Hi there!

We are Rachel L., Emily’s sister and Kyla’s proud aunt and Lisa P., a longtime friend of Emily’s. We’ve come together with a shared purpose: to support Emily and Kyla during an incredibly challenging time. Thank you so much for being here and for taking a moment to read a bit of Kyla’s story.

At the end of March, Emily’s 15-year-old daughter Kyla—a beautiful, resilient, and brave young woman—was diagnosed with Pediatric Onset Multiple Sclerosis (POMS), also known as childhood MS. This is an extremely rare condition, affecting fewer than 5,000 children and teens in the U.S. and fewer than 10,000 worldwide. The odds of Kyla receiving this diagnosis were less than 1%, approximately 0.00012%!

While this diagnosis is new, Kyla has faced medical challenges her entire life. Recently, she’s undergone extensive testing, difficult procedures, and intense treatments—with many more still ahead. Thankfully, the battles with insurance are FINALLY settled (yes, this is a thing for a 15 year old with a rare neurological disorder *facepalm*), and Kyla had her first MS infusion on June 19th! However, due to additional health complications, as well as the multiple sclerosis, Kyla’s care is complex and ongoing. She’s now under the care of multiple specialists, primarily at the exceptional Akron Children’s Hospital.

Kyla has endured more in 15 years than many will face in a lifetime—but she’s tough. She gets that strength from her mama. If you know Emily, you know she’s been through so much, yet remains one of the most compassionate, giving people you’ll ever meet. She’s a phenomenal nurse, a fierce advocate, and an unwavering source of strength for her kids. Emily fought tirelessly to get Kyla answers and a diagnosis—and now she’s doing everything in her power to ensure Kyla gets the care she deserves.

We are continually amazed by Kyla’s courage. Despite the life-altering news she’s received, she meets each challenge with grit, grace, and a fighting spirit that inspires everyone around her. She’s a true role model, and I (Auntie Rachel) am in awe of her every single day.

To say this has been overwhelming for the entire family is a massive understatement. Emily is a full-time nurse and a single mom to three incredible kids: Kyla, her twin brother Landon, and their younger brother Luke. She’s had to miss work for countless appointments, treatments, an unexpected hospital admission, a minor surgery, and (thankfully) for Kyla's first infusion (so far) —and her paid time off is rapidly running out.

We’re launching this fundraiser (with Emily’s blessing, after a little coaxing ) because we know she would never ask for help herself—but she absolutely deserves it. She’s always there for us, even when her own plate is full. Now it’s our turn to show up for her.

Every dollar raised will go directly to Emily to help with the growing costs of Kyla’s medical care, encompassing time away from work for appointments and treatments, travel, and rapidly growing out-of-pocket expenses — including an incredible opportunity for Kyla to attend a Teen MS Camp this summer out of state.(https://www.mroscarmonkey.org/teenmscamp). Kyla most definitely deserves to be surrounded by peers who understand what she’s going through and to experience a little joy and fun after so many hard months.

So please, let’s rally around this awesome family. Let’s show them they’re not alone. Let’s show Kyla just how special she is, and how many people are in her corner.

Thank you for your love, generosity, and support.

With gratitude,

Lisa & Rachel