This year, our cousin Kayla received an unexpected and life-changing diagnosis: IgA nephropathy, a rare autoimmune disease that attacks the kidneys. She has since learned that she has rapidly progressive, treatment-resistant IgAN, one of the more aggressive forms of this disease. Despite every effort to fight it, she is progressing quickly toward needing a kidney transplant.

Kayla has already completed three months of a chemotherapy medication along with high doses of steroids in hopes of slowing the disease. She is also currently trying a new medication, but her condition has unfortunately progressed to the worst it has been so far.

As you can imagine, the medical bills have been overwhelming. On top of that, Kayla works a physically demanding job, and even on the days when she is in immense pain, she continues to push herself just to make ends meet. What she truly needs now is the ability to cut back her work schedule so she can prioritize her health, but she can’t do that without support.

We are reaching out to our community to ask for help. Any amount you can give, big or small, will go directly toward:

• Medical bills and treatment costs

• Living expenses while she reduces her work hours

•Transportation to and from specialist appointments

•Preparing for an eventual kidney transplant and recovery

Many of you in the community may already know Kayla. If you’ve crossed paths with her, you may have seen her working on the ferry in years past, or you may know her from her time as an EMT on the volunteer fire department. As a long time Islander, serving her community has always been such a big part of who she is.

Kayla is truly one of the kindest souls you will ever meet. She brings warmth, humor, and compassion into every room she enters. She has always been the first to show up for others, now it’s our turn to show up for her.

She loves deeply, and for those who know her, you know how brightly she shines.

Let’s help return that light to her. Let’s come together as the strong, supportive community we are and lift her up during this incredibly difficult chapter.

If you are able, please donate or share this link to help spread the word.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting Kayla.

Warmly,

Ashley & Brittany