Fighting for Our Daughter’s Health.

Help Our Daughter Get the Treatment She Desperately Needs

Makayla is a vibrant young woman born and raised in Tampa, Florida. As a child, she was full of life—spunky, loving, and endlessly energetic. She was always on the go, never one to sit still. But at the age of 17, everything changed. Suddenly, Makayla could barely get out of bed. She began losing weight rapidly and experienced debilitating migraines, along with severe pain in her stomach and legs.

Desperate for answers, our journey began. We sought care at numerous hospitals across Florida, including the Mayo Clinic and even the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Yet despite countless tests, procedures, and consultations and medication, we were left with more questions than answers. Over the years, Makayla has received a string of diagnoses, including gastroparesis, heavy metal poisoning, dysautonomia, myasthenia gravis, anxiety, depression, migraines, IBS, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), bacterial gastroenteritis, connective tissue disorder, and most recently, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

Despite all these diagnoses and treatments, Makayla has not improved. She relies on a GJ feeding tube for 24-hour nutrition and can barely eat anything by mouth. Walking causes her severe pain, requiring her to use a wheelchair.

These conditions have taken a significant toll on Makayla’s physical and emotional health. Every day is a battle against chronic pain, fatigue, and other symptoms no young person should have to endure. Despite her struggles, Makayla’s strength and determination continue to shine through. Her journey has been incredibly challenging, but she remains resilient.

Earlier this year, we found hope in the story of Abygale, a local Tampa Bay girl with a journey similar to Makayla’s. Abygale’s family also struggled to find answers until they discovered the Spero Clinic in Fayetteville, Arkansas, led by Dr. Katinka. The clinic specializes in resetting the central nervous system and healing the vagus nerve, offering a unique 12-14 week Neurologic Rehabilitation program that has helped patients worldwide achieve remission.

Makayla has been accepted into this program starting June 10, 2025. This program feels like our last hope for Makayla to live a pain-free life and regain the joy she’s missed for so long.

We humbly ask for your support to help make this life-changing opportunity a reality for Makayla. Your kindness and contributions can bring her one step closer to recovery. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for reading her story and being part of her journey to healing.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Mendez Family