Kaydee's "Kare"

Giant Cell Tumor of Bone is a rare condition that affects the long bones in the body and can attack at anytime. Kaydee was affected a year and a half ago, here is her story.....

Kaydee is a creative and caring young woman. She is strong willed and loves her family and friends. She has a special heart that touches the lives of many. She aspires to go to nursing school because of her passion to help people and her volunteerism at a local nursing home.


Unfortunately, life can throw us curve balls. At the age of 19, before she was able to enroll in school, Kaydee was diagnosed with a rare condition called Giant Cell Tumor of the Bone; a condition that affects one in 100,000. A tumor the size of a softball had been growing inside of Kaydee's tibia, causing pain and discomfort until diagnosis. The severity and size of the tumor has caused Kaydee to undergo a long journey with an uncertain outcome. The first two surgeries have been unsuccessful in repairing the damage caused by the tumor. This third surgery is her last hope at a life of semi-normalcy and requires up to a three year recovery. If this last surgery is a success, her leg function will permanently be limited by pain and discomfort. Things we take for granted - being able to walk, run, jump or stand up and put weight on our own two feet - these things will always be challenge for Kaydee. If this surgery is unsuccessful, her only option is amputation.


Kaydee has remained positive and optimistic throughout this life changing ordeal. Even at her age, she is hopeful that one day she will be able to live out her dreams. She wants to have the opportunities that every young person should have, despite having to overcome this obstacle. She will be faced with the burden of completing daily tasks, as well as, the burden of paying back a substantial amount of debt. Kaydee is a proud young woman. She is kind and gracious. She is asking for financial help not to benefit just herself, but to educate others about her diagnosis and to help others in similar situations. She loves life; and, despite all her setbacks, has a smile everyday. She is a fighter; she will fight for herself and others.


We are asking you to help her with her cause. After this third surgery, Kaydee and her family will be faced with thousands of dollars in medical bills. It will be an additional challenge to overcome as a young adult even before having the opportunity to attend college to fulfill her dreams of becoming a nurse. She is a young woman facing a very hard and difficult road. Please help her achieve her dreams and have the opportunity to begin her life with hope and a positive outlook to make a difference. Thank you for hearing her story and for listening to your heart about helping Kaydee.