
They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Kayla Struck would probably agree. After a life-threatening car crash robbed the 23-year old of function in her dominant arm, Kayla is now learning how to live as a partly paralyzed...
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Kayla
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Becky
Every day our world.
Kayla
Gets a little more connected, but a little further apart.
Becky
But then there are moments that remind.
Laura
Us to be more human.
Becky
Thank you for calling Amica Insurance.
Kayla
Hey, I was just in an accident. Don't worry, we'll get you taken care of. At Amica, we understand that looking out for each other isn't new or groundbreaking.
Becky
It's human.
Kayla
Amica empathy is our best policy. For the haters. For the haters. Come on, do it now or later.
Becky
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Kayla
They'll be where you go.
Becky
You ready?
Kayla
Yes.
Becky
All right, what's up, everybody? And welcome back to for the Haters podcast. We are joined today by a special guest, Kayla. For those of you listening that don't already know, my name is Becky. I am your host. I also have Laura here who is the writer and co founder of for the Haters.
Laura
Hello. Hello.
Becky
Kayla. Thank you so much for joining us.
Kayla
Thank you for having me.
Becky
I am pretty notorious of saying let's jump right in.
Kayla
So let's jump right in.
Becky
So let's jump right in. For those of you that are listening that aren't watching, they obviously don't have the automatic question that everyone does when they see you. Right. So if you kind of want to just start with that and we'll get the ball rolling.
Kayla
Ball rolling. All right. So I was in a terrific car accident July 21st of 2018. It left me with a broken neck, a broken clavicle, broken wrist, and a brachial plexus injury, which means my arm is paralyzed. So that is why I wear the sling and I wear that 24 7. Never take it off, even when you sleep? When I sleep, Nope. I will put it on a pillow and then take the strap off, but I will not take it out of the sling because in case I have to get up to go to the bathroom, I'm able to just put it on right away. But I don't like it to just hang because if I don't have this sling on, it will just hang and just, like, dangle. So I have to wear it 24 7. And it's. It's hard because it hurts my neck a lot. I kind of have, like, bruises now, like, on my neck from wearing the sling. So.
Becky
And this is fairly new.
Kayla
Yeah, it's been a year and four months. So very new for me.
Becky
Yeah. And this is, you know, something that, you know, it probably isn't as common as, you know, I think, you know, when you hear of traumatic events and paralyzed people, don't automatically assume just one limb of your body.
Kayla
Exactly.
Becky
But with yours, it. It still is a complete change of your life. You have to learn how to relearn, how to do everything.
Kayla
Oh, my God. Yeah. It's like basically like a kindergarten again, because I can't. My arm is My dominant arm that's paralyzed now.
Laura
Just gonna ask.
Kayla
So. Yes. So I had to learn how to write again with my left hand, how to write letters. And I felt like I was a child. And I still feel like I'm a child because it's still hard to write. And I have to learn how to do everything again. It's like I'm just growing up again. It's. It's insane.
Becky
I mean, what do you do? What do you do for work?
Kayla
I can't work. I. Physically yet. So that is. That is out, unfortunately. I wish I could, but I can't stand for longer than, like, five minutes.
Becky
Yeah.
Kayla
So. And I'm in pain all the time. So if I was able to go to work, I would have to sit and I would have to. I really don't know, because I would just be in pain. You know what I mean?
Becky
I mean, so now that I think about it, it's like, you know, you have to kind of figure out what that passion of yours is again. Anyway, a year isn't enough time to figure that out.
Kayla
No. Like, I was thinking about, oh, maybe psychiatry or counseling, because that's something like I could probably do. I could sit down and talk, you know, to somebody. But I just gotta.
Becky
You gotta figure it out.
Kayla
Yeah, I gotta figure it out.
Becky
What's the hardest thing for you now to deal with? You know, from the accident? Is it physical, the mental things that you have to deal with?
Kayla
Oh, definitely, for sure. Because every day I wake up to my arm not being able to work. So mentally, every day is a struggle for me. And I think that's the main thing is when I wake up in the morning, I remember that, oh, my God, I can't use my arm. And so then for the rest of the day, I'm just sad. You know, I'm very. I'm very sad person. I try to be happy as I can be and positive because I'm still here today. But. Sorry. But I'm also very sad because I can't use my arm. I can't pull up my pants by myself. I can't do certain things that normal people do anymore. So it's definitely a mental toll. Big.
Becky
Now, are these physical restrictions things because you just don't know how to do them yourself yet?
Kayla
No, I physically can't do it. I can pull my pants up on my left side, but on my right side I can't because I can't reach over all the way.
Becky
So.
Kayla
So I have to have help doing that. And basically putting up my hair too. I can't do because I don't have two hands and I haven't figured out yet how to do it with one hand. Cause I've seen videos on YouTube of people doing it. But I've tried and it's come out of mess.
Laura
Yeah, I can't imagine that that's not.
Kayla
A come out of mess. No.
Laura
That can't be a real thing.
Kayla
No. I'm like, how'd you do that?
Becky
It's just, it's crazy for me to think about like sitting here and hearing the things that you struggle with because, you know, and like, if I think of someone that. And you know, shame on me for thinking this way, but if I think of someone like, oh, they can't use their arm anymore, like, like it could be worse type of situation that like, that is such a terrible way to look at it because.
Kayla
Oh my God, yes.
Becky
You know, there, there's so many little things that we don't think of that it, you know, it alters and changes. Like, you know, I didn't think about being able to put up my hair. I don't really know what I would do if I couldn't because my hair is always in a bun.
Kayla
That's how I used to be. I use. My hair always used to be up. So like now it's like I have to ask for help to do it and it sucks.
Becky
And like, even in like your physical state, it must be such a different mind process of things because, you know, someone who is wheelchair bound, someone who is physically disabled in more ways, you know, mentally, they need help. And I feel like you probably feel like you should be able to do it by yourself because you have so much other things.
Kayla
Oh my God, yes. And I can't. And yes, that's the problem.
Becky
That's crazy.
Laura
So it's also like nothing that you can really prepare yourself for. Like, what were you supposed to do? Train yourself to be left handed?
Kayla
Exactly.
