YOUNG Redlynch battler Taylah Raisin, who just celebrated her sixth birthday, has come a long way from the tiny newborn who bravely fought through several life-saving surgeries.

Taylah was born with several holes in her heart and her struggle for survival was documented in The Cairns Post, with the community rallying around the Raisin family to raise thousands of dollars to cover her medical expenses.

Taylah's mother, Jacqui Raisin, said the youngster's heart had been repaired, but she's only the size of a three-year-old because the defects affected her development.

"She's definitely our little miracle child," Ms Raisin said about the Freshwater Christian College Prep student.

"When she was going through all the heart operations I didn't think she'd get this far.

"She's tiny but strong."

Grandmother Liz Kiloh said Taylah is the smallest in her class, but she doesn't let her size stop her from trying her best on the sporting field alongside her peers.

The youngster recently participated in a race at school and kept running until she crossed the finish line, despite coming in last.

"She just smiled the whole way," Mrs Kiloh said.

Taylah's speech and hearing have also improved after her tonsils and adenoids were removed and grommets were inserted in both ears last year.

"She's got the all-clear with her heart, but she's still not speaking properly," Mrs Kiloh said.

Taylah is working with a speech pathologist because she still struggles to pronounce the letters S and D.

"Dad's definitely waiting to hear (the word) daddy," Ms Raisin said.

Taylah is also learning to read and practises reading books aloud to her family.

"There's been a lot of hard work," Mrs Kiloh said.

"She's doing really well. She's ready for Grade 1 next year."

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