Pumpkins have never lasted all the way to Halloween for us. (I'm in StL.) I guess if we planted them later in the summer, the timing might be better.

If the vine is dying back, she might as well pick the pumpkin and bring it into the cooler house. I don't know for certain, but I think they ripen and then rot quicker out in the heat. At the very least she should peek at the bottom of the pumpkin where it rests on the ground to make sure bugs aren't gettting at it. Yes, I think it might help to set it on something to raise it off the ground.

If it's becoming clear that the pumpkin won't make it to Halloween, I'm sure her kids will be really disappointed. But maybe they could then learn to like it as a vegetable or as pumpkin pie!