Laura
In the. In the unlikely event exactly. Were to have happened.
Kayla
I never thought in 23 years that this would happen to me.
Laura
Right.
Kayla
And then it happened. And now I'm just trying to deal with it and figure it out because I still. I still don't understand, you know?
Becky
Yeah.
Kayla
I don't understand it. Like, how. How does this happen?
Laura
And is it something that you're still. So every single day when you wake up, are you consciously reminding yourself of what's happening? Like. Like, at this point, it has not sunk in. It's not registered.
Kayla
It has not sunken in yet at all.
Laura
So you wake up, feel normal, and then immediately are met with the reality of your life.
Kayla
When I realized that I can't lift my arm up in the morning, it's like, oh, my God, I can't lift my arm up. Like, what do I do? How am I gonna go through the day? Like, how am I gonna go places? And that's another thing, too. Like, when I go places, I have to scope out the area to see, like, how. Like, if I'm going to a restaurant, I have to see, like, if they have boosts that I can put my leg up, because I can't have my arm up for a long period of time either. So, like, I have to, like, just scope out everywhere I go now and have somebody with me at all times to help me with everything. And especially because I have to be in a wheelchair when I go places, because I can't stand for a long period of time, like I said before. So I have to always have somebody with me when I go out. And it's just. It's a shame. And your independence is compromised. It's gone. It's, like, gone. It's pretty much gone. Because I feel like I'm a child again, and I feel like I have to have somebody assisting me at all times. So.
Becky
Now what mentally, you know, you're here, right? Like, you're still, like, taking it day by day. Like, what mentally gets you through that? Like, what mentally makes you get out of bed in the morning, you know, once that realization comes that your arm doesn't work?
Kayla
Because I think when I get up in the morning and I'm thinking to myself, and I'm like, you know what? You've been through so much in your life, and you're just not gonna let this bring you down and define you and define your life. You're gonna just keep on going and stay strong as you can be. And that's why I tell myself every day, like, you got this. You've survived everything. You've been through, you fought through everything. This is not gonna stop you from living your life. So that's kind of what I tell myself every day to get me through.
Laura
I think it's a good segue, actually, because when you had written in originally, your story submission covered a lot of ground.
Kayla
Yes.
Laura
And I think. I think, you know, this is the point where maybe we'll talk about some of that. So what, what did you go through as a child that, you know, you've had to overcome that's almost kind of prepared you mentally for this? Like we talked about, physically, there's no way to have ever seen this coming. But, you know, what was your childhood like?
Kayla
Oh, it was. It was awful. In school wise, outside of school, it was, you know, okay, I had a great home life. But at school, I was bullied tremendously. I mean, every day from fourth grade all the way up to my senior year in high school, I was bullied. And people think, oh, my God, no, you weren't. How were you bullied for that long? And I'm like, I was fourth grade. I was literally taunted. And people would walk around the halls and they would be like, they would do like a pregnant sign, and they would be like this to talk about my stomach. And they would call me Piggy. In seventh grade is what the name was. After that, all the way up till 10th grade, I was called Piggy, Miss Piggy, even by my own friends, which is very sad because I wanted friends so bad that I allowed myself to continue to be friends with them even though they bullied me and taunted me. And I did a woodergirl for the football team as well. And it's still kind of hard to talk about because it's, like, still sad that that happened to me. But the football players would be like, go get me a cheeseburger. I know you have some in your purse in your locker. And I would just sit there confused as to, like, why me? Like, why? And I tried committing suicide about two times. I've cut. I've cut myself multiple times. Self harmed. And then I finally. I told myself my senior year because I didn't want to go to school. I did not want to go to school anymore. But my mom, she was like, no, you're going, like, you're not gonna let them stop you from graduating high school and getting through it. And she was definitely my biggest support system, and she got me through it all. Oh, my God. It's emotional.
Laura
No, no, no.
Kayla
Yeah, it's emotional talk. I haven't really talked about this in a long time. We Got. Yeah. So. So I told myself, you know, you're going to graduate, you're going to walk across that stage and you're going to tell them, like, you're just going to look at everybody that bullied you, and you're just going to be like, look, I did it. You know what I mean? I did it. And I just never let them get to me at that point anymore. I'm just like, you know what? You are beautiful. You are strong. You are an amazing individual. And I would tell myself that every day before I went to school in the morning of my senior year, and I would still get bullied. But it's crazy because I'm like, I'm 17 years old. I'm still getting bullied. Like, how old are you? Like, you know what I mean? Like, why are you still acting like that? But it is what it is. It happens. But I told myself, you know, you're a fighter, you're a survivor, you're strong, and you're gonna overcome this. And I did. And I think that's what has helped me to this day, is the strength that I've gotten from what I've been through. So I have all that strength now to get through the days today.
Laura
So it's character building.
Kayla
Yes. Yes. It's a lot.
Becky
Yeah. Yeah. I mean, and it's such a shame because, you know, how many people are adults now.
Kayla
Yes.
Becky
That put other people through what they did when they were younger.
Kayla
Oh, my God.
Becky
And, you know, sometimes we. We might think it, like, as people that an apology won't mean something for something that happened 10 years ago. But I feel like if there are people out there that, like, know they had put someone through something, even if it is like, imagine if the. These people that specifically were in your mind that put you through this, reached out now and apologized and recognized what they did. I feel like it would still mean something.
Kayla
I actually had somebody, the cheeseburger guy, he actually did reach out and apologize to me about two, three years ago, and that did mean a lot because it was like, you know, it doesn't change it. It doesn't.
Becky
But it. You know, people realizing what they did and taking ownership is a huge. A huge part of it.
Kayla
Exactly.
Becky
And I. And I think that, you know, with saying that if. If someone's listening that, you know, there's something that they're not proud of, they did when they're. They were younger, you know, you need to forgive yourself and for. And ask basically for forgiveness. And if they don't, you know, that's let them choose that, you know, because right now they're probably struggling holding on to something that you know is 10 times harder. Harder than that.
Laura
I think you can't rewrite history, but I think write a new future.
Kayla
Exactly.
