Ruston Holds 8th-Birthday Fundraiser for Girl Battling Brain Amoeba Infection
Updated
Updated · KNOE · Aug 21
Ruston Holds 8th-Birthday Fundraiser for Girl Battling Brain Amoeba Infection
3 articles · Updated · KNOE · Aug 21
Summary
Ruston businesses and residents marked Lillian Smart’s 8th birthday Friday with a “Love for Lillian” fundraiser, donating portions of the day’s sales to her family.
Lillian, 8, has been hospitalized since Saturday with Naegleria fowleri, the rare amoeba infection the Louisiana Department of Health reported earlier this week; her family said swelling is significant.
Downtown supporters wore “Love for Lillian” shirts as local shop owners described the turnout as a reflection of Ruston’s habit of rallying around families in crisis.
The family has also launched a Love for Lillian Facebook page where supporters can post memories and prayers and follow updates on her condition.