Kayln R - Family Connection of South Carolina

Kayln R, age 12

Photograph by Elizabeth Doyle (2022)

Kalyn is sassy, sweet and kind. She is full of life in the moment. When you meet Kayln, it’s likely she may be listening to music, singing, or dancing.

Early on, Kayln’s parents were told she would struggle to do things like tie her shoe. She wasn’t expected to be able to read or write. By age eight, she was competing in gymnastics at the Special Olympics, and she was reading and writing. If you tell Kayln she can’t do or be something, she will prove you wrong!

“Kayln inspires me to be a better parent. I want to make her life better and her future brighter”, says her mom, Tiye. “She has taught our family to have patience—because she demonstrates so much patience in her journey with Down syndrome. She’s also taught us to laugh more, and to live life as it comes.”

Mom says, “She’s Kayln FIRST. She’s amazing.”

Kalyn es descarada, dulce y amable. Está llena de vida en el momento. Cuando conozcas a Kayln, es probable que esté escuchando música, cantando o bailando.

Desde el principio, los padres de Kayln se dieron cuenta de que le costaría hacer cosas como atarse los zapatos. No se esperaba que supiera leer o escribir. A los ocho años, ya competía en gimnasia en las Olimpiadas Especiales y leía y escribía. Si le dices a Kayln que no puede hacer o ser algo, te demostrará que estás equivocado.

“Kayln me inspira a ser una mejor madre. Quiero hacer que su vida sea mejor y su futuro más brillante”, dice su madre, Tiye. “Ha enseñado a nuestra familia a tener paciencia, porque ella demuestra mucha paciencia en su viaje con el síndrome de Down. También nos ha enseñado a reír más y a vivir la vida tal y como viene”.

Mamá dice: “Ella es Kayln FIRST. Es increíble”.

Family Connection of South Carolina provides services and resources to families who have a child with a disability or specialized healthcare need. Since 1990 we have served more than 100,000 families and today our services are needed more than ever. We focus on parent-to-parent support, guidance with navigating the complex healthcare system, and assistance with school meetings and special education plans.