Laura
And, you know, I think that that's. It's important that both sides of. Of that situation come to whatever realizations are necessary. And it seems like you have.
Kayla
Okay, so I know it's about to.
Becky
Be that time where everyone comes out and they're like, new year, new me.
Kayla
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Becky
So whether you're just starting out or.
Kayla
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Becky
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Laura
Like, if he hadn't reached out to you a couple years ago, like, had you already forgiven him prior to that or you needed that?
Kayla
I needed that. I needed. I needed that apology.
Laura
Okay.
Kayla
To be able to kind of cope with that.
Laura
Sure.
Kayla
Because I still that to this day, like, it follows me because it's like I feel like, oh my God, like I can't eat because they're gonna. People are still gonna call me fat or they're still gonna, you know, make the signs and the symbols and they're gonna say, oh, you'll get a cheeseburger. Like, it's still, to this day bothers me. I hate eating in public. It's like, the main thing. But I actually have come to, like. I don't know how to explain it, but now when I go out, I'm like, you know what? I'm gonna eat this pasta. I'm gonna eat it. Okay. And if you don't like it, then that's just. That's your problem. But, yeah, so I definitely need.
Becky
It's such a shame that, like, you had to bear the things that you did as a child to be able to, you know, be the strong person that you are.
Kayla
It definitely.
Becky
Because it makes me think about. And not that you're not a phenomenal person now, and maybe it may. It made you who you are, but the person that you could have been if these people didn't do that.
Kayla
I think about that all the time.
Becky
Yeah. And obviously. And, like, I don't want to say that in the sense of, like, dwelling on the past and dwelling on, like. Because you turned out the best version of yourself, and that. That shows the power inside of you that you had all the things that you had to overcome, and that's, you know, admirable, you know, in itself.
Kayla
Thank you. Yes.
Becky
You know, now I kind of want to still talk about now. You know, what. What is your future like? Like, what is it that you see as goals for yourself? What is it that you want to do and change? What. What is it that you want people.
Kayla
To know not to stop your life? You know, if something like this happens, don't let it stop you. Like, I want to go to college. I want to get a degree, and I want to be able to help other people, and I don't want this injury and this disability to stop me. So, like, if you have a disability out there, don't let it define you, and don't let it stop you from doing what you want to do in life. As hard as it can be. Find that strength within and do what you need to do and do what you want to do and love what you want to do, because I know I. What I want to do, and I want to be able to help people. So I'm gonna do that. I'm gonna fight every day, and I'm going to. I'm gonna do it. I just know I'm gonna do it.
Becky
How old are you?
Kayla
I'm 23.
Becky
23. That's.
Kayla
Yeah, I'm a young age.
Becky
Yeah. I didn't. I don't know why I didn't ask that to begin with. And 23 is such, like, a. Like that age is such a defining year.
Kayla
Yes.
Becky
You Know, and So you were 21 when this happened?
Kayla
I was 22.
Becky
22.
Kayla
I just turned 22, literally like two weeks before.
Becky
So my own personal experience, it seems that when disabilities are involved, people don't seem to care to think about the extra step of things. Even when friends are setting up something or you know, like any life thing.
Kayla
Right.
Becky
And it's crazy because I feel like this is the first, this is, there's things being learned in every single episode, but I feel like there's so many things that we've talked about and are going to continue to talk, to talk about that are more so like learning points for everyone listening.
Kayla
Yes.
Becky
You know what I mean?
Kayla
Definitely.
Becky
I don't think we've had that like, it's like you need to think about this. If you have someone in your life that is disabled in some way, like just have a little bit more thought when it. Exactly. Be a little bit more compassionate. Like you know, they have a much more difficult life moving forward. Like, and if we, we as able bodied humans can make that just a little bit better.
Kayla
Exactly.
Becky
Then you know, do that, like think. It really doesn't take that much time, that much out of you to just think a little bit more.
Kayla
Exactly.
Becky
Into what, what is gonna happen and what is being done.
Laura
You know what, let's talk about this because we actually have not talked about what happened that night. So you know, tell us. I mean we talked a little bit right behind the scenes, but you know, take us, take us back.
Kayla
So basically I was celebrating my birthday and we were going home and after that I don't remember what happened. I just remember waking up in the hospital, but I was told that our car flipped about three times and I was ejected and found 30 to 40ft from the car and they thought I was dead at the scene. If the firefighter that found me, didn't find me, I would have been fully paralyzed because he did like a C spine thing on my neck. So they said I was very, very close. So I'm very lucky to be alive today. Cuz they all thought I was dead. They just, they were like, she's not breathing so it's the scariest thing to like hear. But it happened.
Laura
And, and for clarity, this is at the hands of a drunk driver.
Kayla
Yes, a drunk driver hit us. So we all had our seat belts on too. That's the craziest part about it all. I had my seat belt on and I still flew out the car.
Laura
Wow. So the impact, wow.
Kayla
It was very strong.
Becky
Do you still talk to the Firefighter.
Kayla
I do sometimes. I like to thank him a lot. I'm like, I don't want to be annoying, but like. Yeah, but like, I just, I feel like if I don't, like, I don't know, like, I just feel like I have to because I feel like because of him, I'm still here and I'm not fully paralyzed.
Becky
The spine is such a scary thing.
Kayla
It is.
Becky
I mean, there's no, there's no treatments. I mean there's like testing and all that, but there's no go to treatments to fix it.
Kayla
Nope.
Becky
And once it's damaged, it's damaged.
Kayla
Mm.
Becky
Do you do physical therapy?
Kayla
I do. And I actually had a surgery back in November. They took a nerve from my arm and my put my neck and put it in my arm, but still nothing has happened from it. But I do go back in November to get an EMG to see if any nerves have regenerated because that's what's supposed to do. They wanted to get my bicep to start working. Like I can kind of move my shoulder and that's about it. But I can't lift my arm. But I do do physical therapy that I guess helps. But it still to this day has not really made my arm go up.
Becky
Yeah, I mean, from my knowledge of it, it's, it's like not something that you can predict. It's, you know, you have, I think it's like a two year window of, of if you get function back and in the part that's affected and then after that the chances decrease quite a bit to get any type of mobility back.
