Our bright light is going through a dark tunnel, and we need your help to support her along this difficult journey. Kayla, 27 years old, was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

While her oncologist is optimist about her fight against cancer, she will have to go through 4 rounds of chemotherapy, followed by radiation. This aggressive treatment is not only expensive, it will require her to miss a significant amount of work. She loves the small company that she works for, and has insurance to cover some of the costs. Unfortunately, the deductible and 20% co-pay for her treatments are going to be beyond what this hard-working, young lady can swing on her own.

We all know cancer is a terrible disease, and the treatments can be equally devasting to the body. It was originally thought that infertility following treatment was likely. For a young woman who grew up surrounded by family, it seems like a cruel double-whammy that fighting back against cancer might also take away her ability to become a mother. Hearing this news, she underwent testing and pushed to being the process of harvesting eggs. After further consultation, it was discovered none of this was needed, but tests & appointments had already begun, resulting in thousands of dollars of bills that were not covered by insurance - regardless of possible future fertility trouble.

Today, April 26, she was finally able to start chemotherapy and take the first major step in clearing the cancer. While anxious, we know she went in strong and ready to fight. While this all seems like too much to bear, Kayla is strong, smart, and determined.

Many of you may know her from her years of dancing at her grandmother’s dance studio or at the Robert Thomas Dancenter in Ames. She was a swimmer for the North Side Otters and Dowling Catholic High School. She graduated from Dowling Catholic High School and Iowa State University. In addition to working toward furthering her education, she works full-time. Her character and perseverance will serve her well as she navigates this difficult journey, and we plan to be with her every step of the way.

We would be forever grateful if you would help us support Kayla during her cancer treatment. As always, prayers are appreciated!