Kayla Johnson is a hard-working, dedicated, deeply caring RN who believes in treating patients like family. And Kayla has always been the backbone of her family, too. She’s one of those whatever-it-takes single moms who tirelessly support her children’s needs and aspirations, no matter how many hours she has had to work or sacrifice.

We can understand Kayla’s position, as her kids sound pretty remarkable: Dashaun (Shaun), age 20, is a motivated college student who helps out at home while taking a full course load and working as an intern. Briauna (Bri), who’s 19, is a gifted basketball player with a full-ride scholarship to the University of Northern Iowa. 10-year-old Mason was born prematurely at 21 weeks, resulting in numerous surgeries, sensory vision impairment, and other issues. Mason may require extra love and care, but he gives a lot of love, too. In fact, these days, love is pretty much what’s holding Kayla’s family together.

“She is so determined to continue giving her patients and family the best version of herself, while fighting a terrible disease each and every day.”

— Sonya Pinneo, Magic Moments team member

Last July, a biopsy of a mysterious lump confirmed the worst, and Kayla was diagnosed with stage four malignant melanoma. The subsequent surgeries, treatments, and their side effects have been grueling, leaving her fatigued and in pain. The severe side effects have forced Kayla to cut her work hours drastically, which she hates. She has been a nurse at Madonna Rehabilitation for almost 20 years and she loves her patients. Besides, she was barely scraping by working more than a full week. With her income reduced to two-thirds, financial struggles are added to Kayla’s stressors. Despite her hardships, though, Kayla’s primary concern remains her children. She doesn’t want being a sick mom to get in the way of them living their own lives; not when so much has been invested in their goals.

Stepping up for Kayla

Kayla has raised some remarkable humans. Shaun has stepped up even more, taking care of meals, Mason, and so much more. Briauna was willing to stay home and put her basketball dream on hold for a bit, but Kayla wouldn’t have it. Mason helps out to the best of abilities, as his mom needs him to step up.

Magic and special memories 

Kayla’s co-workers and nominators, Keli Heydt and Lindsey Fattah, tell us they’ve never met anyone quite like Kayla. In this age of overworked medical staff, she takes compassionate nursing to the next level, making sure her patients feel cared for by running an errand, providing a special treat, or giving some extra attention. Now, Keli and Lindsey want to be there for Kayla. They’ve started a GoFundMe page and along with their coworkers have organized bake sales and other fundraisers. Beyond that, though, they want Kayla and her extraordinary children to feel the joy of the season. UBT and the Magic Moments team think that’s a great idea, so we joined forces with our amazing partners to create holiday magic and memories for this special family.

The spirit of the season — and some pots and pans

Kayla and her crew love sports, outings, and togetherness, so they were presented with tickets to favorite sporting events, concerts, and other entertainment to keep them out and about. Plus, gift cards and gas cards take some of the worry out of providing transportation, food, and other necessities. Unique gifts were selected for each member of this deserving family, including tech/electronics for all the kids. When asked about her own Christmas wishes, Kayla’s selflessness shone through — she couldn’t think of anything except perhaps some pots and pans. We made that happen, in addition to some much-needed pampering. We even had a little something for the family’s French bulldogs, Rio and Louie. (Bri, who joined via Zoom as it was a game day, was especially excited to see that mom gets some “me” time.)

Kayla, you exemplify the true spirit of giving and resilience. We wish you and your family all that glitters this holiday season. Happy Holidays from UBT!

Kayla’s friends have established a GoFundMe page to help the family with expenses. Please visit to learn more or contribute.