Laura
And you are still within your two year window.
Kayla
Yes, I am.
Becky
Okay.
Laura
So there's hope.
Kayla
I'm hopefully, I'm hoping that the app in November is a good appointment.
Becky
You know, it's, you know, it's interesting. I, I, that comment just brought me back to when we, we interviewed Eric L. Grand.
Kayla
Okay.
Becky
And he, you know, and sometimes you talk to people that are in the situation of something, you know, being paralyzed and they speak to like a higher power about going to be able, like a miracle gonna happen and what the way that Eric spoke about it, he fully believes that he's gonna walk again because amazing. Of, of medical reasons though. He believes that there's going to be some type of breakthrough in the medical, in the medical field or community that's going to allow him to walk again. Not that he's a very religious person as well, but, but he had like, he fully believes that, you know, in the advancement of Technology, that there's going to be something.
Kayla
But it's amazing that he has that, like, much positivity about it.
Laura
Like, tremendous. I mean, like, so good.
Becky
I'm getting, like, chills thinking about it.
Kayla
Right.
Becky
Like, he, like, spoke to it as, like, he wouldn't, he wouldn't walk again to give up the things that have come from it. Right. And that's not, that's not saying that you're similar, your situation similar. He spoke to, like, his family, you know, not being the great, like the greatest of a family until the accident, and it brought them all together. And that's something that he says that nothing is worth more than, you know, what he got from that. So. And that's important too. I mean, you, you're. You have so much gratitude, you know, especially towards your mother. That.
Kayla
Yes.
Becky
That, like, that gives you a lot of strength to continue on. And when. And that's something we've noticed too, throughout the people we've talked to, is when you have gratitude for people in your life and gratitude for the things that you do have, it. It makes you, you know, it makes you see life a little bit. A little bit differently.
Laura
Absolutely.
Becky
Yeah. You know, is there, is there anything else that helped you get through the things that you had to overcome? Whether that be when you were being bullied as a kid or. Or now? What are things that you actively work on for, you know, your mental health side of things?
Kayla
Well, this is crazy, but I never believed in really, I guess higher power, you can say. But when the accident happened and I told my mom this, and I tell, I told, like, my family this. My aunt and uncle, they passed away a couple years ago. And when the accident happened and I'm telling you, like, it. I believe in so much now, and I think that's what gets me through every day, that there is something up there. I woke up because of seeing my aunt and my uncle. They told me to go back and I saw like a bright, bright light. And I mean, and I still, like, I think about it every day and they told me, go back. What are you doing here? And I woke up.
Laura
Wow.
Kayla
I mean. And it's, it gives you the. Gives me the chills every time I think about it. And I'm like, how did that happen? Like, this. Is there. There is something up there? Like, so I kind of like, I think about that every day and I'm like, that's crazy. I'm like, there's something up there. You know, there's a. There's a God or something. There you know what I mean? And he's. Obviously, I'm here for a reason. They wanted me to come back. So I kind of live with that every day.
Laura
I don't impose my views on anyone because I don't think that's what anybody should do. But I have to agree with you. I mean, that's. And I just, like, I kind of got chills from that. I think that even I believe in the afterlife.
Becky
So I can see that happening with. With or without. Right, right, right.
Laura
Something coming to give you hope.
Kayla
It doesn't definitely call it. It definitely gives me hope, like, every day I'm like, oh, my God. Like, I think it just sort of.
Laura
Like, reassures us all that there's an actual purpose here.
Kayla
Yes, exactly.
Laura
And that's. That's all we need to. To kind of move on.
Kayla
Yes.
Becky
Have you ever seen a medium?
Kayla
No. And I want to. I want to so bad. I want to know, like, my future.
Laura
I kind of feel like you don't have to. I mean, you. Yeah, I saw your aunt and uncle. That's amazing. That's amazing.
Kayla
It's kind of like I did, but I really. I want to see when she's. My mom's like, no, you're not going to. Because what if something bad comes up? And I'm like, wow, listen, I've been through a lot already. I think I can handle it.
Laura
Our medium, the, like known for having predictive powers, or is it more just like.
Becky
It depends on you. Go to.
Laura
Interesting.
Becky
I went to a really good medium and I've been to. I've been to probably five or six, really. And five of them. Let's say I went to six and five of them. You know, I always went looking for my best friend. Passed away three. Three years ago.
Kayla
Sorry.
Becky
And that's what I always went to go do was look to talk to him. And so anytime I went to these mediums, it always felt like they were just convincing me of someone that's passed that they were there. And then they go on to the next topic, like, so it was just like, okay, I believe you now. And then go on. Like, they never gave me answers. This other. This last meeting. I just went to her not that long ago, and it was the most amazing experience of my life.
Kayla
Really?
Becky
Yeah.
Kayla
I'm going to have to get the name of the person.
Becky
Yeah, she. She's. She's a healing medium, so she necessarily doesn't talk about someone that's passed unless it's important for you. Healing and moving forward.
Kayla
Right.
Becky
So, like, if you don't have someone that's passed away. She's not going to talk about them. Like, she. She's going to talk about life things and, like, your future and what you.
Kayla
Have to look forward to, and that's what I need. So I'm gonna go there.
Laura
Yeah.
Becky
She's like. But she's out in Philly, so.
Kayla
Oh, that's like, four for me.
Laura
So we're going, mom, on your way home.
Kayla
Right.
Becky
I don't know when this is gonna get released, but we're trying to get her to come on.
Kayla
Really? Yes. Yeah.
Becky
Because she focuses on, like, healing, and that's important to us.
Kayla
That would be.
Becky
Regardless if you believe in that stuff or not, if it gives you strength to move forward.
Kayla
Yes.
Becky
There's no reason to not have that, like, inside you.
Kayla
Gives me strength. So. Hey, absolutely. No, that was like.
Laura
I don't think it's a tangent at all. I think. I think that's the kind of conversation that somebody listening might need to hear.
Kayla
Yes.
Laura
Sorry.
Kayla
I know if I was listening to it, I would want to hear it.
Becky
Yeah.
Kayla
Because I'd be like, what medium was it? I'll have to.
