Hi, my name is Kayla, and I’m reaching out with a heart full of hope and a soul that’s been fighting for far too long. I’ve been battling chronic pericarditis for over 9 years… a rare and painful heart condition that causes inflammation around my heart, making it difficult to breathe, function, or live anything close to a normal life.

But I’m not just fighting for myself.

I’m a mom to three incredible boys who need their mom whole and healthy. Every moment I push through this pain, it’s for them… to show up, to be present, to keep going even when it feels impossible.

After years of hospital visits, medications, specialist appointments, surgeries, complications and pushing through day by day, I’ve finally been referred to Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, one of the top heart centers in the world. This may be my only shot at open-heart surgery to remove the inflamed pericardium and finally give me a chance at real healing and a future with my children.

I never imagined I’d be here… creating a GoFundMe and asking for help. But travel costs and uncovered medical expenses are beyond what I can manage alone. I’ve come so far, but I can’t get the rest of the way without help.

Every donation, no matter the amount, helps bring me closer to the care that could save my life.

Every share helps my story reach someone who might be able to help or even relate.

If you’ve ever seen me smile through pain, keep going when it didn’t make sense, or fight like hell for my boys… you know I’m not giving up now.

Please help me get to Cleveland Clinic and give this heart the chance to beat freely again, for me, and for the three boys who call me Mom.

Follow my journey here:

TikTok: [@itskayla_duh]

Updates will be posted regularly as I fight to get the care I need.

With deep gratitude,

Kayla