TAMPA, Fla. - A South Tampa neighborhood is uniting in prayer for five-year-old Laine Nipper, who is fighting for her life after being diagnosed with viral meningitis and a severe case of encephalitis, a swelling of the brain.

What we know:

Laine was a healthy, energetic kindergartner less than two weeks ago when she suddenly fell ill, according to her parents, Danielle and Doug Nipper. She has been hospitalized for nearly two weeks and remains in critical but stable condition.

"She’s very fun, vibrant," said Lindsey Baskind, a close family friend. "Laine is a beautiful five-year-old girl. She has one of those personalities that really like lights up a room."

As the Nippers focus on Laine’s recovery, friends and neighbors have stepped in to surround the family with love and support.

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