Lyla Kay’s Journey from Juvenile Arthritis to Aerial Acrobats

Unless you or someone you know suffers from juvenile arthritis, it may be surprising to learn that it affects approximately one in 1,000 children under the age of 16. Living with juvenile arthritis means coping with daily pain and stiffness, making physical activities challenging. But Bornblum second-grader Lyla Kay is not letting it get in her way of pursuing her passion for aerial acrobatics.

Lyla and her family’s journey with arthritis began when she was just 15 months old. “She wasn’t sleeping well, she was waking up crying, and she was in constant pain and discomfort,” recalls Larissa Kay, Lyla’s mother. In addition to pain and discomfort, she also suffered from recurring fevers.

At first, Lyla’s parents thought the symptoms may be due to a virus or teething, but it went on for so long that they soon realized they were dealing with something more complex. Her pediatrician recommended that she be seen at the children’s hospital in Minnesota, where the family was living at the time, and they were referred to a rheumatologist who works with children.

After a series of tests and a process of elimination, she was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and began treatment. “I was so relieved when we got the diagnosis because even though it sounded really scary, at least we knew what we were dealing with,” says Larissa.

Seven-year-old Lyla has overcome the once debilitating pain thanks to her doctors in Minnesota and the care she now receives from her specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. A testament to her spirit and determination, she has been learning aerials acrobatics at High Expectations Aerial Arts.

“Lyla is such a sweet and hard-working kid! She brings so much joy to our youth performance troupe, and I have loved watching her learn, get stronger, and blossom as a performer,” shares Sarah Bolton, owner of High Expectations Aerial Arts. “I think because of what she has already gone through at such a young age, she has an inner strength that is quite amazing to witness. I can’t wait to see how she continues to spread her wings and take flight!”

For the past two years, Lyla has also helped to raise funds and awareness about juvenile arthritis with her and her family’s involvement in the Walk to Cure Arthritis, an annual fundraiser hosted by the Arthritis Foundation in cities across America. This year, she was also named the 2024 Juvenile Honoree and gave a special aerials performance during the event held at Shelby Farms Park.

“Lyla is an extraordinary little girl who doesn’t let living with arthritis hold her back. After being diagnosed at an early age she has inspired others to keep moving and living YES! even with arthritis,” says Kelsey Johnson, associate director of the Arthritis Foundation.

“When it came to choosing an honoree for this year’s ‘Walk to Cure Arthritis’ it was an easy choice to have her represent the Juvenile generation of Arthritis Warriors,” Kelsey continued. “She performs and dances in aerial silks and motivates me and others to keep pushing toward our goals. We are lucky to have Lyla as part of the Arthritis Foundation community.”

In the world of aerial acrobatics, where grace meets bravery high above the ground, Lyla is defying expectations and overcoming challenges with a spirit that soars beyond the heights she achieves.