THE Texas and Border communities have stepped up to help Jack and Susie Spencer deal with the serious health issues faced by their 14-year-old daughter Keeley.

They are overwhelmed by the support to help them manage financially after leaving full-time jobs to care for Keeley.

Keeley had the first of five open-heart operations when she was four days old after being born with double outlet right ventricle, several holes in her heart, aortic narrowing, and dextrocardia (heart on right side of chest).

The local community has set up a fund to help Keeley's parents provide for their daughter who needs constant medical care, expensive medication and regular trips to Brisbane. The community has set a fundraising target of $100,000.

Keeley has had health problems from birth, but her condition deteriorated after her fifth heart operation in 2012 when it was discovered there was a tear in her oesophagus caused by a probe during surgery. The tear could not be repaired.

More operations followed and she has not been able to attend school for the past three years.

Both her parents left full-time jobs to care for their elder daughter.

"She wants either Mum or Dad to be with her at all times, we just couldn't keep working in our jobs," Ms Spencer said.

"Keeley needs constant care and it is times like this when the community really look after you. The support is over- whelming.

Ms Spencer said the family took each day as it came.

"We are hoping for a little miracle that Keeley's health will improve," she said.

The Spencers are running cattle on their farm, Jack is cutting firewood to boost their income and the family is running Creek House Cafe, a business that allows them to be with Keeley 24/7 and earn income at the same time.

The cafe is 13km west of Texas on the road to Inglewood. It also sells giftware and crafts.

"Keeley loves the cafe, she loves to help out on days she is feeling well," Ms Spencer said.

"On quite a few days she is not well enough to help out and there is a little bed at the shop where she can sleep when she needs to.

"Keeley has her own little project and makes patty cakes and fudge to sell on Facebook."

Michelle Ramsay from Bonshaw, just on the New South Wales side of the border, started a crowdfunding page at www.youcaring.com/keeley -spencer-586312. So far the page has raised just over $5000 of its $100,000 goal.

Donations by cheque can be sent to Keeley Spencer Fund, PO Box 81, Texas, QLD, 4385.

Junior league support

FOR the next three Saturdays, the Warwick and District Junior Rugby League will give the gate takings on finals days to the Spencer family.

Jack was a long-time Texas Terriers player in the Border Rugby League and son Declan has played for Millwood and Stanthorpe and is in the Border Bushrangers under-18 side this season.

"We have taken Keeley to two of Declan's games this season when she has been well enough," Ms Spencer said.