Charleston , Kanawha County , West Virginia

A Kanawha County teenager is in the fight of her life at an Ohio hospital and her family is asking for your prayers.

Makayla Clark, 17, arrived at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Thursday evening, where she remained in the pediatric intensive care unit Friday. Doctors there were expected to evaluate her condition.

Makayla's story starts 17 years ago, when she was born with Down Syndrome. When she was just 2, she was diagnosed with leukemia. After chemotherapy and radiation treatments, she went into remission, but her battle didn't stop there. By the time Makayla was 12, she needed a kidney transplant and received one.

Fast-forward five years later to today. Makayla had been in a Charleston hospital since the first part of October, before being flown to the Cincinnati hospital Thursday evening, said Carol Davis, a friend of the family.

According to the Facebook page, "Cheering for Makayla," a comment posted Wednesday night said, "Since Makayla's health has declined rapidly over the last 48 hours, the family has decided to send her to Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Prayers are needed now more than ever."

Makayla lives in Marmet and attended Horace Mann Middle School in Kanawha City where she was a cheerleader. She also cheered with the Capital High School Cougars last year, hence, the desire for people to "cheer" for her now.

The girls who cheered with Makayla are thinking of her even though they are separated by the state line. They have organized a hot dog sale at 5010 Staunton Avenue in Kanawha City from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Hot dogs will also be delivered in Charleston and the surrounding areas. You can call or text 304-400-9111 or 304-400-9100 to place your order. All proceeds will benefit the Clark family.

Another message on the Facebook page simply states, "Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in the time of trouble and never stop praying, Romans 12:12." Now her family is pleading for prayers during this trying time.

Thursday evening, after her arrival at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, a post on her Facebook said, "We are overwhelmed with joy in how much support our girl is getting on this page. She will be so excited when we get to tell her how many "likes" she has and how many people are praying and cheering for her. Thanks to each of you!"

Makayla is also a huge fan of teen superstar Justin Bieber and West Virginia University Basketball Coach Bob Huggins. Family and friends have been tweeting the teen sensation and Mountaineer coach in hopes that they will reach out to her.

Friday evening, one of her dreams came true, as she received a phone call from Coach Huggins. A family friend tells Eyewitness News that the two exchanged "I love you's" and Huggins gave Makayla his cell phone number, telling her to call him anytime.

Eyewitness News has made it easy for you to find the "Cheering for Makayla" and share it with your friends on Facebook. Just log on to the WCHS/WVAH TV page on Facebook, where you will see the link to Makayla's page.

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