Kayla Gist - One in a Million Cancer Fund
Most people who have met Kayla would say that she genuinely has one of the most selfless souls that you could come across. If you know her personally, you would know that she lights up a room with her caring demeanor, thoughtful conversation and beautiful laugh. She lives in Cloquet, Minnesota, is married to her husband Tony and they have two daughters, Hannah and Elise. When she is not working as a Senior Financial Analyst at Ascena Retail Group, she spends time caring for her family, working on projects on the family farm (this girl knows how to get her hands dirty!) and cultivating relationships with her many close friends.
In March of 2021, Kayla started experiencing symptoms that doctors diagnosed as Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland). Although treated for the thyroiditis, the pain did not go away and only intensified. In June 2021, while on family vacation in Northern Minnesota Kayla went to the emergency room due to the level of pain she was experiencing. Through this course of events it was eventually discovered that Kay had cancer – but doctor’s were initially unable to determine which type. Fast forward one long week later when Kayla and Tony received a call from doctors saying that they had a diagnosis from the Mayo Clinic -- the type of cancer Kayla has is called “epithelioid hemangioendothelioma”, or EHE. It is a rare cancer that grows from the cells that make up the blood vessels. The occurrence of EHE in the population is 1:1,000,000. Although we’ve always known that Kayla is one in a million, now doctors and scientists would say that as well! While this medical diagnosis has rocked Kayla and Tony’s worlds, her positive demeanor has not changed. Kayla is persistent in letting everyone know that she WILL beat cancer, as she has so much to live for!
Currently, Kayla is unable to work due to her symptoms. Additionally, due to the rarity of EHE, Kayla will be treated at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN which is approximately three hours from their home. This will cause the need for travel expenses in addition to typical household bills (mortgage, car payments, insurance, etc.) in upcoming months. Although they have insurance, it only covers a portion of Kayla’s normal wages. At this time, we want Kayla and Tony’s energy to be focused on beating cancer--not worrying about paying bills.
When asked about setting up a GoFundMe for their family, Kayla and Tony were humble and in their typical fashion wanted to know if when Kayla’s treatments are done – if they could they donate any remaining funds to a cancer foundation. I feel that this goes to show what kind souls they both are, always thinking about others. If there is anyone in the world that deserves your financial support, prayers and positive vibes it would be Kayla.
Regardless of the type of support you are able to provide, thank you for supporting the Gist Family in this journey that they never signed up for.
We will provide more updates once we get more information as a treatment plan has not yet been determined.
It has been asked by the GoFundMe team that I add some information to this fundraiser page. My name is Jenn Gist and I am Kayla's first cousin. I started this page to directly benefit Kay and Tony and their family as she attends treatments in Rochester for the cancer she has been diagnosed with. Additionally, the funds will be used for household expenses, recurring bills and any other unexpected expenses associated with this disease. The funds will be distributed directly from GoFundMe to Kayla :) Thanks all once again for your continued support!
Jenn
