Many in the Pella community are rallying to support a nine year old girl fighting for her life.

Stella Turnbull is a student at Jefferson Intermediate School in Pella with Type I SMA, a genetic neuromuscular disease that weakens all of the body’s muscles and systems, including the ability to swallow, digest food, and breathe independently.

The past weeks have been difficult for the Turnbull family, family friend Tammy Van Gorp tells KNIA/KRLS News. On September 21st, Stella was life-flighted to Iowa City with blood clots in her heart and lungs, as well as kidney and liver issues.

“This last issue that came about was because of a procedure at a hospital in Wisconsin, so with her already fragile medical condition, obviously the concerns were grave,” she says.

“She’s had good days and bad days, but as of the last week or so, she’s having a lot more good days than bad.”

Currently, Stella is stable, but Van Gorp says she has a long road to recovery ahead of her as she remains in the hospital.

Community members have been using #stellastrong to share the story among friends on Facebook, and t-shirts have been made at Sports Page Sporting Goods with the message. Over 600 shirts have been sold, and were worn by Stella’s brother Treyton’s flag football team last night, organized by coach Dave Van Gorp. George’s Steakhouse has also purchased shirts for their employees to wear. Van Gorp says Stella’s mother Sarah is currently staying in Iowa City, and area photographers have helped her cover her appointments.

Additional shirt orders are due today, with proceeds benefiting the family to help with medical and travel expenses. Donations can also be made by contacting Van Gorp at tammyvg@hotmail.com. Checks should be made payable to the Turnbull family.