I am creating this fundraiser on behalf of my best friend Kalin Rytina and her family to help them navigate a serious medical emergency.

Kalin was preparing to return home from an international vacation when she developed sudden neurological symptoms that required immediate medical attention. She was transported to a hospital for emergency medical evaluation and treatment.

Following diagnostic imaging and clinical assessment, physicians determined that Kalin had suffered a stroke. She is currently in the ICU in Panama where she continues to receive intensive medical care while her condition is closely monitored and further treatment plans are developed. During her hospitalization, additional testing also revealed the presence of a blood clot, further complicating her medical situation.

At this time, the hospital is not accepting her insurance, and medical expenses are being incurred out of pocket. The costs associated with her care have already reached approximately $45,000 and continue to grow. What started as an unexpected medical emergency has led to a series of tests, treatments, and new discoveries that continue to add to the financial burden. As doctors learn more about Kalin’s condition and identify additional medical needs, the bills continue to accumulate.

In addition to the medical costs, Kalin’s father and younger sister are currently working to travel to Panama to be with her and assist with medical decisions, communication, and planning for her care. The costs associated with international travel, accommodations, and time away from work are piling on top of an already difficult situation.

Kalin and I have been best friends since we were little kids and we consider each other's families as our own. For those who know Kalin, it will come as no surprise that she is often the person who is holding everything together. At home, Kalin is a MD state employee as well as lives with and cares for her disabled mother, her grandmother, and her furbaby Axel. She is more often than not the one who takes care of others without being asked, shows up when someone needs help, and puts the needs of her family and friends before her own. Whether it’s supporting her loved ones at home or being there for a friend during a difficult time, Kalin has always been someone others can depend on.

Kalin's absence and current condition have left a significant gap in the daily support and stability her family relies on while her friends are deeply missing the conversations, laughter, connection, and irreplaceable role she plays in each of their lives.

Although only 28, she continues to face many unknown challenges during this time and in the near future, including the timing of her recovery, potential return to the United States, and the level of ongoing care and rehabilitation she may require.

One of the biggest unknowns is when Kalin will be mentally and physically stable enough to return to the United States and continue her care closer to home. At this point, there is no clear timeline for her return, and the costs associated with medical transportation, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, therapy, and recovery remain unknown.

Because her treatment is ongoing, it is impossible to accurately estimate the full financial impact of this medical emergency. She likely will require intensive rehabilitation to relearn skills that were impacted from her stroke. Funds raised will go directly to her grandfather, Roy Weil, to continue covering current medical expenses, future treatment costs, travel expenses, rehabilitation, transportation, and other recovery-related needs as they arise.

It has been incredibly difficult to watch someone so strong, independent, and full of life face something like this. Anyone who knows Kalin knows her resilience, her compassion, her sense of humor, and her ability to light up a room. She is dependable, charismatic, caring, and endlessly supportive of the people around her.

More than anything, I just want my independent, resilient, compassionate best friend back. I want to see her continue the life she has worked so hard to build and return to the people who love her. Until then, I am asking for help in easing the financial burden on Kalin and her family so they can focus on what matters most: her recovery.

Any contribution, regardless of amount, is deeply appreciated. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser is another meaningful way to help.

Thank you for your support, generosity, and for keeping Kalin and her family in your thoughts. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available regarding her condition, treatment, and recovery.