After a month at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Stella Turnbull is home.

Her mother Sarah says the nine-year-old is suffering from SMA, a genetic neuromuscular disease that weakens all of the body’s muscles and muscle systems. Over a month ago, Stella was flown by helicopter to Iowa City due to life-threatening complications from treatments she was receiving.

Sarah tells KNIA/KRLS News while she was away with Stella, the community rallied to support her.

“It was a very scary month, but it was also an absolutely amazing month,” Sarah says. “The community has rallied around us, and we felt supported, we felt uplifted when we would otherwise feel really downtrodden.”

“That’s been amazing, having people come by our side. We’ve always felt that from the community, but they really stepped up to the plate this time.”

While Stella was away, community members participated in numerous fundraising activities, including t-shirts made with the #StellaStrong. Turnbull also says an anonymous donor paid a portion of their house payment. She’s thankful for that help and to be back in Pella with her daughter and the rest of the Turnbull family.