Gray and gold ribbons have become a symbol of love and support for the little girl who is battling a brain tumor with the courage that only a child can muster

Already, more than 3,500 people are reaching out to three-year-old EB Johnson of Goshen with love, prayers and donations through the Internet.

“EB is such a wonderful and brave little girl,” said Heather Powell, who initiated a prayer chain for EB. “I got on Facebook and within the first 24 hours we had 500 people praying for EB. Friends contacted friends, and today we have more than 3,500 people who are reaching out to her in so many ways.”

Powell wanted to do something in support of EB and her family. Her first thought was to make gray ribbons, which are the American Cancer Society’s symbol for brain tumors.

She and her mom, Tammy Powell, were discussing what they might do on their way to church the Sunday after Thanksgiving. EB had undergone surgery the day after Thanksgiving, and she and her family were on the minds and in the hearts of many people in the Pike County community.

“Mama said that gold is the ACS’s symbol for childhood cancers of all kinds,” Powell said. “I thought maybe we should combine the two. So we decided to make gray and gold ribbons as a way to raise funds for EB and her family.”

The idea caught on in a hurry as more people became of aware of little EB and her fight against such a terrible enemy.

“Fraternities have contacted me wanting ribbons, and there have been requests from New York, California, Texas, Arizona, just all over the United States,” Powell said. “These people don’t know EB, but they say knowing what she is going through has touched their hearts. They are asking for ribbons and sending up prayers. There’s a lot of love out there for EB.”

Those who wish to join the hundreds of Facebook friends who are providing strength through prayer for EB and her family may go to Prayers for EB Johnson on the Facebook search box.

Pike County 4-H club members are working to fill the requests for the Ribbons for EB. The ribbons are available at the Pike County Extension Office and at Pike Liberal Arts School.

A fund has been set up at Troy Bank & Trust for those who wish to make a donation to EB and her family.

“We are also collecting soda pop tops for EB,” said Tammy Powell. “Each gallon of pop tops can be exchanged for one night at the Ronald McDonald House where EB’s parents are staying.”

Pike County 4-H’ers have donated 15 gallons of pop-tops and Haynes Ambulance, the EMS Angels Motorcycle Club and Alex Childs donated a total of 18 gallons on Thursday. Donations of pop-tops may be made at the county extension office or at PLAS.

Erin “EB” Johnson is the daughter of Marla and Troy Johnson.

Marla is a teacher at Goshen and her dad is a deputy with the Pike County Sheriff’s Department.