Kayla Cares 4 Kids in a Really BIG Way!

Kayla’s positive energy is so contagious because after talking to her you just want to go out there and do something good. She is 18 years old and getting ready for her first year of college. She was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease and Juvenile Arthritis when she was 12 years old.

Kayla said, “Strangely enough, living with a chronic illness has given me a very positive perspective on life. I think that I don’t take things for granted, and I am able to feel empathy for people who know what I am going through. And I was even able to start my own non-profit through this, Kayla Cares 4 Kids.”

She further explained that she has spent many days in the hospital and video selections are often lacking. So she just started asking for DVD donations while she was in the hospital for a long stay. She ended up collecting over 300 DVDs in three days, and from there her non-profit just grew and grew. To date, Kayla Cares 4 Kids has donated over 25,000 items to 450 medical facilities across the United States.

One of Kayla’s favorite donation locations was a mental health facility in Erie, Pennsylvania. When she flew home two days later, there was a huge box on their doorstep full of letters from the facility. One girl had even painted a flower that now hangs in their office, representing the HOPE that they gave her through their donation.

She advises other kids to not listen to others when they comment on how weak they might be. Kayla loves drawing, stretching and yoga (it helps), and plays the baritone. She feels that all kids need to find a way to express themselves.

Visit Kayla Cares 4 Kids | Contact: kayla@kaylacares4kids.org

Do you know an amazing kid with chronic illness who gives back to the community? Nominate them at ppf@purpleplayasfoundation.com