NEW HYDE PARK, N.Y. (Oct. 26, 2015) – On Saturday, the LIU Post women’s lacrosse team returned to Ronald McDonald House to visit Kaylie, a five-year-old fighting brain disease.
From the time she turned two years old, Kaylie was diagnosed with Chiara Malformation Type 1, Syringomyelia, Tethered Spinal Cord, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Dysautonomia, Peripheral Neuropathy and Craniocervical Instability.
In the 11 months that followed, Kaylie underwent three different brain and back surgeries, only to find out that she now needs cervical fusion to keep her skull and spine stable.
Led by current Pioneer student-athlete Kelly Backus (Oceanside, N.Y.), who has maintained a close relationship with Kaylie for two years, the team went to visit her. The student-athletes joined Kaylie in baking cookies and brownies, decorating, playing dress-up and taking a tour of the facility.
“Kaylie helps us realize how grateful we really are. She shows us, even with her own struggles, that we can accomplish so much,” Backus said. “She inspires us to work hard for those who are not able to.”
Backus later added: “Kaylie teaches us how to live in the moment and worrying about the future will not change anything. After learning about her experiences, our team has put our issues into perspective. Our bad days do not compare to what Kaylie is going through…Always look at the positive and think about how lucky we have it.”
To this point, Team Kaylie has raised $6,546 of its $10,000 fundraising goal for her cervical fusion.
For the full story on Team Kaylie or to make a donation, please visit the link to her official YouCaring page by clicking https://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/team-kaylie/98071#.VYKvJM-tLcI.facebook
