My name is Kayla. I'm creating this GoFundMe account for my dear friends. I’ve known Kylie for 24 years. She isn’t just my best friend; she’s family. She has stood by me through every season of life, and I’ve watched her do the same for so many others with unwavering love, strength, and selflessness. Alongside her husband, Christian, who shares that same generous heart, they have both touched countless lives by always showing up when people need them most. Now, their family is facing the fight of their lives for their daughter, Koa.

During what was supposed to be a routine ultrasound, doctors discovered a mass growing on top of Koa’s lungs. The mass was compressing her heart and trachea, putting her life in immediate danger before she was even born. Kylie and Christian were quickly sent two hours away to Tucson, Arizona, to see the only fetal surgeon in the state who could perform the life-saving procedure Koa needed.

Koa’s birth required an incredibly rare and invasive procedure called an EXIT procedure. This involved an extended C-section that lasted over four hours. While still attached to Kylie’s placenta, doctors carefully delivered Koa’s head and arm in order to place a breathing tube and secure her airway before fully delivering her. This procedure was critical to saving her life.

Just a few days later, Koa underwent another surgery to remove the mass. Since her delivery, she has endured multiple procedures and has spent over three months in the NICU, showing incredible strength every single day. When she is finally able to come home, she will continue to require oxygen support.

Koa has been diagnosed with Hydroplastic lung disease and GERD. Doctors are hopeful that as she grows, her lungs will continue to develop and strengthen, but her journey is far from over.

Throughout this time, Kylie and Christian have been navigating constant hospital stays, medical procedures, travel, and emotional stress, all while facing mounting medical bills. Funds raised through this GoFundMe will go directly toward medical expenses and help ease the financial burden so they can focus on what matters most: Koa’s healing and recovery.

If you are able to donate, share this fundraiser, or keep this family in your thoughts and prayers, it would mean more than words can express. Your support will help relieve the financial strain they are facing and give Kylie and Christian the space to focus fully on what matters most right now: being present for Koa as she continues to heal and grow.

True to her name, Koa is a warrior—strong, resilient, and unwavering.

Thank you for surrounding Kylie, Christian, Karter, and Koa with love during this incredibly difficult chapter.