Becky
I'll have to. We'll have to think about doing, like, a separate, like, special podcast where I talk about my experience, because, like, it was.
Kayla
That'd be cool.
Becky
Wild.
Laura
We should have her come on and, like, read someone.
Kayla
Yes. That would be awesome.
Laura
You could just come back.
Kayla
Right, Right. It could be me. See?
Laura
Two birds, one stone.
Kayla
Right?
Becky
Yeah.
Kayla
She got it done.
Becky
Everyone's gonna now, like, reach out, like, who's the medium?
Laura
Give her a little free press.
Kayla
Right.
Becky
She's in. She's actually in the process of opening a healing center.
Kayla
Oh, so that's good.
Becky
I have to ask permission to give her information out, but.
Kayla
Right.
Becky
But. Yeah. So back to.
Kayla
Back to. Back to me.
Becky
What were. What were the first, you know, moment. What were the first couple weeks like for you?
Kayla
Awful. It was pretty bad because. Well, when I first, like, woke up and everything in, like, the three days I was in the trauma unit, I really didn't, like, know, like, what happened to me, and I didn't really understand that my arm was paralyzed. But then when I got to the rehab center, that's when it all hit me, and I was like, oh, my God. Like, my arm is paralyzed, and I couldn't wall. Really walk and everything, and it was just bad. It was just. It was just bad because I didn't know that this was gonna happen to me. And then it happened to me, and then I had to live with that. And I can't even, like, explain it. I can't even explain how I felt during that time because it was just horrible. It's horrible.
Laura
I'll ask you something that I asked earlier that I made a note of, you know, today or even back then, even in the first few weeks, is it more physically challenging or more emotionally? Emotionally, okay.
Kayla
Definitely emotionally.
Becky
That's what. That's what they say at rehab facilities is that it's 90 mental and 10 physical.
Kayla
Because your mind is just like going in circles all day long and you're questioning everything and you're wondering, why me? Why me? Why is this? Why can I move my arm? I can't move my arm. I can't move my arm. So, like, it's just. It's a very emotional roller coaster, like my ex friend said. So. Yeah.
Laura
Can I ask, like, like you to describe exactly what is it? Like a phantom limb? Like, I've heard people say that it's.
Kayla
Sort of like it's like a phantom. Yeah, it's like. Oh, it's. It's the nerve pain. But they call it. I think they call it the phantom. The phantom pain. And I get nerve pain all throughout my arm and through my hand and the worst in my hand. And I'm in pain now. Like, it's like shocks and shocks and it feels like, you know, not to be like, weird, but like, feels like your nails are being like, ripped off. Oh, my God. And so it's a nerve pain is.
Laura
Like, honestly, that's eye opening for me and maybe people listening because I always just assumed that there was a numbness. You just feel nothing.
Kayla
No, it's. You have a lot of nerve pain. And I mean, I haven't been not in pain in a whole year. I've been in peeing every day for a year and four months. So it's like I'm getting used to it, but then it's like I should not be able to get used to it.
Becky
Are you on medication for. I just, I mean, obviously I know it from my personal experience, but I know that it screws with like.
Kayla
You.
Becky
Like going to the bathroom and stuff, like, but it wouldn't really affect your lower half because you feel your lower half.
Kayla
Right.
Becky
But yeah, I know that there's. There's medicine for it and it's crazy and like, this isn't comparable by any means, but I have a herniated disc and it's like pressing so hard that I get nerve pain in my hip now. And it like I just couldn't imagine it just being like constant like all and in your fingertips.
Kayla
Oh my God. That's the worst.
Becky
Yeah.
Kayla
I hated it before, like before this happened to me when I get my like tingles in my. I would hate that. Like now I'm like, it's every day and it's not even just tingles. It's like electrocution and like it's burns. Sometimes it feels like it's on fire and I can't do anything about it.
Becky
Yeah.
Kayla
And it's just awful.
Laura
Can I ask a science related question that neither of you probably know the answer to? Maybe you do. The fact that you feel pain would suggest that the nerves are somewhat alive.
Kayla
That's what they say.
Laura
So is that a good sign?
Kayla
They say it's a good sign, but they also say that this happens a lot with injuries like this even it could never work and you would still feel pain. There's a lot of people that lost their arm fully and they still have the pain that they're like they, the arms there and it's not so. Yeah, that's so crazy scary. Like.
Becky
Have you ever, have you ever talked to someone that's in the same position as you?
Kayla
No. And I want to. And it's hard to find somebody that I feel like I would connect with.
Becky
I mean that's what, that's what we stand for like here. Right. Like we truly believe that all we need to know is someone who's gotten through the same thing that we like to give them. Give ourselves a light at the end of the tunnel.
Kayla
Right.
Becky
So if you're listening and you know, because it's important, it's, it's really important, we, we need to guide each other through our own struggles. And that's the only way as, as humans that we're, we're able to get through anything is, is speaking to someone that's gotten through it. You know, you can have a random person tell you a million times that things are going to be okay, it gets easier. But unless they've been through it, like.
Kayla
It'S not the same.
Becky
And they mean well and you mean well. You know, I say to people all the time, you know, I give my advice to people that of things that I haven't gone through, but you don't.
Kayla
Come like, compared to like it's. Yeah.
Laura
Like I have no right to tell you that everything's gonna be okay. So I'm not going to. Yeah, I feel like I appreciate it.
Kayla
But it's like you haven't been through It. So it's like, you don't.
Becky
If you're in that, like, wrong mental state, in that, like, moment of time where someone's trying to give you motivation or advice, you just want to be like, f, off.
Kayla
Right. Stop talking.
Becky
Please don't tell me, like, I'm going to be okay. Like, you have no. No clue.
Kayla
Especially when they say, oh, it could be worse. I'm like, listen, this is my worst. Yeah, we talk about.
Becky
We've talked about that before, too. That it's a seesaw. Right. It's. It's really good to have a mindset of. It could be worse, but it also doesn't take away from the things that you're going through. And a lot of the time people are sitting too hard on one side and. And they don't let people feel pain or anger because of, you know, they're being people that have it 10 times worse. But, yes, you know, and we talk about that a lot. Like, you're justified in your feelings. It could be. I stubbed my toe and I'm really upset about it. Like, I could be justified in that. If it's hurting me, it's hurting me. And people need to learn how to be a little bit more compassionate, you know, in that sense.
