We are writing to seek support for our family member Kayla and her newborn son, Bennett. As many of you know, Kayla became ill after some unusual symptoms towards the end of her pregnancy. After seeking treatment and being tested for those symptoms, all results came back normal. Fortunately, one of the physicians noticed her swollen legs and asked if Kayla knew of any family heart conditions. She said yes, and they immediately ordered an EKG. As they checked on the baby at this time, they could not detect a heartbeat, and moments later, Kayla coded.

Once they were able to revive her, they performed a C-section to get the baby out. It was discovered that Kayla had a lot of fluid surrounding her heart, which had been constricting blood flow causing her heart to give out. The condition was diagnosed as cardiomyopathy, and Kayla was placed on an ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) machine and remains on it still.

Kayla has since been transferred to an Oklahoma City facility to receive more targeted care including special equipment. Her heart is trying to work but when it does, it’s pumping into her lungs. Her lungs are incredibly sick and not functioning properly, which causes her oxygen levels to drop.

Baby Bennett was placed in the NICU on a cooling mat to try to hold down the inflammation in his brain. He was without oxygen for quite a bit and has shown little to no brain activity. The family was advised from the start that this would be a marathon, but they’re seeing small steps- things like Kayla opening her eyes, nodding yes or no, trying to mumble. Because her heart and lungs are not yet strong enough to work on their own, she does remain sedated and vented; however, we see these small steps as huge victories.

They say it’s not easy to ask for help, but it’s easy for us today. This family is in immediate need in a plethora of ways. Outside of the cost of the extraordinary care that is required to manage Kayla and Bennett each day, there are so many everyday things. Kayla has rent, monthly bills, all the components of a young adult life, and now that she’s been moved to Oklahoma City, there are a whole new set of challenges including travel, lodging, and so much more. We are hoping to help alleviate some of that financial worry. The last thing this family needs during this unfathomable time is for finances to be a barrier. They simply have no idea of what’s to come or how long this journey may be.

Still with us? It’s a lot, we know. Big breath together, yes? Friends, we humbly ask you to give to this family, if you’re able. Keep the prayers coming; continue to intercede. Trust and know with us, but we also implore you to give. Believe it when we say EVERY SINGLE DOLLAR is meaningful. Every donation matters. See your daughter in Kayla- your sister, your wife, your granddaughter, your friend; Bennett in your son, your brother, your grandson. Please see this as an opportunity and not an ask. An opportunity for us all to put a little goodwill out into the world where it’s truly needed.

We thank you in advance for every prayer, every kind word, every positive thought, every dollar.