The unbelievable generosity shown by the Bathurst community has made it possible for Poppy Stanton to get her SmartPups assistance dog.
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Her family needed to raise $20,000 to get her the specially trained dog and at a special event on Saturday night, it was announced that they had been able to reach and exceed that goal.
Her mother, Courtney Stanton, said she was "completely humbled and overwhelmed with love" after seeing how much the community had put their support behind her little girl.
With the money raised, the dog Poppy will receive can start its training to ensure it is ready to cater to her specific needs.
Ms Stanton said it will be another 12 to 14 months before the dog is ready.
In the meantime, the family will continue to support Poppy and learn more about how they can help her manage the symptoms that come with Rett Syndrome.
"Poppy has a hugely supportive village here in Bathurst of family, friends and services that envelope her in love and support," Ms Stanton said.
Additional money raised from fundraising over the last nine weeks will be put towards other equipment that can improve Poppy's quality of life, including an eye gaze communication system and a hospital-style adjustable bed.
Ms Stanton never thought she would be considering other equipment so soon, saying the situation was "mind-blowing".
"We had no idea how big this would get. We were thinking about how we would find the rest of the money for the dog," she said.
She said she was so grateful to her friend Lauren Lyons, who led the fundraising, and to the entire community.
"We just want to say an absolutely huge thank you. What Bathurst has done for us is incredible," she said.
Poppy's story came to Bathurst's attention in August this year, about three months after she was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome.
The neurological disorder is very rare, affecting just 200 girls in Australia.
Poppy has a range of symptoms, including seizures, an inability to speak and a tendency to stagger and stumble when she walks. The assistance dog is vital in alerting people to seizures, comforting her and aiding her mobility.
Fundraising started online with donations and got bigger as her family and friends organised a major event to spur on the campaign.
