My life

kayla lathon Start Date: Apr 11, 2024 - End Date: Aug 10, 2024

My Travel Story

by: kayla lathon Start Date: Apr 11, 2024 - End Date: Aug 10, 2024
My mom gave birth to me at a late age and being born with complications, I always felt self-conscious about my condition. I was born a premie with a clef plate and had to have tubes put in my ears; later on, it was discovered that I always had vitiligo. My parents were always there for me for as long as I can remember. My mom started getting sick from a genetic disease that took her mom's life at an early age. Not much is known about it. It's called Olivopontocerebellar atrophy, which has no cure.
I remember living in a beautiful home when mom was an accountant and dad worked odd jobs, but we were happy.
I grew up loved by my parents. I remember being told that the doctors told mom she would never have kids, but by the grace of god, here I am. That's all she ever wanted.

When mom's condition worsened, we lost the home, and my dad kept
working jobs, or he would work night jobs. I can remember Dad always having to get up and take me and Mom back and forth to the doctor for my cleft lip and Mom for her worsening condition. I remember Dad saying he would never leave us.

Dad would always tell me I had exceptional circumstances with my cleft palette and the beginning of my Vinlingo skin condition. He said I needed to be more innovative and better than everyone else. That is why he started me swimming at such a young age. I am touching areas I can remember, but Dad constantly works with me with school and swimming while caring for Mom and myself.
I remember moving to a particular area; the kids and my peers made me feel like I didn't want to be in school. Dad moved us to a different location, but he always made me excel in school and swimming. I eventually graduated and went to college on a swimming scholarship. Over this duration, Mom got so bad that she was unrecognizable, couldn't speak, and couldn't walk, so I had to take care of her constantly while Dad worked. Mom soon died, as we knew she would. Sadly, she never got to see my graduation. Dad was devastated. Some of my school friends were taking a trip for graduation, so Dad did some more odd jobs. He started Lyft/Uber to save money so that I could attend, and now we are so far behind on our bills and rent, and Dad is trying to save money for me, too, for spending money while in Aruba. Life has been a long journey for me. Some things I still remember when he caught COVID-19, and I thought we would lose him. At that moment, I honestly never felt alone anymore.


I am writing to ask you to read my story and help me.