Stevie Ray and family pen heartwarming message as MMA world helps raise brain surgery fund in 3 days

PFL star Stevie Ray and his family have thanked the MMA world for their kind donations and support as they successfully raised the amount needed for their daughter's brain surgery.

Ray's daughter, Myla Natalie Ray, was diagnosed with cortical dysplasia type 2 in October 2022. The seriousness of the condition required immediate surgery. However, it would cost a staggering £100,000. Ray and his family soon set up a GoFundMe page to help ease the burden, but thanks to the MMA community, they have already smashed their target.

Upon hitting their goal, the Ray family penned a heartfelt and emotional message to everyone who supported them:

"I don't know where to start. Firstly Steven and I would like to thank every single person who has shared and donated to our daughter - Myla! The messages everyone have sent me are truly inspiring, I cannot emphasis this enough. Being in your own thoughts with this for months can be pretty dark, but all your words, calls, emails EVERYTHING has just completed lifted my spirits - we really do have some amazing humans in the world. I know it can take a lot to message or donate if your in a dark place but I just want to put out there that you are not alone, you can message anytime! I know this because you have all made me smile so much. Thank you."

Check out the message here:

An update from Stevie Ray's family

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Dana White and Paddy Pimblett amongst donors for Stevie Ray's daughter

Dana White and Paddy Pimblett are just two names amongst a host of several MMA entities who have donated their money to help Stevie Ray's family.

The £100,000 goal was achieved this week, which was in part thanks to several massive donations to get the ball rolling for Myla Natalie Ray's surgery. Amongst the biggest donors were Dana White, Paddy Pimblett, and the PFL itself.

According to the GoFundMe page, the Professional Fighters League really took care of their own by donating a massive £15,000 to the cause. UFC president Dana White then followed suit with a £10,000 donation of his own.

Top donations to the GoFundMe page

Also on the list of donors is Paddy Pimblett, who donated £1000, as well as fellow MMA fighters Shane Burgos and Paul Craig. A host of PFL fighters also shared their support, including women's MMA star Kayla Harrison.