Support Kyla Mae's Healing Journey

**My name is Ashlee Roby, I am starting this GoFundMe on behalf of my brother, Eddie Benton & niece Kyla Mae Benton.

The purpose of this GoFundMe is for the benefit of Eddie & Kyla. ** Please note, This fundraiser is solely for the immediate needs of Kyla & Eddie. Maddox, the other child who was also involved in the accident is the son of Jeremy Zimmerman. All fundraising for him is being handled separately by his family. However, know that our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you that is mourning the loss of Misty. We continue daily to pray for recovery and healing of Kyla's step brother.**

#PrayForKylaMae

On Monday, January 6, 2025, Kyla Mae (5 years old) was ready to return to school from Christmas break. On the way to school, Kyla, her mother Misty Cribb, and her step brother, were involved in a vehicle accident that claimed the life of her mother, and left Kyla and Maddox with major injuries. Kyla's injuries being life altering. Kyla and her step brother were airlifted from the scene of the wreck to New Hanover Medical Center. Kyla was 'stabilized' best to their ability, as they were not equipped to handle her injuries. She then was transported to UNC Chapel Hill Children's Hospital and was placed in the PICU. The injuries she sustained, would've killed her if she was an adult or even a teenager. Brian, her father, also known to us locally as Eddie, has not left her side since this happened. Upon her arrival to UNC, she was taken into surgery to place her in a HALO vest device, used to stabilize her injury site, until surgery. Kyla's initial injuries include a dislocated C-spine (including brain stem), nerve damage, bleeding on the brain, damage to the cranium nerves & severe bruising.

She successfully underwent surgery for correction and rebuilding of her dislocated C-spine. The damage to her nerves and brain stem are something that will take time to heal, and rehab. The HALO vest device is of course still in place, and will remain in place for the next couple of months.

Kyla Mae has been moved out of the PICU and is now on a specialized floor for her injury, still at UNC Children's Hospital. She has had many set backs and hurdles to overcome, but our God has given her and us many miracles and victories along the way, we are FOREVER GRATEFUL for His protective hand over her during the accident.

Kyla currently has fluid on her brain that has to be further monitored for increasing levels, at this time it is at a safe level and does not require surgery or a shunt. More CT scans will be performed periodically to monitor the levels. Efforts are being made to her eyes with an alternating patch to cover, due to the secondary surgery of the first failed HALO surgery, that has since distorted her eyes and if the preventative measure is not taken, she can lose her vision in both her eyes.

Kyla has a very long road of recovery ahead of her, but she is doing better and working hard to get stronger everyday. She has enjoyed visits with her immediate family, including her brother, Mason. While this has been difficult to navigate, we are thankful for our family who has pitched in to help make sure she can still be connected with her loved ones. It truly takes a village.

Again, Eddie has not left Kyla's side since the accident, he has been out of work since then. Once Kyla Mae is at a position to be released from the hospital, she will still be in her HALO vest device, will require around the clock care, weekly doctor appointments to UNC, & rehabilitation facilities for the next few of months. Eddie's desire as a devoted and loving father, is to be able to stay by her side every step of the way, putting him out of work for most likely the next 4 months. As we all know life throws us unexpected curve balls, much like this, which is never really planned for. We are asking for your generosity and to consider donating any amount you can and feel led to, to help lighten the burden for Eddie with bills, medical expenses & costs, living expenses, etc. For those of you who don't know, Kyla Mae has a brother, also Eddie's child, Mason Benton.

We are aware of how this situation is ever changing, and acknowledge this as the initial need, we will update this as we see fit.

While we don't know the full scape of what exactly Kyla's recovery will look like, we are holding on tight to FAITH & the LOVE of our Father, which has only brought her & us this far. HE deserves ALL the glory!

Thank you to everyone who have so far donated, held fundraisers, sent care packages & cards, reached out with love, concern, and and a willingness to help in any manner. Our family, especially Eddie and Kyla, have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support from our community, and those not in our community that have heard of Kyla Mae's inspiring journey. Despite the circumstances, our beautiful Princess Warrior has kept a contagious smile on her darling face. Our prayer is that her story touches your heart, inspires and encourages each and every one of you as you face your own battles in life.

#PrayForKylaMae

Again, we thank you and appreciate each and every one of you.

If you would like to follow along for more detailed updates of Kyla's recovery, the link to our Facebook Group is below.

PrayForKylaMae Facebook Support Group