OAK LAWN, Illinois. – A local girl battling a serious illness received a special surprise right outside her home on Tuesday.

The Fire Buddies project allows firefighters to visit their friends at home by arriving in a parade of fire trucks. They bring gifts for birthdays and holidays, play games, get tickets to concerts and events, and are present at important events in the children’s lives.

That’s exactly what one chapter did when they heard it was Autumn’s birthday. In June, right after she graduated from 8th grade, she was diagnosed with lupus. Autumn is undergoing many treatments, including chemotherapy.

“Honestly, it’s one day at a time. She’s in intensive treatment and goes to rehabilitation daily for speech, occupational and physical therapy. She gets weekly injections and fusions. Unfortunately, Autumn was supposed to start her freshman year of college this year, but she’s housebound,” said Autumn’s mother, Deanne.

Her family has set up a GoFundMe page to support Autumn. Their goal is to raise $25,000.