My name is Lynn. My 12-year-old daughter, Kayleigh, was born with many medical issues and is immune-compromised. Kayleigh has beaten all the odds that were laid out for her by the doctors thus far. She has had many hospital stays, was never supposed to walk but had 4 hip surgeries in a 5-month period, and even with her hip still out of socket, was walking a year after the last surgery. Kayleigh has respiratory issues and neutropenia, which can turn a common cold deadly.

On May 29th, Kayleigh was admitted to the PICU for respiratory distress. Less than 48 hours later, she was put on ECMO (life support). She remained on ECMO for 3 weeks. When she came off of ECMO, she needed to continue being intubated. For Kayleigh, intubation is not only hard but critical. Kayleigh’s airway collapses and is very small to begin with. For example, she would need a size 4 tube, but a 2.5 is even a tad too big. So, she needed to have her airway dilated to place the size 4. Kayleigh was improving and was even starting to smile and laugh while being intubated. The doctors kept telling us a trach was the best option for her. But it just didn’t sit right knowing that her anatomy is different. She doesn’t really have a neck, and her chin is almost sitting on her chest on a normal day. Well, then the doctor said it was either take her home with a trach or not at all again. So, we agreed to place the trach.

Since placing the trach 4 weeks ago, Kayleigh has taken a turn again. So, I did what any parent who cannot give up would have done and asked for a second opinion. That now has led to us having to be transferred out of state for further medical care. The hospital she is at has no more they can do for her. Thankfully, we have found one that has more options and more hope. We will be transferring PICU to PICU. In this case, I need to take FMLA. It has taken a lot of convincing for me to make this. I am not one to ever ask for help in any area of my life. But for my children, I have to swallow that pride and do what is best for them. I also have an older daughter and a younger son that I am leaving at home to continue the fight for Kayleigh, so she can be at home with us at the end of this difficult time. Any money raised will go to medical expenses and bills while I’m out on unpaid FMLA. Every donation and even just a share is greatly appreciated.