Team Kayla

This fundraiser is in support of Kayla Kearney, the younger daughter of Joe and Laura Kearney.

Kayla is 20 years old. In December, Kayla had been experiencing headaches and severe fatigue. A brain scan revealed a large non cancerous tumor on her pituitary gland, which was compressing her optic nerve and effectively suffocating her pituitary gland. Doctors scheduled Kayla for surgery on January 17th to have the tumor removed laparoscopically. During the surgery, the doctors were able to remove the entire tumor, however several blood vessels were damaged which resulted in major bleeding. Several emergency surgeries were done to stop the bleeding, however while clipping some vessels, blood flow to the left side of Kayla's brain was diminished. Kayla experienced further complications, including two evolving strokes, and a portion of her skull was removed to allow for brain swelling. Kayla remained sedated in the ICU since her original surgery on the 17th, and yesterday she was placed in a medically induced coma to allow her brain to rest and heal.

Kayla's family Joe, Laura and Julia have been staying at a hotel next door to the hospital during all the ups and downs. The hospital is located over 2 hours away from the Kearney home, so the hotel has become their home since the 17th. It is unknown how long Kayla will need to remain in the hospital, however there is a potential she will remain there for 3 months. Expenses for the family are already beginning to accumulate, and Kayla has a long road ahead of her. This fundraising is being done to ease the financial burden for the family for hotel, travel and other related expenses.

Please continue to send positive vibes and prayers to Kayla.