Kyla Kicks Cancer

Hi everyone, Tim and Bren here!

In Fall of 2024, our niece Kyla was experiencing extreme leg pain. A visit to a doctor led her to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO for further evaluation. Upon further evaluation a very large tumor was found above her knee growing into her femur.

On December 11th, 2024 Kyla underwent an invasive surgery that included removing the tumor from her bone, filling the cavity with cadaver bone grafts, and taking a piece of her hip bone to strengthen her femur, to continue to allow full use of her leg.

Following this surgery, the tumor was analyzed and determined to be malignant. Upon receiving this news, the team of doctors informed Kyla and her family that the best option to ensure a 5% or less chance of the cancerous cells returning, is to amputate her leg from above the knee.

Kyla and her family sought a second opinion from St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis. Unfortunately, Kyla’s case is a one-in-a-million case. This cancer is a malignant Giant Cell Tumor, and St Jude has not had any experience with a case like this. The team at St. Jude did evaluate options and ultimately agreed with Barnes Jewish Hospital that amputation was the best option for Kyla’s health and future.

As anyone reading this knows, having a sick child is stressful in and of itself. Having a case such as Kyla’s is going to be life changing for her and her family.

Kyla is a senior at Covington High School (Indiana), and will likely have to miss the remainder of her second semester, including all activities that come with it. Kyla is a bright student, a loving friend, and an important member of our family.

Prior to Kyla’s first surgery she worked at Benjamin’s as a waitress, and in the summer she served as a teaching assistant for Immanuel Lutheran School in Danville, IL.

We are rallying together to support Kyla in her fight against cancer. As she navigates this challenging journey, we want to ease the financial burden by raising funds for essential home recovery items, future medical equipment (including car modifications and prosthetics not covered by insurance), travel expenses for doctor visits, and everyday living costs.

Your generosity can make a meaningful difference in Kyla’s life. Every contribution, big or small, brings her one step closer to healing and recovery.

Thoughts and prayers are welcome during this time.

Thank you for your kindness and support! ❤️ #KylaKicksCancer

Tim and Bren