Like many four-year-old girls, Paige Howe is full of energy, adventurous, and is rarely ever caught without a smile. But at the beginning of this year her mother, Logan Howe says Paige wasn't acting herself, "Back in February of 2012, Paige started having really bad headaches."

After going to the doctor and having some MRI tests done, the Howe family learned that Paige had a rare brain malformation called Chiari.

"Obviously, I was scared. But I just wanted Paige to feel better. I didn't realize and she couldn't tell us how much pain she was really in," adds Howe.

Paige needed brain surgery, but Howe couldn't find a doctor here locally. The Howe family traveled to New York this July, where there was a neurosurgeon that could help. Howe has a full time job but paying off these medical bills has put a financial strain on the family.

"We have a private insurance here in Kentucky that isn't accepted in New York. So we had to pay $20,000 for the out of network cost," says Howe.

Howe tells WKYT that there is no cure for Chiari, but that it is treatable. Howe says that Paige is doing better but will need to return to New York for check ups and possibly even additional treatments.

Several local businesses have helped raise money for Paige.

Howe says she is overwhelmed with all of the support from within the community.

This Thursday, September 13Th from 4 to 9 pm, Fro-Jos in Lexington is hosting a fundraiser in honor of Paige Howe.

The owner will be giving 25% of the profits made during that time to the Howe family.

Howe is appreciative of everyone that has helped and continues to help.

She wants other parents to be aware of Chiari malformation so that they don't overlook symptoms that could be more serious.