My name is Kaena Williams, I'm 16 years old and a straight A student in the JumpStart Program at Churchill County High School.

Our family’s life changed forever in 2024 when we lost my aunt. We welcomed her three children into our home, joining my two medically complex siblings, four other children, and 2 more teens who need extra support. Our house is full of love, laughter, and chaos—but also overwhelming medical and financial challenges.

Each day is a balancing act. Zeniya, 9, struggles with severe joint pain, fatigue, neurological disturbances, and frequent hospital visits. Some mornings she can barely get out of bed, yet she does her best to participate at school and pretends like nothing is wrong. She has to travel out of state often for medical care not available locally. My 2-year-old baby brother, Xerien, battles severe epilepsy caused by KCNQ2, a rare genetic mutation, requiring constant care, frequent emergency interventions, and specialized appointments far from home. These needs mean we are constantly traveling, juggling schedules, and managing medical bills we simply cannot keep up with on our own.

On top of my medically complex siblings, there are another 9 children in our home. Providing food, clothing, shelter, and stability for our large family has become an uphill battle. Every day, my parents face the challenge of making sure our family is safe, healthy, and cared for. My mom is a substitute teacher with Churchill County School District, and does her best to work and provide for us financially around my siblings doctor appointments and travel, but with the lack of child care and providing medical care to Zeniya and Xerien, my mom and dad just can't do it alone.

We are asking for help to cover medical expenses, travel costs, and basic household bills. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a real difference for our family.