Kayla
They really do. They really do.
Laura
It's finding that balance.
Becky
Yeah. I mean, and it goes back to what I don't want to, like, be a turning wheel. Is that what it's called when you, like, repeat yourself?
Laura
Broken record.
Becky
Yeah.
Kayla
But say broken recording.
Becky
I guess that.
Laura
That works too.
Kayla
Right, Right. It does.
Becky
But, like, if you're turning wheel, whatever. I'm gonna leave that in.
Laura
I love that.
Becky
But, like, if you know someone that's, like, going through something, you know, like, just try to make it a little easier for them, Please. Yeah. And, like, people just don't. It's just, like, simple things that people don't think of. Like the access, the accessibility of things and just. Yeah. And, like, don't not count someone in because of their disability. Like, let them choose.
Kayla
Oh, my God. Yes.
Laura
I feel like you have a story or something.
Kayla
Please. Yes. Because.
Laura
Do you feel like you've been excluded because of this?
Kayla
Of. Yes, tremendously.
Laura
I mean. I mean, like, separate from the friendship. That was obviously.
Kayla
Yes. No, separate from that. I have other friends and other things that, like, will go out and do stuff and not invite me anymore, and they'll be like, oh, well, I didn't know if you would be able to do it. And I'm like, you could just ask me and I can answer that for myself and decide for myself if I can do that or not. So that's kind of. Yeah.
Laura
I mean, like, what are they asking you? They're not like asking to throw shot, put, right? Like, yeah, yeah.
Kayla
Like, we're just going out. Like, come on. I can go out. Like, come on. Just not fair.
Becky
I feel like it's not. And it sucks because, like, it's something. It's like so easy just to like, be a little bit more thoughtful.
Kayla
Just ask. And then if I say no, I say no, but, like, just ask.
Laura
Have you addressed that with them?
Kayla
Yes, I have and I still do it.
Laura
Okay, so the response is not very good.
Kayla
Yeah, they didn't really. What's the word? Reciprocate.
Laura
Reciprocate. Yeah. Look at you, Becky.
Kayla
Right?
Laura
The turning wheel stopped.
Becky
Right. I want you to kind of talk to us about your experience with. I know that you've done some public speaking.
Kayla
Yes.
Becky
If you could kind of talk about that and your experience. Because we like, I've done public speaking and you know, that's. It's. I love it. Like, I like the power that you get from helping, like, oh, it's amazing. Someone, if you want to kind of talk about that.
Kayla
Oh, yeah, of course. When I did the tour, I did, I would get on stage and I would share my story. And that was like the first. That was the first time I was able to like, talk about it, you know, without, you know, because talking to myself. I was able to Talk to like 500 people per se that were there and share my story and talk about it and get it all out on the table. And I, like, it's different because, like, I don't know them. So it's like, how can they judge me? But they can still judge me. But I was like, comfortable to do it and I just felt so empowering. And the response that I would get from doing it was just amazing. It would make me feel so amazing and like give me so much strength and ability to just keep going because I know that I'm doing something good, I'm helping others. And you know, like I said earlier about the girl with the razors and everything like that, to get that response that I've helped somebody stopped to self harm and to not commit suicide. It's just an amazing feeling. And I loved doing it. And I really want to get back into it because it really helps you, especially when you're going through something. If you help somebody else, it's like you feel so amazing inside. So I definitely want to get back into it.
Becky
Yeah. It's such like an indescribable feeling.
Kayla
It is.
Becky
It's like just helping people through words, you know, and through like, your own personal struggles. I said this to a couple people in the past couple weeks. I don't know if you saw just recently. People reach out to me all the time, but recently, more so people have been reaching out to me in the sense of that aspect, like, that I've saved their life, that they were going to commit suicide and because of something I said, they didn't. And I want people to know. And you're a living proof of this, is that someone that is going through something that you went through younger needs you. Right. Like, there's someone out there that needs to hear that they're going to be okay from it.
Kayla
It's always good to know somebody cares. And.
Becky
And because you got through everything and you've helped many people survive and every single person has that ability. And people need to understand that. Right. Maybe not at this moment in life you feel like you've helped someone, but getting through that darkest moment is what you're going to need to help someone. And someone is going to need that help.
Kayla
Yes.
Becky
You know, your. The things that you went through, like, someone else can't explain. Like, you're the only one that can show people that and. And tell your story. And, you know, that's what. That. That's why we're here.
Kayla
Exactly.
Becky
You.
Laura
You know why we're here more than. Than most people because.
Kayla
Yeah.
Laura
You've done it firsthand.
Kayla
Oh, my God. Yeah. Share my story, get it out there. And hopefully I inspire somebody that's listening to this. Hopefully I help somebody.
Becky
More people.
Kayla
Exactly. You know, and I hope somebody finds the strength from just listening to me.
Laura
You know, or just treat somebody else a little kinder.
Kayla
Exactly.
Laura
Because of this.
Kayla
So. Mm.
Becky
I mean, it's even. It's crazy because I've learned, like, unexpectedly, and I don't know why I don't think I'm going to. But, like, every single person I talk to, it, like, makes me such a better human. Like, it makes me think about something that I didn't before I had this conversation with you, which just shows that a conversation is so important it is to have about. About these things. Because even, like, the things you were saying in the beginning, you know, are things that I'm going to think about, you know, like, do you go. Do you go to like, OT at all?
Kayla
Ot? I did, but not anymore. So for.
Becky
We've talked about ot before with Eric and like, the difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy. Therapy is. Occupational therapy explains, like, life things.
Kayla
Yes.
Becky
Opposed to the physical aspects. It, like, reteaches you how to do things.
Kayla
Yeah.
Laura
I actually don't know the difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy. So what types of. Of things are you doing in OT or have done?
Kayla
You know, the muscles, like you're riding a bike and they're lifting your arms up in the air and doing exercises with that. So that's basically what that is.
Laura
So how do you like. So as. I'm also right handed, so it's. So we would all understand what it.
