New Point on Saturday and it was a full crowd of community members and even classmates who came to support the third grader. 

There were raffles, a kids zone, dinner and other activities throughout the night. 

The fundraiser continues online as anyone can support this family during this difficult journey. All funds go toward medical expenses and other costs associated with travel.

You can access the link by clicking here. You can also follow Myla's Mission on Facebook through this link. 

Despite their own battle, the Speer family has raised more than $130,000 for the Sturge-Weber Syndrome Foundation over the past few years.

Here are a few photos from Saturday's benefit: