Australian family travels to West Palm Beach for daughter's unique surgery

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - A family from Palm Beach, Australia came all the way to Palm Beach County, Florida so their 16-month-old daughter could receive the surgery she needs.

Demi Reilly, who is in need of a limb lengthening operation, is scheduled for the procedure Thursday.

"Demi was born with fibular hemimelia . It leaves her with only one bone in her right leg and with a crooked foot and ankle, which is hard to walk on," says Dr. Dror Paley.

The condition left Demi with only three toes on her right leg.

Dr. Paley will perform the operation by breaking Demi's leg and allowing it to grow back together. He is one of the few doctors in the world who performs this type of surgery.

Demi's father Simon Reilly is a firefighter in Australia. He got in touch with the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Department for help during their stay in America.

Local firefighters set the family up with living quarters and other amenities so their stay is more comfortable while little Demi gets help.

Simon and his wife Sandy are overwhelmed by the response.

"That sort of generosity is amazing, it brings us to tears," says Simon.

"I don't think we've come across such hospitable people as we have here," says his wife Sandy.

"It reinforces the brotherhood bond within fire service and makes me love my job all that much more," says Palm Beach County Fire Chief Steve Jerauld.

Such kindness came together so that Demi could walk and play like every other child. Her parents say they'll make sure she understands the gift that will last a lifetime.