Kayla
Yeah.
Laura
How, you know, disastrous this could be. But do you feel. I mean, of course, it's only been.
Kayla
A little over a year. Yes.
Laura
Do you feel as though your left hand has actually gotten stronger?
Kayla
Oh, yeah.
Laura
Okay.
Kayla
Because I use it for everything, so it's like. I feel like it is strong.
Becky
Okay.
Kayla
And it can do a lot more than what it used to be able to do.
Laura
So you feel like you have control over it.
Kayla
Really?
Becky
Yeah.
Kayla
Yeah. It's really hard to write, so. I mean, I like to write the letters. It's like, how do I write my A? How do I write my B? Like, it's. It's so hard. It's crazy to just even, like, think, like, how that can just happen.
Becky
Like, you know, crazy because, like. Like the time that. Like the time that this all happened, you know, it's not like it happened when you were 12 or 15 where, like, you still have that growing to.
Laura
Do and can, like, adapt a little bit better.
Becky
A little bit better. You know, 21 is basically when you start your real life.
Kayla
Yes.
Becky
So, you know, you're sent on this curveball of. Of, you know, figuring it out with a little bit of a disadvantage.
Kayla
Mm. A lot of disadvantage. Yeah. Oh, my God. It's crazy just to sit and think about it. Like, everything that I said and everything. Like, I'm thinking about it now and I'm like, oh, my God. I've really been through a lot, but I'm still here and, like, I'm still fighting and, like, I'm a survivor, so it's just crazy to think about.
Becky
Yeah. Do you have your phone?
Laura
It's over there. It's on the shared one.
Becky
All right, guys, we are doing a new segment that we hope to bring into this season. We're gonna get some questions from our community that to ask our guests. So we posted something about Kayla for people to ask, and it's locked. All right, cool. So we have our first questions. We're gonna keep the questions unanimous because just in case someone wants to ask one that doesn't want.
Laura
Say that again. Say that line again.
Becky
You want to say unanimous. Turning wheel.
Laura
Yeah.
Becky
We're gonna keep these questions anonymous because just. Because if some. Did I say it wrong?
Kayla
Anonymous.
Laura
Say, anonymous.
Becky
Oh, my God.
Laura
Can this in, please?
Becky
Anonymous. All right, we're going to keep these questions anonymous because we want people to feel comfortable asking a question if. Even if their identity is kept a secret. Okay, cool. So first question. Actually, I'm going to say this one last because it. This one's a. A hard one. The first question I'm going to ask is, what is your biggest fear? Do you have more because of the accident?
Kayla
Getting into a car. Every time I get into a car, I have to close my eyes. Literally, I cannot have my eyes open because I feel like if I see something like coming, I'm gonna get hit. Even though I don't remember the accident, it's like my body does and like my. All of a sudden every time I get in the car, my eyes just automatically close and I have to have a blanket with me and everything for comfort. Like, it's just. Yeah.
Laura
So you drove two hours to get here. Did you keep your eyes closed the entire time?
Kayla
Yes. Wow. Yes.
Laura
That's commitment.
Kayla
Yes. She's like, are you asleep? Or you say. I'm like, no, I'm just can't open my eyes.
Becky
Wow.
Kayla
Scary.
Becky
I want to ask a question. I hope it's not insensitive. Is it? Do you have the ability if. Like, legally to be able to drive with one arm, like, if you wanted to?
Kayla
I'm not sure. I think I've seen a lot of people with this disability, like, with one arm that do drive, so I think I would be able to. I just have to take it up, I guess, with my surgeon and, like, make sure I, like, okay to do it.
Becky
Is that something that you would want to do in the future?
Kayla
I want to drive again.
Laura
You have to open your eyes, though.
Kayla
Oh, yeah.
Laura
Okay.
Kayla
That's the only thing, too. I have to, you know, be okay with that before I can even start driving because I can't be on this. Sure. Hello?
Becky
Yeah.
Kayla
So.
Becky
All right. I think that answers it.
Kayla
Yes.
Becky
What is your hardest day to day task?
Kayla
That's a hard one. I feel like it's not really a task, but, like, waking up every day because I'm being reminded of my arm not working. And so I feel like waking up is a really hard struggle. It's cuz, like, sometimes I don't want to wake up. You know what I mean? But I find that strength to do so, and I do it. But, yeah, I think that.
Becky
Do you see. Do you see a therapist?
Kayla
I do, I do. And she's very lovely and she helps me out a lot, but, you know, it's not a cure for all, like, you know what I mean? So, yeah, I think that's the main thing.
Becky
Awesome.
Kayla
Hardest task for me.
Becky
Okay, we have two more questions. I'm trying to think which one I want to ask first. Okay. All right. Was there someone you had to forgive that caused the accident that occurred?
Kayla
There was, but I did not. I still, to this day, do not forgive that person.
Becky
Is there. Is there anything that they could do.
Kayla
Too, at this moment? I don't think so, no. No, because I don't. I'm not really. I didn't really come to terms yet with my arm not working, so it's like, until I come to terms with that and like, life, I just can't forgive her. So.
Becky
Yeah, this question is similar too. It's. It was. Do you forgive your former bullies or do you carry them with you?
Kayla
I. I do forgive them now because they gave me the strength that I have today. So if it wasn't for them, like, as hard as it sounds like to say, it's like, if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be who I am today, and I wouldn't have the strength that I have. So I do. I thank them for that.
Laura
Yeah, it's a very important takeaway because there's gratitude to be found in tragedy. And I just want, you know. Yes, that's a very good point. I'm glad you said that.
Becky
So, yeah, we are coming to a close. What we like to do with our guests at the end of every episode is get a word of advice. For anyone listening. There's a million different words of advice I'm sure that you could give. But if there's something that you want.
Kayla
To say, if you're listening out there and you're trying to find, you know, the strength to be okay and live every day, you just gotta reach deep inside and really believe, you know, in yourself and believe in life and just tell yourself that it's going to be okay. Whether or not it might not be, you got to tell yourself, you know, it's gonna be okay. And I'm gonna get through this day and I'm gonna fight until I win this battle. Because it's a battle and you Know, anything that anybody's going through, it's a battle and you gotta fight every day, you know, but you will overcome it and you will survive. And because I feel like that's what I have done. I've survived, you know, everything that I've been through in my life. So, you know, just keep fighting. That's the main thing, is just fight, and one day you'll be okay. I feel like that was great. Thank you.
