Funds Raised For Libertyville Girl, 9, With Inoperable Brain Tumor

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — The Libertyville community is stepping up to help a local family that is heading into the holiday season with some very tough news weighing on their shoulders. The Smith family recently learned their 9-year-old daughter, Kyra, has an inoperable brain tumor after the young girl started experiencing neurological symptoms, according to a GoFundMe set up for the family.

"A five-hour-long MRI and other tests revealed a mass on Kyra's brain stem," wrote Abigail Finkelstein of Libertyville, who has set up the GoFundMe. "Kyra's family and medical team are trying to match Kyra with the appropriate treatment location and treatment plan."

Kyra is described as being spunky, funny and incredibly sweet. She loves her new puppy, friends and her family. She has a twin sister, Breanna, and a younger sister, Audra.

"Jason and Cindy are amazing parents and are friends to so many in Libertyville and beyond," Finkelstein wrote.

The cancer battle comes shortly after an 11-year-old Libertyville girl, Charlotte Frank, died following an 11-month battle with cancer. Finkelstein wrote that the Smith family as well Charlotte's family and friends were still "reeling" from the loss.

"This all seems so unfair and eerie after the passing of our sweet friend, Charlote Frank, from cancer recently," wrote Finkelstein. "The Smith family has an army of love behind them, and we know that with the help of their friends, family and the Libertyville community, Kyra will overcome this diagnosis."

As of Monday morning, Kyra's GoFundMe has brought in more than $70,000.