Help Support Kaia and Kyson During His Fight Against Leukemia

On what started as a normal day, 18-year-old Kyson became very sick and spiked a high fever. After testing, Kaia received the devastating news that he has been diagnosed with aggressive AML leukemia. His platelets were dangerously low at 9, and his hemoglobin was just 4.

Kyson was immediately medflighted to a larger hospital over 2.5 hours from home to begin urgent treatment. His mom, Kaia, has been by his side every step of the way — but this means missing work and being away from home for long stretches of time.

Kyson’s treatment plan will be intense: several weeks in the hospital, followed by short periods at home, then back to the hospital again — a cycle that will continue for the next 8–12 months. Right now, the medical team is working to stabilize his hemoglobin levels with blood/platelet transfusions so he can undergo anesthesia for a port placement and bone marrow biopsy.

Along with fighting for his health, Kyson is also a loving dad to a 1-year-old daughter. He won’t be able to work during this long battle, adding even more strain to an already difficult time.

This journey will be long and challenging — emotionally, physically, and financially. Kaia will need to miss work often to care for her son, travel back and forth to the hospital, and manage the many costs that come with a serious diagnosis like this.

If you are able, please consider donating to help ease the financial burden on Kaia and her family so she can focus on what matters most — being there for Kyson and his little girl as he fights leukemia with strength and courage.

Every donation, share, and message of support means the world.

If you prefer to donate directly to Kaia, you can send donations via Venmo @Kaia-Ortego

We will continue to keep everyone updated.