A Merill family is drowning in debt, after their 4-year-old daughter underwent her second brain surgery to correct a rare medical condition.

The community is coming to the family's aid to help them stay afloat.

Sunday.... just before dawn... dozens of volunteers started preparing to serve hundreds of people at a pancake breakfast to raise money for 4 year old Katie Lanala.

At about 9 months old she was diagnosed with a rare condition called Chairi Malformation.

Fluid began building up around her brain, instead of go down to the spine like it should.

"It actually causes headaches, and a lot of neurological problems. She's had a lot of problems with her legs and eyes," says Katie's mom Laurie Lanala.

Her father Aaron Lanala, says it was hard to watch his daughter suffering.

Katie's second brain surgery in October cost her family more than 70-thousand-dollars.

Her mom , says the pancake breakfast at the Eagle's Club was the community's way of opening their hearts and offering help.

"The money is going to help with medical bills right now and future medical bills."

Katie's mom says her daughter's not quite out of the woods yet, but says with the community by Katie's side the family's feeling much more at ease.

If you'd like to help the Aaron and Laurie Lanala's family, donations are being accepted at Christ united Methodist church in Merrill.