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Family waiting on marijuana extract for girl who suffers hundreds of seizures daily

PITTSBURGH — Last month, Channel 11 News spoke with a family who's waiting for a medical breakthrough for their daughter.

She suffers from seizures and they believe medical marijuana may be the cure.

Now, there’s new hope in their fight, according to Gov. Tom Corbett.

Nine-year-old Antania Hawkins' family told Channel 11's Pamela Osborne that they received a surprise letter Monday from Corbett, reassuring them that progress is being made.

“I know that it’s something that they need. If it’s available, I don’t think it should be held off any longer,” Antania’s mother, Jessica, said.

Jessica said the treatment, known as Charlotte’s Web, has helped virtually eliminate seizures in hundreds of kids like hers.

“She’s not going to smoke a joint and get high,” Jessica said. “She has every side effect from every medication, from blisters to near-death experiences.”

In Corbett’s letter, he wrote that a program is coming. Antania’s family is hoping and praying it comes in time.

Information on the "Angels 4 Antania" Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser:

Sunday June 8, 2014 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

A donation $9 gets you pancakes, waffles, eggs, sausage, coffe, tea or fruit drink.

It will be held at the Resurrection Church in Brookline (1100 Creedmoor Ave, Pittsburgh PA) -- (412) 562-299.

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