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Princess gala held for 5-year-old girl with brain tumor

Posted at 6:24 PM, May 06, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-07 00:17:02-04

Hundreds packed the Lee Lockwood Library and Museum Sunday afternoon to support a 5-year-old girl who has a tumor at the stem of her brain.

In February, Layla Evetts was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma or DIPG. Her parents say before the diagnosis, she was having problems with her right eye. The went to see an ophthalmologist thinking it was a nerve issue, but after an MRI they realized it was much more serious.

When doctors told Layla's parents what the diagnosis was, they couldn't believe it. 

"The words he used to describe it: inoperable, incurable tumor. Words that you don't want to hear in the same sentence with your children's name," Corey Evetts, Layla's dad, said.

Layla is now going through a six-week clinical trial.

"When I first started treatment, it was scary," Layla said.

Layla's dad said he thinks the trial is working.

"Her eye is as normal as it has ever been and the double vision has gone away. So i really feel like we're on the right track," Corey said.

Corey said Layla has been positive throughout the whole process. 

"You wouldn't know anything is wrong with her. If she were to walk in and you were to watch her, unless you knew her story, you wouldn't know. I mean she plays like a five year old should, she's concerned about the things a five year old should be."

The Waco Firefighter Honor Guard hosted a gala Sunday to raise money for the mounting medical costs for the family.

"It's what gives us power and energy to keep walking through this fight," Corey said.

Layla and her twin sister Rayleigh were princesses for the day on Sunday.

Layla said she wants to be a doctor when she grows up. 

"Because all of those doctors helped me to learn how to be a good doctor," Layla said.

If you would like to help, there is a GoFundMeset up for the family and there is a Facebook page to keep people up to date on how Layla is doing.

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