Help Kayla and Her Girls During Recovery

Most of you who know Kayla probably know me, but for those of you who don't, my name is Jamie St. Romain. Kayla and I have been friends since we were only 16 years old. It is one of those friendships where we don't see each other often because of life and being moms, but we always know that we are there for one another when it counts. Not to sound too cliché but a phone call away is all it takes, and I have always been grateful for and blessed because of our friendship.

Kayla was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor that is what doctors believe to be a meningioma. A meningioma is a non-cancerous tumor that sometimes rapidly grows and causes symptoms or issues related to where it is growing and how fast it is growing. Although the neurosurgeon is nearly certain it is not cancerous, this cannot be confirmed until surgery and pathology are completed. So for now it is still a waiting game for the official diagnosis and if any future treatment plans will be needed.

This tumor has been causing her debilitating headaches for quite some time and they seem to have gotten worse the closer surgery approaches. It has rooted into the frontal bone of her skull as well and is causing swelling of the surrounding brain tissue. Nevertheless, despite the pain, she has continued to push forward to care for her two girls. So far steroids seem to be helping with the inflammation and easing the headaches the last week or so.

Again if you know Kayla, you know the hard worker she is and how much love and effort she puts into the houses she cleans and into being the best mom she can be.

With surgery approaching on November 4th, Kayla is expected to be out of work for 3-5 months and she cannot drive for at least 3 months. She will be completely dependent on others at this time. Being self-employed she does not have any ST or LT disability plans.

While her insurance is expected to cover all medical costs, this still leaves the burden of not having an income while she recovers to help with bills, groceries and day to day needs for her and her girls.

She would never come to ask for help but I have asked her permission to start a fundraiser to help take these burdens off of her in the months to come so she can focus on her recovery and her girls. I know we have such wonderful people in our lives who are always willing to help others in need, so I am asking to show her what God can do through the gift of friends and community.

If you cannot donate I ask you to lift her, her girls, and her medical team up in prayer as she navigates the unknown and the surgery ahead. I have told her many times her story will be a testimony for the books and I truly believe God has his hand in all of her story.

May God bless you all.

-Jamie