Hi, my name is Kayla. I’m 21 years old, a daughter, sister, friend, coworker, and most importantly, an Aunt to two beautiful little girls who are my whole world.

In just a few months, my life has completely turned upside down. Since July, I’ve lost 50 pounds, developed seizures from severe malnutrition, and can no longer stand or walk without help. I rely on IV medications just to manage the pain and nausea, and I may soon need tube feedings or TPN to survive.

My Story

It started in June with sudden, unexplained vomiting. For weeks, I was told it was “just anxiety” — even as I kept losing weight and getting sicker. By August, tests showed I had disaccharide malabsorption (I’m missing the enzymes to process lactose, sucrose, and maltose). Despite changing my diet, my health continued to decline.

By September, I had lost 40 pounds and was admitted to the hospital multiple times — once with a severe kidney infection, and twice with starvation ketoacidosis. I could barely keep food or even water down.

On September 22, I went to a larger hospital after begging for help. They admitted me and on the 23rd, I had my first seizure — something I’d never experienced before. Tests confirmed I now have generalized epilepsy, likely triggered by long-term malnutrition.

Where I Am Now

As of October 3rd, I’m still admitted in the hospital with no clear answers for why my body has shut down. I’ve lost 50 pounds since July, most of it muscle. My arms, legs, neck, and core are severely weakened and I need full assistance to move, stand, or walk.

I will soon be discharged to a rehabilitation facility to relearn how to walk and care for myself. But rehab is expensive. On top of that, if I require tube feeding or TPN, the supplies and upkeep are a major ongoing cost. I can’t work right now, and I have no income to cover these life-saving needs.

How You Can Help

I’m raising funds to help with:

• Medical supplies for tube feeding/TPN

• Outpatient services and follow-up care

• Daily necessities as I recover without income

Every single donation, no matter how small, helps me stay afloat while I fight to rebuild my health. If you cannot donate, please share this page or keep me in your prayers — both mean the world to me.

My Hope

This has been the hardest few months of my life, but I’m determined to fight for my health and independence. I want to be the sister, daughter, and aunt my family remembers — the one full of energy, not lying in a hospital bed.

Thank you so much for reading my story and for any support you can give. ❤️