Bainbridge, NY (WBNG Binghamton) A Bainbridge-Guilford 7th grader has big dreams and a big heart to go right along with it.
Action News Reporter Haley Burton introduces us to a 12 year old who is fighting every day to keep it beating.
"I want to travel across the United States, to California, but stop at other places along the way," said Amanda Decker.
All Decker wants to do is take a well-deserved vacation.
The 12 year old received a heart transplant when she was only 11 months old.
She travels to New York City every couple months for heart biopsies and she has to take medicine every day to make sure her body does not reject her heart.
"It brings tears to my eyes. It's very important we send this little girl where she needs to go," said Susan Hart, Organizer.
The community came together for a benefit to help Decker achieve her dream of heading west.
The parking lot behind S & S Café turned into a party complete with face painting, mini-horse rides, a car show and even good ol' fashioned sno-cones and cotton candy.
More than 30 local businesses pitched in to help Amanda's dream come true.
All of the food was donated.
There was plenty to be raffled off and even the dunking tank ,which was Amanda's favorite activity of the day, was donated.
Decker's 6th grade Science Teacher got soaked in the tank.
"She's been through an awful lot, through tough times at school, tough days. She's a really hard worker and an excellent student. If I can do anything to help her, I'll certaintly do it," said Dale Palmer, Bainbridge-Guilford Middle School Teacher.
So where will the 7th grader go in California when she gets to take her dream trip?
"Hollywood and Disneyland," Decker said.
But she won't go without stopping at a few places along the way.
"Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, that kind of stuff," said Decker.
A little girl with BIG plans.
Decker will be going back to New York City for a biopsy September 10th.
If you'd like to donate, you can send a check to
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