Amy Austin, the 7-year-old from Radford who was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma in early May, underwent surgery at the University of Virginia Medical Center on Aug. 24.

Doctors removed a 4-inch piece of Amy's humerus -- the bone in her upper arm -- and replaced it with a titanium rod.

Gloria Frye, Amy's great-aunt, said doctors were successful in reconnecting tendons that will control movement in Amy's hand and elbow, but she will not be able to raise her right arm over her head.

"At least they were able to save her arm," Frye noted. "She didn't have to wake up without her arm."

Little Amy -- daughter of Martha and Kevin Austin -- captured the attention of local people who rallied to help after she was diagnosed with the cancerous tumor.

A fund was established to help the Austins with transportation and traveling expenses to and from Charlottesville, and a benefit gospel concert organized by Kenny and Lisa Farley in June raised nearly $3,000 for the family.

"It's nice to know that the community does stand behind you," Frye said. "There's a lot of good people out there."

But family advocate Beverly Patrick, who's in charge of the Amy E. Austin Fund, said the money raised thus far has "dwindled away."

"Her mother is spending $50 to $60 per week in gas," Patrick noted. "But Amy now has a bathtub. They didn't have a bathtub in the house. Just a shower. Now, Amy can relax in a bath."

Amy was released from the hospital and allowed to return home several days after her surgery, but she will have to continue going to the UVa Medical Center for follow-up tests and treatment. Her mother, Martha Austin, said the pathology report following her surgery is expected this week.

"If they find any live cells around the site of the tumor, she'll have to go through radiation," Martha Austin said, explaining that Amy is set to undergo 10 more rounds of post-operative chemotherapy.

Amy's older brother and sister, 9-year-old Bradley and 8-year-old Alicia, continue to look out for her. Bradley shaved his head and Alicia cut her long hair when Amy lost her blond locks during chemotherapy treatments before her surgery.

Frye said the older children have had a difficult time understanding their sister's ordeal.

"I think one of the saddest things happened when Amy was in the hospital," she said. "Bradley asked the doctor, 'Can we get it if we kiss her?' and the doctor said, 'No, she needs all the hugs and kisses you can give.'"

Since coming home, Amy is getting extra affection from a new family member.

Martha Austin said a local man presented Amy with a registered Yorkshire terrier, named "Cookie" after Amy's pediatrician Dr. William Cook. It was Cook who diagnosed Amy with Ewing's sarcoma, a cancer that more commonly affects boys during puberty, when there is rapid bone growth.

"She just loves him to death," Martha Austin said of Cookie. "We're using him as her little therapy dog."