Fifteen-year-old Thane Hurst and his family are traveling from Hillsboro to Baltimore today. He will undergo surgery Friday at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Thane has a rare form of slow-growing, benign cancer on his spinal cord. If the tumor and cyst are left alone, they could cause permanent paralysis. Surgery also is dangerous but necessary to remove as much of the growth as possible.

More than $1,000 has been raised to help pay the family’s expenses. Donations are being accepted at Emprise Bank, Hillsboro, and at several Marion County businesses.