Becky
Laura, do you have any final comments?
Laura
I. I think you've said everything, Gary. I mean, really, I feel like I've just sat here this entire time, like, nodding my head for those who can't see, so I'm.
Becky
For those of you that can.
Laura
No, I think. I think. I think. I think your entire perspective is refreshing and your faith in. In both yourself and in the higher power and in your future.
Kayla
Yes.
Laura
And. And things that you can control and can't control.
Becky
It's. It's.
Laura
It's amazing. And for anyone listening, I. I just hope that you, you know, that they. They take everything that you have to offer.
Kayla
I really hope so.
Laura
And adopt it themselves because it's.
Kayla
It's.
Laura
It's amazing.
Kayla
Thank you. I hope so, too. Hope I can help somebody.
Becky
You absolutely will.
Laura
You've helped us already.
Becky
Yeah. Yeah.
Kayla
Thank you.
Becky
Thank you.
Laura
You know, we learned, too. I think this is kind of, you know, my actual final word.
Kayla
Will.
Laura
Will be this. I, you know, I. We're not just like the. The co hosts of this show. We're young and. And have gone through things and are learning from all of you, of course. So it's.
Becky
You are.
Laura
You know, it's so refreshing to talk to people who, you know, leave us with thoughts on the ride home. Or not for Becky, but for me, you know, really. And I do think about it. I reflect on what you guys say. So this is. This has been very great.
Kayla
Right?
Becky
Yeah, it's. It's really good to be back and to be recording again because it's, you know, it's things like this and meeting people like you that are just a reminder of why we're. Why we're doing this and what we're doing.
Kayla
I love it.
Becky
So thank you so much for, you know, taking the time to drive here to come and talk to us.
Kayla
Thank you for having me. Yes. I'm so excited. I've been waiting for this day.
Laura
I'm very happy this day has come.
Kayla
So thank you.
Becky
Hopefully it turned out as good as your hopes, but.
Kayla
It did. It did.
Becky
But, yeah. Everyone that's listening, thank you so much for tuning in. Remember to subscribe to our channel, to follow, to like, to comment, to share. If this story resonates with you or think it resonates with someone else, please share with them. You know, every single person and every single new person that we get to join our community is another person that we can help. So please make sure to share. Listen, and we'll talk to you guys next week. For the haters.
Kayla
For the haters. Come on, do it now or later.
Becky
It don't matter what your name is. Share your story.
Kayla
We'll be waiting.
Becky
For the haters.
Podcast Information:
The episode opens with Becky Hayter introducing Kayla as a special guest. Laura, the writer and co-founder of "For the Haters," also joins the conversation. Becky emphasizes the value of diving straight into the discussion, reflecting the podcast’s no-nonsense style.
Notable Quotes:
Kayla shares the harrowing details of her car accident on July 21, 2018, caused by a drunk driver. The crash resulted in multiple injuries, including a broken neck, clavicle, wrist, and a brachial plexus injury, leading to paralysis in her dominant arm.
Notable Quotes:
Kayla elaborates on the extent of her injuries and the ongoing physical challenges she faces. Despite wearing a sling 24/7 to support her neck, she experiences constant pain and bruising. Kayla discusses her surgery in November, where a nerve was transferred from her neck to her arm in hopes of regaining some mobility.
Notable Quotes:
The psychological impact of the accident weighs heavily on Kayla. She describes waking up daily to the reality of her paralysis, leading to feelings of sadness and a constant mental struggle. The inability to perform everyday tasks independently has significantly affected her emotional well-being.
Notable Quotes:
Kayla delves into her traumatic childhood, facing relentless bullying from the fourth grade through high school. Being called names like "Piggy" and enduring constant taunting by peers severely impacted her self-esteem, leading to multiple suicide attempts and self-harm.
Notable Quotes:
Despite the adversities, Kayla credits her mother as her primary support system, encouraging her to persevere and graduate high school. This unwavering support instilled in her the strength to overcome her past and face her current challenges.
Notable Quotes:
Kayla speaks passionately about her aspirations to attend college, obtain a degree, and help others facing similar struggles. She emphasizes the importance of not letting disabilities define one's life and encourages listeners to find inner strength to pursue their dreams despite obstacles.
Notable Quotes:
Kayla discusses the challenges of finding peers who can relate to her experiences. She highlights the importance of connecting with others who have gone through similar hardships, as generic advice often falls flat for those in her situation.
Notable Quotes:
Engaging in public speaking provided Kayla with a sense of empowerment and purpose. Sharing her story with audiences of up to 500 people not only helped her process her trauma but also allowed her to make a tangible difference in others' lives, including preventing someone from self-harm.
Notable Quotes:
Kayla imparts valuable advice to listeners facing their own battles. She emphasizes resilience, self-belief, and the importance of fighting every day to overcome life's challenges. Her message is one of hope and perseverance, encouraging others to reach deep within themselves to find the strength to continue.
Notable Quotes:
The latter part of the episode features an anonymous Q&A session where Kayla addresses personal fears, daily challenges, and the process of forgiveness.
Biggest Fear Post-Accident:
Hardest Day-to-Day Task:
Forgiveness:
As the episode concludes, Kayla expresses her hope to continue inspiring others and fostering kindness. Becky and Laura acknowledge the profound impact of Kayla's story, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to sharing meaningful and transformative narratives.
Notable Quotes:
In this deeply moving episode of "Karma & Chaos with Kail Lowry & Becky Hayter," Kayla bravely shares her journey from surviving a life-altering car accident to overcoming childhood bullying. Her resilience, supported by unwavering familial love and a commitment to helping others, serves as an inspiring testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and triumph over adversity. Through candid discussions and heartfelt advice, Kayla not only sheds light on the physical and emotional challenges of her disability but also empowers listeners to find strength within themselves to navigate their own chaos and karma.