Prayers Sought: Local girl to undergo major surgery in Boston today

(BOSTON) – A local family is asking for prayers as a Greensburg girl will undergo a major surgery today. 

9-year-old Myla Speer has a rare neurological condition known as Sturge-Weber Syndrome, which impacts about 1 person out of every 20,000 to 50,000.

She was diagnosed as an infant and the condition has caused Myla to have seizures and stroke-like episodes. 

“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 third grader and her family are at Boston Children’s Hospital for the surgery known as a Hemisperectomy. It will require doctors to disconnect the two halves of her brain. 

The potentially life-changing surgery is taking place this morning. 

Myla and her family will likely remain in Boston for several months due to rehabilitation and therapy. 

Her family is asking for prayers during this challenging time. 

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

Last weekend, community members gathered for a benefit for Myla. You can read that story here. 

Here are some photos provided from the family on Wednesday in Boston: