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3 year old Union Co. girl to undergo cranial surgery

A three-year-old girl police said was seriously injured by her step father in May will undergo another major surgery Monday.

Sunday Eyewitness News went to visit the toddler, Kilah Davenport, and her grandparents at their Concord home.

"I believe her first word is gonna be nana," said the girl's grandmother Leslie Davenport.

Her granddaughter Kilah can't walk or talk on her own right now, but Davenport believes that she will one day.

Monday Kilah will undergo surgery to replace the bone flap of her skull. It was removed by doctors during surgery this spring.

While Kilah undergoes that surgery, child advocates will rally support for the bill that bears her name.

Kilah's law would increase penalties for serious child abusers. "Kilah's stepfather will only get four to eight years in prison for what he's done to Kilah," said Davenport.

The law, which would also create a child abuser registry, already has thousands of signatures in an online petition.

Sunday advocates said several North Carolina cities and towns including Indian Trail and Stallings have already passed resolutions in support of the proposed law.

This week advocates will ask leaders in Harrisburg, Waxhaw, and Mint Hill to do the same.

"We want to make sure all members of the assembly are aware that Kilah's law is coming and will be introduced when the legislature reconvenes," said Jeff Gerber, who is the founder of Justice for All Coalition.

He volunteered to lobby for Kilah's law.

Gerber said the proposed law had gotten support from North Carolina House Speaker Thom Tillis.

Eyewitness News tried reaching Tillis for comment Sunday, but calls were not immediately returned.

Family members hope Kilah's surgery Monday will lead to the removal of a feeding tube and cause her to take less medication.