Help Cayla Heal and Stand Against Hate

My name is Ellen Vaughn, and I’ve created this campaign in support of my dear friend, Cayla Calhoun.

In the early hours of June 29th, 2025, Cayla was violently attacked by three strangers while riding her OneWheel scooter near her home in Washington, DC. She was intentionally targeted based solely on her gender identity, verbally assaulted, beaten unconscious, and left for dead.

Cayla was found semi-conscious several hours later and transported by ambulance to GW University Hospital, where doctors determined she had suffered:

- Two concussions

- Multiple broken ribs

- Seven cranial fractures

- A shattered elbow

Her wallet was found days later in a reflecting pool, blocks from the scene of the assault, its undisturbed contents further illustrating hateful intent.

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About Cayla

Cayla is a vibrant, gentle, and creative soul, deeply loved in the wine and arts communities. She exudes warmth, empathy, passion, and joy in all that she does. Her spirit remains unbreakable—even in the face of unimaginable cruelty and pain.

Though her attackers tried to crush her body, they could not crush her spirit. Cayla is determined to heal. She remains true to herself and her dreams, and refuses to be defined by this violence. Like a phoenix, she will rise and fly again.

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Why We Need Your Support

Cayla works as a bartender and sommelier at Annabelle, a fine dining restaurant in DC. Due to her injuries, she will be unable to return to work for the foreseeable future, and is now facing:

- Mounting medical bills

- Loss of income

- Ongoing physical pain and recovery

Her incredible friend and roommate, Ben Fort, has been by her side every step of the way—and will continue to be. But they cannot do this alone.

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How Funds Will Be Used

Every donation to this campaign will go directly to Cayla to help cover:

- Medical expenses

- Rent and utilities

- Food and transportation

- Basic living needs during recovery

This is about more than financial support—it’s about standing in solidarity with Cayla and the entire LGBTQIA+ community. It’s about standing firm to proclaim, "Hate has no place here."

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Stand with Cayla

Please donate what you can and share this campaign widely. Whether you’re near or far, your compassion and support will make a real, lasting difference.

Together, we can help Cayla heal—and show that love is stronger than hate.

With gratitude,

Ellen Vaughn

#HelpCaylaHeal #StandWithCayla #TransRightsAreHumanRights #RiseWithLove #StandAgainstHate #LoveWins