Life can change in an instant. And for Kayla Lacy, a freak accident would change her life forever.

On Memorial Day of 2022, Kayla accidentally dove into the shallow end of a pool. She hit her head, shattered her C-5 vertebra, severed her spinal cord, and was instantly paralyzed.

She was taken directly to UK HealthCare, where she underwent emergency surgery before spending 31 days in the ICU.

"Disabled but still able"

Since her accident, Kayla, who's from Stanton, KY, has continued to be a positive force during her continuous recovery. The work Kayla puts in is extremely taxing and difficult, yet she continues to surprise staff with her progress.

She’s been working with the team at the UK HealthCare Outpatient Therapy Clinic, housed in the Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Center, to help her learn how to use her body and regain freedom in her life.

“Kayla’s injury has greatly impacted every aspect of her life,” says Rebekah Pinson, a UK HealthCare occupational therapist. “She no longer has functional use of her legs and has limited use of her arms and hands, but she is getting stronger every day. She comes in and constantly surprises us with what she can do.”

Remaining determined

In January 2023, Kayla won the title of Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky, and she continues to use her platform to advocate for people with disabilities.

“I’m not much of a pageant girl, so I didn’t really expect to win,” Kayla said. “I just wanted to do this for fun. But here I am.

My platform is to really spread awareness about disabilities. I want to advocate for more handicapped-accessible parking spaces and for small, local hospitals to be more well-equipped to assist people with spinal cord injuries.”

Continue reading to learn more about the life-saving care Kayla received and how her determination continues to drive her into the future, inside and outside of UK HealthCare.

Kayla on the move. https://6am-city.typeform.com/to/gHiCTPhu