If you know Kyala, you know she’s the kind of person who never gives up on anyone. She has spent years battling debilitating migraines, always pushing forward and supporting others despite her own pain. Maybe for the first time, she needs that same kind of unwavering support, as her health recently took a turn for the worse.

A few weeks ago, she suddenly lost vision in her left eye. This came at an especially difficult time — just a few weeks after being furloughed from her government job, a week before she was supposed to attend her brother’s wedding, and only days before her 29th birthday, which is today. I’m sharing this fundraiser as a birthday surprise to show her how loved, supported, and cared for she is in a moment when life has become overwhelming.

Kyala’s drive to be the very best practitioner and truly help others guided her career in health and wellness. She earned dual master’s degrees in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Columbia University and has applied that knowledge to serve children and youth, work as the sole dietitian for the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, and advocate for public and women’s health access. In addition, she volunteers her time, participates in community fundraisers, and launched her own wellness program to help people stay consistent with their health and lifestyle goals. She never gives up on anyone.

Kyala has the dedication, drive, and resilience to face this challenge — but the mounting medical bills and financial strain add a weight that no one should have to carry on top of recovery. As many of you know, it’s hard to stay ahead when you’re already starting so far behind, and this fundraiser is meant to ensure she doesn’t feel like she’s drowning before she even begins to heal. Your support will allow her to focus more on her recovery and less on medical debt collection, when return to work is questionable.

This sudden health crisis is leading doctors to consider a possible autoimmune disorder, though nothing is confirmed. Even amid the exhaustion, discomfort, and the pure unfairness of the situation, Kyala puts her personal feelings aside, keeping her focus on supporting others — including her brother. She accomplished this beautifully by attending his wedding virtually from her hospital room, ensuring he felt her love and presence despite her own struggles.

Your donation will help relieve the fear of mounting medical bills while she continues undergoing:

• Neurological testing and specialist evaluations

• Vision treatment and rehabilitation

• Future procedures.

I believe deeply that Kyala will never give up — because she never gives up on others. But she shouldn’t have to face this alone.

If you’re able, please donate to help lighten her financial burden so she can focus on healing — and return to doing what she does best: helping others live healthier, happier lives.

Even if you’re not able to donate financially right now, your support still matters. In a world where success is often measured by likes and shares, every share, every comment, every click helps Kyala feel the love and encouragement she has given to so many others. No gesture is too small — every like and repost makes a difference and reminds her she is not alone.

Thank you for helping show Kyala that she is surrounded by love.

— Happy Birthday.

Kindness for Kyala starts here.