1Cailean Sterling, the 17 year old daughter of Gil and Tinae Sterling of Hawthorne, has been diagnosed with a tumor on her brain. She was flown to University of California – San Francisco Benioff Children’s Hospital. Cailean underwent a lengthy brain surgery last week and is currently recovering.

Sterling, who had just received a congressional nomination to West Point Military Academy, has been amazing doctors trying to communicate with those around her. Knowing the fiery redhead, she will not only defeat odds of the tumor, but continue onto West Point to follow her dreams.

Her parents have stayed by her side through the surgery and as she continues to heal. A devout Seattle Seahawks fan, Cailean is currently flying a Seahawks flag in 49er’s country. Word quickly spread to the Volume 12 Seahawk’s Facebook page where her photo earned over 2,000 likes. Fans from all over the world gave words of encouragement and support from the 12th man.

One request that Cailean has is for those who have the tradition of going out to see Christmas lights is to post pictures or videos to her Facebook timeline so that she may be able to still enjoy the Mineral County holiday spirit.

The financial burdens can be heavy during these tragic times. An account has been set up at Financial Horizons Credit Union (account #17474) to help with travel expenses. Donations can also be dropped off at Mt. Grant General Hospital to Jaime in the insurance office.

A box has been set up at the Independent-News where people can drop off cards of encouragement, Christmas cards or even pictures from children so that she has a little bit of home while on this journey.

Sterling was featured in an Independent-News story last week prior to her diagnosis