One day she was a happy, healthy 13 year old, the next she was unable to walk, the victim of a rare spinal condition.

Now her Lexington community is rallying around her.

Transverse Myelitis was the diagnosis that shocked and confused Amber Rayburn's family back in August.

Her grandmother, Betty Fowler, says Amber was at home watching TV when she stood up off the couch and had sharp pains in both her legs.
By midnight, she was completely numb from the waist down.

Doctors at UK Children's Hospital diagnosed her condition within 48 hours, and before long, she was doing therapy at Cardinal Hill Hospital.

But now, her hopes of walking again may rest with a specialist in Baltimore.

Dr. Douglas Kerr is the nation's authority on Transverse Myelitis, especially in children.

Fowler says Amber will probably have numerous trips to Baltimore for treatment, which will require much more money than the family's limited insurance can provide.

Now, Amber's community is coming together to help her and her family.

This Friday night, a benefit called the Harvest of Hope will be a night of food, live music and a silent auction, with all proceeds going toward Amber's treatment.

The benefit will be held at the Ramada Inn Conference Center.

Among the many silent auction items going up for bid at Friday night's benefit is a football signed by UK Coach Rich Brooks.

Fund raising efforts are also under way at Jessie Clark Middle School where Amber is very much on the minds of students and teachers.