The Daphne community has reached out to touch the life of a local Daphne Elementary third grader Jon Mason Lim, who was recently diagnosed with a tumor.

Lim developed a type of brain tumor called a craniopharyngioma, a type of tumor derived from pituitary gland embryonic tissue that occurs often in children.

To complicate the matter, Lim’s father had recently changed jobs, leaving the family temporarily uninsured with thousands in medical bills stacking up every single day.

But that’s where the people of the city of Daphne have picked up the ball and run with it.

Groups and private individuals have taken it upon themselves to start up fundraisers, events and even organize prayer groups for the 8-year-old, including the Facebook page Pray for Jon Mason Lim – complete with its own hashtag: #prayformason.

On a post on the Daphne Elementary School Facebook page, Lim’s principal Jonathan Ellis said he was proud to see the community coming together to help one of their own.

“As a community we have all been moved by the powerful story of Jon Mason and his family,” Ellis said. “It's hard for me to describe the pride I feel in our community's proactive, unselfish approach in coming together for the right reasons at the right time to create a unified movement. I guess I can simply say that I hope you feel that pride too. This is the essence of a leadership culture.”

Ellis said anyone who knows Lim knows what an amazing young person he is.

“Jon Mason understands these concepts at age 8 deeper than most of us,” Ellis said. “I'm not simply saying that. I have had the pleasure of learning from him the past few years. He is extremely unique and has greatly impacted many, many lives.”

As of Monday morning, $12,580 had been donated to a Gofundme account started to help with Lim’s medical bills.

Students and staff at nearby WJ Carroll Intermediate School took up donations from students and faculty, raising $1,435.38 to donate to the cause.

Lim’s classmates and friends at Daphne Elementary were also sure to send their friend homemade cards, letters, signed posters and other goodies to help bolster his spirits.

“Mason wants to also thank all of DES school, his peers and staff, for loving and supporting him,” Mason’s mom Nicole wrote on the Pray for Jon Mason Lim Facebook page. “He has said many times how much he truly loves each and every person at DES. He sure is missing y'all!”

Lim remains in Birmingham as his team of doctors begins to manage his treatment and tries to find ways to get him back to health.

Those wishing to help contribute to the cause can visit the Gofundme site set up for Lim at gofundme.com/2rekisk.