Money raised for girl with rare disease

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - A little girl who usually can't do any physical activity was able to play around with friends on Saturday.

Eight-year-old Gracie Barnett has Polyarticular Idiopathic Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, a form of arthritis that attacks the immune system.

Friends and family gathered at the Legion Post in Tippecanoe County to raise money for Gracie's therapy on Saturday. Bands, raffles and games were all available for guests.

Gracie said she feels thankful she was able to play with her friends.

"It feels good to do it, but I'm not used to it," said Gracie.

"She has her good days and bad days," said Gracie's mother, Amanda Rodgers. "There are days she can, and there are days where she cannot do anything."

"I've always wanted her to know that more than just family cares about her," said event organizer Kenny Catron. "I think it's accomplished that. All of them are volunteering. They're doing this out of the kindness of their hearts."

Gracie will turn nine on Oct. 9.