ACHILLE, Okla. (KXII) -- The Achille transgender student and her family have collected almost $50,000 in six days through donations online.
People from all over are donating to help the family get out of Achille and to a bigger city.
An Oklahoma City woman named Anne Babb says her heart went out to this family when she saw a news article.
Babb's never met Maddie's mother in person, but two of her kids are part of the LGBT community.
She said she felt like a connection was already there.
"We were in tears. We reached our goal, our initial goal was just $10,000. We reached that in 22 hours," Babb said.
That was her reaction when she saw the number on the Go Fund Me page.
A little over a week ago, online threats made by adults towards a 12-year-old transgender girl at Achille Middle School captured attention nationwide.
Babb messaged her mother Brandy Rose on Facebook to ask if they planned on moving cities.
When Rose responded, she said...
"We tried to move to Houston and couldn't afford it. And so this would be a miracle," Babb said.
Not knowing what would come of it, Babb figured the money could help with other costs too, like supportive counseling.
"Because they're already counselor friendly, I said, 'Boy, if you guys are all gonna move. I think some support for Maddie, more support, as she transitions would be awesome," Babb said.
"And it's really very difficult for kids because there is so much negativity toward gender identity issues," said retired psychiatrist Dr. Judy Cook.
She said professional counseling can be freeing for a transgender child.
"And a lot of people were looking past that to see that there was legitimately a child and family in danger," said Darius Douglas, who helped organize the peaceful demonstration for Maddie a week ago.
He said the page brought unity even outside the LGBT community.
"It's restored our faith in humanity, or really in America. To be honest," Babb said.
Last week, Rose posted on her Facebook page that the fundraiser would be life changing for their family if it worked.
