Love For Layla

Life's fragility has never been more apparent than in the swift, unexpected moments that turn joy into a journey of resilience. Layla Wren Pabon, our bright-eyed, cheerful little angel at just 30 weeks old, embodies this profound change as this family's journey took a turn from celebrating new beginnings in their modest, loving home to facing a reality we never imagined. With heavy hearts, we reach out to you, our friends and community, for support, as Layla confronts a challenge that before just felt like a statistic.

Just seven short months after welcoming Layla into our world, our lives took a heart-wrenching turn. It began with a mother's intuition that something was amiss, leading to two doctor's appointments and a trip to Hartford Hospital. There, they were faced with a diagnosis that would forever change our course: hydrocephalus caused by a large, rapidly-growing tumor near Layla's cerebellum. This tumor had obstructed the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in her brain, causing dangerous pressure buildup. The clarity of the diagnosis brought with it a complicated new journey, as the cause of Layla's symptoms was unveiled—a reality no family ever prepares for.

The journey to combat this invader began with an urgent procedure to alleviate the pressure in Layla's brain, followed by an intense, eight-hour surgery aimed at removing the tumor. Thanks to the skill and dedication of the surgical team, the operation was a success, removing all visible parts of the tumor. Breathlessly, we awaited the MRI results, which confirmed the complete resection of the tumor. Yet, the biopsy revealed a new challenge: Central Nervous System Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor (AT/RT), a relatively rare malignancy, striking children under three. With its rarity and the complex, multimodal treatment plan ahead—encompassing surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and a cell transplant—our battle is just beginning. Yet, Layla's resilience and the groundbreaking research her case contributes to give us hope and strength. Amidst the toughness of treatment, her warrior spirit shines, poised to make a significant impact on the world and the fight against this rare cancer.

Capturing the depth of what our family is enduring in words feels almost impossible; terms like terrifying, surreal, and nightmarish only scratch the surface. The initial shock of Layla's diagnosis plunged us into a whirlwind of emotions that have since morphed into a steely resolve as we prepare for the battle ahead. Our paramount goal is to ensure that their new home remains a sanctuary, a place where the tumultuous outside world's stresses—emotional, financial, and logistical—cannot reach, allowing Kristen and Kadyn to devote their entire beings to Layla's fight. Kristen, steadfastly by Layla's side each night, battles her own exhaustion, her rest more a shadow of sleep than true repose. Kadyn wears bravery like a second skin. Despite the challenges, hope remains unbroken, a beacon guiding us through this scary time.

In these challenging next moments, we're reaching out with a plea for kindness to bridge the gap for a family standing at the edge of both hope and hardship. The sudden shift from the joy of a new home and the promise of a growing family to the stark reality of Layla's illness has left them grappling with a significant reduction in income and the daunting task of juggling mounting bills. Our goal is simple yet crucial: to provide the family with a semblance of peace of mind by covering the gap in their monthly expenses, ensuring they can concentrate their emotional energy on Layla and her 4 year-old son, Grayson, without the additional stress of financial uncertainty. We're appealing for your support to help with the travel costs—gas, parking, food during hospital stays, lost income, and other unforeseen expenses. Additionally, contributions towards practical needs such as laundromat services and lodging near the hospital during Layla's three-week treatments would be a godsend. This support would offer the family not just financial relief but a precious gift of time and presence with Layla when it matters most.

We invite you to join us in encircling Layla and her family with a profound circle of love and support, reminding them they're not navigating this journey alone. Every moment is precious, and your contribution, regardless of its size, inches us closer to alleviating the immense burden they carry during this unfathomably challenging period. By clicking the 'Donate Now' button, you can make a difference; every donation, every share of this campaign with your network, amplifies our collective impact. Your generosity, thoughts, and prayers hold immense power, offering both financial relief and emotional solace to Layla's family. In these difficult times, we understand that not everyone can contribute financially, but your efforts in sharing this cause and keeping Layla in your thoughts are equally valuable. Together, let's send a resounding message of hope and unity to Layla and her loved ones, demonstrating the strength of community and the boundless capacity for kindness that defines us all. Thank you for every gesture of support—it truly means the world.

From the depths of our hearts, we express our immense gratitude for every donation, shared word, and prayer sent Layla's way. Each gesture of kindness shines as a beacon of hope, guiding us with the light of community strength and resilience. Thank you for being part of our journey; your support fuels our fight, enveloping us in a circle of love. With heartfelt thanks, Melena Pabon.