<div>Hi, my name is Kayla. I’m 23 years old and married to my best friend, Cody. Together, we’re trying to navigate a very difficult season of life with as much strength and hope as we can. I am a pre-law Student at CSUMB with a 3.8GPA. I take school very seriously and work very hard to do the best I can in everything I do. 
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<div>A couple of weeks ago, I was hospitalized with serotonin syndrome, a serious and scary condition that happened even though I was taking my medicine exactly as prescribed. I spent a week in the hospital, and while I’m grateful to be home now, recovery takes weeks. Most days, I’m in bed, still weak, exhausted, and dealing with constant pain from my chronic illnesses. 
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<div>On top of this, I live with endometriosis, and my doctors now suspect I may also have fibromyalgia. The chronic pain is overwhelming—it often feels like growing pains that never stop, and there are nights when I cry because the pain is so unbearable. The only relief I sometimes find is from medication or taking a bath. Even simple chores around the house are a huge victory for me right now.
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<div>Because of all this, I’m unable to work. Cody does everything he can to support us, and he’s getting a raise soon, which we are so grateful for, but unfortunately, it still won’t cover all of our bills. I’ve also reached out to my school and local resources, and they’re trying to connect me with emergency funds, but it’s not guaranteed.
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<div>That’s why I’m starting this GoFundMe. <strong>It’s not easy for me to ask for help, but right now we truly need support to get through this time while I recover and focus on getting my body back on track.</strong> Your generosity would go directly toward helping us with basic living expenses—keeping up with bills, groceries, and the essentials that make day-to-day life possible.
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<div>I know this isn’t forever, and I’m holding on to hope that things will get better. In the meantime, I’m taking things one day at a time, finding joy in small victories, and reminding myself that healing is a gradual process.
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<div><strong>If you’re able to help in any way—whether that’s donating, sharing this fundraiser, or simply sending encouragement—we would be deeply grateful.</strong> Thank you for reading my story and for standing with us during this difficult time.
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<div>I understand this is a big goal; I don't expect to get anywhere close to this, but every little bit helps. This goal would help us pay our bills for a couple of months, so I can get my health back in order without the stress of wondering if we are going to be able to pay all of our bills. 
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<div>Through this, I am being very honest and vulnerable with you guys. I would appreciate some respect, and if you don’t have anything nice to say about this, please just move on. 
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Oona Smith

Terry Benjamin

Mariana Timmer

Help us through this time

Still $4,475 to go. Help us build momentum.