An Edmonton woman has been putting together a special treat to help a young girl during her recovery following surgery for lymphatic malformation.

Two-year-old Alexis Vowles underwent surgery on her mouth last week after swelling caused her tongue to protrude from her mouth, making it difficult to eat, drink and breathe.

Alexis’ mother, Danielle Good, said she was happy but there was still a long road ahead.

“All they did right now was just downsize the tongue. Later on they have to deal with the cyst that she has,” Good explained.

A mother herself, Kelly Desvoyault said she wanted Alexis to be happy and comfortable during her recovery.

“I don’t want her to associate going to the hospital and negative feelings. I want her to know that this was a positive thing for her. This is a life-changing thing for her and we should embrace it.”

With help from friends and some local businesses including Wal-Mart and a local Macs store, Desboyault has purchased a small freezer and stuffed it full of popsicles for the toddler.

“It only takes one person to go and bring a little sunshine on a cloudy day,” she said.

However, Alexis is going to have to wait for the surprise.

“She is not allowed to have anything to eat or drink for the next week,” Good told CTV News.

She added that while she appreciated the efforts of those in the community who are looking to help her family she was just focusing on getting Alexis well.

“I’m not there for donations. I am only here because I need my daughter to get well but thank you to everybody.”

Alexis’ situation is similar to that of Maddox Flynn, who was born with a lymphatic malformation that disfigured the left side of his face. The young boy made headlines when he went to New York for his surgery in 2010.

With files from Amanda Anderson