Kaylen’s Fight was created in memory of Kaylen, a precious baby girl who passed away in 2018 after battling a condition called hydrops fetalis, in which too much fluid builds up in tissues. Born prematurely at 30 weeks of pregnancy, Kaylen lived just nine days. Cherished by the dedicated team at UT Southwestern’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), that time was filled with love, care, and joy.

Kaylen’s parents established Kaylen’s Fight to assist families facing similar challenges, including premature births, NICU stays, or the devastating loss of a baby. The group’s mission is to ensure every family has the support and resources they need during these difficult times. Since 2019, Kaylen’s Fight has raised over $250,000 for NICU families and provided care packages to more than 350 families.

Nine days in a NICU can take its toll, but Kaylen’s twin sister, Kamdyn, spent 63 days there and left just four days before her original due date. The care and support she experienced at UTSW helped Kamdyn grow into a rambunctious and joyful 6-year-old in love with life.

Kaylen’s family and her UTSW NICU caregivers hope that her brief life inspires other families to fight and also ensures that no one faces similar struggles alone.