Denae Adwell is a feisty 9-year-old who goes to Wheatland Elementary in Valley Center and enjoys tormenting her older brothers.

She's also fighting a brain tumor.

Surgeons were able to remove the tumor from the base of her brain stem in March, but she is now enduring a grueling chemotherapy regimen.

Mike Hermann, a Wichita chiropractor, is holding a fundraiser today for Denae and her family: He'll give a free treatment to anyone who makes a donation.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hermann's practice, 555 N. McLean Blvd., Suite 201.

"She's an awesome kid, and she's going to beat this," Linda Adwell said of Denae, her youngest child. "She's got a great spirit. She goes with the flow."

The Adwells have been Hermann's patients for years.

"It's just an opportunity for our practice to help a family that needs assistance," Hermann said.

Hermann said all money donated will go to the Adwells. He is charging no fees for the event.

The Adwells have medical insurance, but Linda had to give up her day care business to take care of Denae, and out-of-pocket expenses have piled up over the past several months.

Those who wish to donate but not participate today can send a check to Denae Adwell; c/o Hermann Chiropractic; 555 N. McLean Blvd., Suite 201; Wichita, KS 67203.