GRAVETTE - Andrea (Andi) Brasel, of Gravette, would like to introduce you to Lexie Faith Rawls, a beautiful little 4-year-old who is the daughter of Jessica and Joshua Rawls of Bella Vista.

Her picture, left, shows her captivating smile, her look of excitement, a sparkle in her eyes. It was taken not long after her fourth birthday last September.

Lexie is the granddaughter of Nancy Scantlin, who grew up in Hiwasse and who graduated from Gravette High School. Lexie’s great grandmother, Ella Scantliln, enjoys all her grandchildren and greats when they visit the Scantlin home east of Hiwasse.

Lexie’s story took a tragic turn just a few weeks after her fourth birthday. The symptoms came quickly - particularly a lack of coordination and balance, and lethargy, signs that bring anxiety to parents.

Her diagnosis was grave: Medulloblastoma. A form of brain tumor that can affect persons of any age but which is so tragic when it attacks children. In October of last year, Lexie underwent surgery at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. The cap she is wearing in the photo hides the scar on her scalp. Her tiny smile is inspiring.

What followed was daily radiation treatments for two long months and she is now undergoing eight cycles of chemotherapy. Each cycle lasts four weeks, which often requires hospitalization for transfusions and antibiotics if her blood counts require it. Her later photo shows the toll during the long month, and yet she tries hard to smile.

What about Andi? It was the little girl’s smile and a concern for her parents that captured Andi’s heart. That and the mounting medical expenses that can be, and are, overwhelming from the many, many trips to Children’s Hospital.

Andi wants to help. And she is asking for your help.

She is planning a Lexie Faith Rawls Benefit Yard Sale and is asking for donations of gently used items. The sale will be held June 20, 21 and 22 on the yard of the First Christian Church in Gravette from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For yard sale info, call Andi at 790-3550.

An account, Lexie Rawls Care Fund, will accept donations at any Arvest Bank, Andi said.

All donations will help little Lexie - who will be 5 in September - and her parents as they meet their challenge with prayers and faith.

Information about Lexie is available at www.facebook.com/lexiesteamoffaith or gofundme.com.lexierawls.

News, Pages 3 on 06/12/2013