Since moving to Durham, NC three years ago, Kayla Higgins has become a beloved friend and community member to so many. Kayla is one of the most selfless, loving, creative, hilarious, active, talented, kind, hardworking humans you will ever meet. She works tirelessly to take care of her communities and brings joy to the lives of everyone she meets. And right now, she needs our support as she navigates abrupt and detrimental health challenges.

Kayla was born with a type of dwarfism called achondroplasia, which is commonly associated with a severe condition called spinal stenosis. Over the past month, Kayla's health and mobility has deteriorated rapidly. Her spinal cord is being compressed significantly, causing her to be numb and weak in her back, legs, and feet, while also causing an array of other health concerns. This is leaving Kayla unable to stand or walk without significant support, and unable to drive or work.

After a week of multiple trips to the ER, Kayla was admitted to the hospital at Duke on 7/20/2026, under the care of the department for orthopedic surgery. As of 7/27, she was discharged, though this may not be a sustainably safe arrangement since she lives alone.

Kayla has major back surgery in her near future, but we're still waiting for a date. It will likely take a minimum of a month to get to surgery. While waiting for surgery, Kayla will be mostly at home, and since she can't safely walk, activities of daily living will be a massive challenge. Immediately after surgery, her needs during recovery will only increase. She won't be able to bend or twist, which will even further limit her mobility during that time. This will also be the first of many major back surgeries in decades to come.

Kayla’s support system will be with her as much as possible, but it's well short of the care she likely requires. We're working hard to get her any and all resources available, but the medical system has big gaps in it and there just aren't enough resources to go around. Unfortunately, Kayla doesn't have insurance, but she is working on getting approved for disability and Medicaid as soon as possible. Since she is unable to work right now, she has no income whatsoever.

All funds donated here will go directly towards helping Kayla stay afloat while waiting for surgery, as well as during recovery. This includes support with:

Right now, trying to figure out how to pay medical bills isn't even a priority, though we know it will become a massive debt in the future. After surgery, Kayla may be dealing with new limitations for employment, which will prolong these financial stressors. Having been so active in her career so far (in floral design, professional childcare and education, her own business Beloved Blooms & Events and so much more), this will be a major adjustment while navigating present and future health challenges.

Kayla lives in a world that does not have appropriate nor inclusive accommodations for her, and her life already has so many extra expenses, including grocery deliveries, purchasing stools and grabber tools to adapt at home and at work, pedal extensions for her car, getting pants and sleeves hemmed, and more. She’s had to advocate for herself so much throughout her life, and even throughout this medical process, she has had to fight to get adequate attention and care.

Kayla has always been guided by her faith in God and by caring for other people, both professionally and in her personal life. She has been an incredibly impactful and radiant member of many churches and workplaces, as well as a beloved part of so many friendships, families, and communities. She's the friend that shows up with a hug and homemade baked goods for anyone who's struggling. We hope to show up for her right now, as we know she would do for any of us.

It's been unimaginably difficult for Kayla to process going from being so fiercely independent and active to experiencing such big limitations on her mobility. It's been incredibly scary for her to feel like her body isn't listening to her, all while being pulled from her daily life that included so much movement, creativity, community, and financial security.

Kayla misses her chickens, her garden, her floral design classes, baking, her work, her art, her spontaneous adventures with friends, and the adorable baby girl she cared for 40 hours a week as a nanny until her admission to the hospital. She deserves the utmost quality care throughout this process, as well as a sense of safety and security so that she can focus on her recovery without having to worry about overwhelming financial challenges.

Thank you so much for your support of Kayla’s recovery!