Kayla Smith
Southeast Spinal Cord Injury Fund
Baton Rouge, LA
Dear Friends and Family,
Kayla Smith, a young, beautiful teenager and victim of a random shooting, had her life permanently changed on July 4, 2007. Kayla was getting ready to leave the annual fireworks display that night when random gunfire erupted – she was caught in the crossfire –a bullet had entered her kidney, liver, small intestine, diaphragm and spinal cord. Over time, the organs have healed. However, the spinal cord injury, L2, L3, has left her paralyzed.
In 2009 Kayla graduated from Pensacola Christian Academy, and is currently attending Baton Rouge Community College. She is currently in her 5th semester, possibly pursuing a career in art. Prior to her accident, she loved to dance and play baseball, and was a member of the homecoming court in 10th grade at Hosanna Christian Academy. Kayla continues to do intense at-home therapy and still suffers with the pain her injuries have caused.
Even with insurance, the financial burden of caring for an individual with a spinal cord injury is tremendous. Today there is hope on the horizon for spinal cord patients thanks to stem cell research and treatment using cord blood. Kayla hopes to receive a stem cell transplant in the near future – but as this procedure is not covered by insurance, we must first raise the necessary funds. This is where your support is needed.
In order to help with these and other uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign has been established in Kayla’s honor with HelpHOPELive (formerly NTAF). HelpHOPELive has been assisting the transplant community with fundraising since 1983; in 2000 they began working with individuals who had suffered catastrophic injuries such as Kayla’s. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Won’t you please consider helping Kayla today with a contribution?
| Make checks payable to: | HelpHOPELive |
| Note in memo section: | In honor of Kayla Smith |
| Mail to: |
HelpHOPELive |
For credit card donations, please call 1-800-642-8399 or select the DONATE NOW button.
Thank you in advance for your support and compassion. Together, we can make a difference in Kayla’s life. God bless you.
Jennifer Scallan
Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. This campaign is administered by HelpHOPELive, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit providing fundraising assistance to transplant and catastrophic injury patients. Information: 1-800-642-8399
