My name is Kevin, and I am the father of a beautiful, strong, and courageous young woman named Makayla. She is only 18 years old, with her whole life ahead of her. I never imagined I would be creating something like this, but life can change in an instant.

Recently, my daughter Makayla was involved in a tragic accident caused by an DUI driver. She was outside of a vehicle when she was struck, suffering severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other serious injuries. As a father, that moment was the most terrifying and heartbreaking experience of my life, the kind no parent is ever prepared for.

By the grace of God, Makayla survived. And every day since, she has been fighting with everything she has.

Makayla is currently in a specialized traumatic brain injury rehabilitation program. She works daily with physical, occupational, and speech therapists, pushing through challenges most people will never face. Her strength humbles me. Her determination inspires everyone who meets her.

Before the accident, Makayla was doing everything right. At just 18, she was working two part-time jobs while attending college, building her future with purpose and ambition. She had dreams, plans, and a future she was excited for. And while the accident changed her path, I believe with all my heart that she will still reach those dreams, but she needs support, care, and time to heal.

One of the biggest challenges we are facing as a family is the period between Makayla coming home and when IHSS caregiver support is approved. The county will not allow us to apply until her first day home, and we’ve been told that approval may take months. During that time, one of us must stop working to care for her full-time.

This GoFundMe is being created by me, her father, to support caregiving for Makayla during this gap, not in Makayla’s name, so that her eligibility for state, medical, and county assistance stays fully protected. All donations will go directly to our household to:

• Care for Makayla safely at home until IHSS is approved

• Cover essential care expenses while one parent cannot work

• Provide transportation to her therapies and medical appointments

• Any home modifications needed for handicap accessibility

• Maintain caregiving stability and support through this long and difficult recovery

We are not asking for much, just enough to bridge the months before caregiver support begins, so our daughter can come home and continue healing with the support she needs.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, for praying, and for helping us care for Makayla as she fights her way back from this life-changing trauma.

With a father’s love and gratitude,

Kevin — Makayla’s Dad