Hi everyone. My name is Kelly Morris and I’m Kaylas youngster sister. We are best friends. Sister-mates. I decided to make this go fund me as a small way to help ease some stress off my special sister during this difficult and uncertain time she is facing. Anyone who doesn’t know her, Kayla is a young, 26 year old otherwise healthy woman and Registered Nurse from Bay Roberts, Newfoundland
On February 2, 2021 Kayla woke up after her “post night shift coma” as she calls it with sudden onset of blurry vision, difficulty focusing her eyes, and headache. Being the stubborn person she is, she got ready as normal and drove to St. John’s for another night shift at work - hoping that a large dose of caffeine and some food would take care of it. Afterwards; the only way to feel “o.k.” was to be in a dark room, laying flat, eyes closed. This went on for 48 ours until she noticed something strange when taking a front facing video of her eyes - they were “getting stuck” when looking peripherally. Being a nurse herself, along with her mother, a seasoned retired ER and critical care nurse, immediately went to the HSC ER. Within a matter of 4hours, Kayla had blood work, a urgent neurology consult, a head CT and lastly an urgent MRI of the brain.
The (very sweet, positive and hopeful) neurology resident delivered a life changing verdict that kayla has an early onset of Multiple Sclerosis. As you can imagine, that news after 26 years of perfect health, in the midst of her wonderful career, hoping to buy a house, etc.. was devastating beyond imagination.
Literally - the first question she had was “what about work?”. Kayla was scheduled to begin her much anticipated new job on Monday Feb 8 as a full time Dialysis RN. An area of nursing she worked previously on a casual basis, and fell in love with. She was elated to have a permanent full time job in an area she loves so much.
While she is assured by neurologists that with medication to settle down this initial “flare” , things should get back to pretty much normal for her everyday life and work, and that MOST young adults with MS fully function and live their lives normally
Well... geez. Great!!! , right ?? ....
MS is a ‘snowflake disease’. No two are the same.
This leaves a lot of uncertainty as to when she will get back to work full time.
Concern over her financial well-being and stability has been one of the most distressing parts of this entire process for Kayla.
Her overall attitude and mindset regarding the diagnosis is amazing. Exceptionally positive and optimistic. The strength she has is inspiring. She has kept her own mother strong at times. Her support system is rock solid. A supportive close knit family, lifelong friends, the love of her life, Justin, and of course her favorite furry companion- Bruce.
There is a lot of uncertainty during this time. Her sick leave from work is almost used from unexplained fatigue and migraines over the last month or so. She doesn’t have a definite date of when she will get back to work full time. Bills unfortunately don’t stop. There will be more medications to pay for, overnight trips to St John’s and neuro appointments to attend. 1 year of the newest and most effective MS therapy drug can cost upwards of $30,000. Chances are; the total cost won’t be fully covered by insurance.
I am confident that anyone who knows Kayla would agree she could be described as a breath of fresh air. Kind, caring, salt of the earth and completely genuine. She is a friend to all, and beautiful inside and out.
Kayla is an exceptional nurse, loved by her current and past coworkers from Newfoundland, to Ottawa, to Grande Prairie, AB.
Kayla is selfless. She gives everyday to everyone around her who needs caring for, without a desire for anything in return.
I feel now it is our turn to help her. At a vulnerable and scary time when she needs it most. Alleviating some of the financial burden / stress so that Kayla can focus on getting well and back on track.