BEDFORD COUNTY, Pa. -- Nothing shows the strength of a community more than when one of its own needs a helping hand.

For 11-year-old Heather Miller of Bedford County, it's not just her community but the entire region that is coming together to help her and her family as she fights a rare form of cancer.

Sunday, schools from across the Alleghenies battled it out on the football field for a fundraiser. Organizers hoped the concessions, raffle tickets and an auction -- which included a football signed by Steelers players -- would be enough to raise about $13,000. But, they far exceeded that goal and raised nearly $20,000.

The money will go to help Heather, a student at Chestnut Ridge who is fighting a rare form of cancer called Ewing's Sarcoma. The Osterburg child was about to end her treatments but recently learned the cancer returned in the form of a lung tumor.

Heather's story and her friendship with Pittsburgh Steeler Troy Polamalu was quickly picked up by the "Today" show. Viewers got to see Heather's wish come true as she met and interviewed the players at practice, and a local football coach was so touched by what he saw that he immediately jumped into action.

Bob Mickle, Chestnut Ridge High School football coach, said a Westmont coach brought up the idea of a tournament fundraiser, and it grew from there.

"We've had Boy Scouts call us, churches, Subway. We didn't buy one item of food -- it's all donated. We've been blessed," said Michelle Buttry, organizer.

A fund has been set up for Heather's medical bills. Donations are being accepted at the First Commonwealth Bank, 8470 William Penn Road, Osterburg, 16667.