A girl recovering in a Halifax hospital after amputations to four limbs has turned 10 years old, and people near and far are reaching out to celebrate with her.

Alyssa Sippley from Baie-Sainte-Anne, N.B., is continuing her long recovery. The girl suffered an aggressive bacterial infection that forced doctors to amputate her arms at her elbows, her left leg to her knee and right leg to her hip in order to save her life.

Alyssa celebrated her double-digit milestone Jan. 26 with the help of more than 100 people who sent cards and well wishes from across North America.

"She's still actually getting some, some that came late in the mail," said her father, Yves Sippley.

"Her story really has touched a lot of people and it's really been amazing."

Turning 10 is a big landmark for any child, but even more meaningful for Alyssa, who fell ill with a rare bacterial infection in December. Doctors thought it was unlikely she'd survive.

There has been an outpouring of support in the weeks since the girl’s operations, including donations through an ongoing campaign. The campaign hopes to raise $150,000 to help pay for items such as a special vehicle to fit the wheelchair Sippley will need, along with changes to make their home accessible.

"The amount of support we've been getting and it seems to just continue to grow and it's really amazing," Yves Sippley told CBC News.

That support is much needed. The rare Group A Streptococcus infection also left lots of internal damage, to her tissues and organs.

It will continue to be a long recovery, but Alyssa's father says his daughter's recovery is better than her doctors first anticipated.

"She's not taking dialysis as often anymore. Before she was taking dialysis every day and now she's taking dialysis maybe just twice a week now," he said.

It will be at least two months before Alyssa can be fitted for prosthetic limbs and many months after that before she can return home.