Local girl battles health issues

At 8 years old, Kyndall Owens began having seizures unexpectedly. Now just under 11 years old, Kyndall is facing a decline in fine motor skills – and despite numerous tests, she does not have a diagnosis.

Christina Owens, Kyndall’s mother, said the change seemed to happen overnight. “One day she was fine, the next, she wasn’t,” Christina said.

Kyndall initially received treatment for her seizures from Huntsville Pediatric Neurology for almost two years. During that time, Christina said doctors believed Kyndall would grow out of the seizures – but things began to get worse. “I noticed that she struggled to eat cereal without making a mess. Pretty much anything that required hand-eye coordination, she struggled with,” Christina said.

Kyndall is also unable to walk in a straight line, and during one of her recent visits, she could not recall the month or the year.

Tests showed the nerves in Kyndall’s ears are not properly registering sounds to her brain, and she also has tongue fasciculations, which are brief, spontaneous contractions.

Christina said there have also been changes in her daughter’s appearance and memory. “Kyndall has always been an A/B honor roll student. She cheered, went to monster tumbling, she played volleyball at camps. This is just a totally different person,” Christina said.

The Owens family was referred to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and travels there every two weeks for testing. Doctors do not yet have an answer, Christina said.

“As of right now, it is a new disease. It is either new or extremely rare,” Christina said. “With diagnosis, they will treat her symptoms, but there is not a cure. If it is a new disease, they will monitor her symptoms.”

Kyndall also receives physical therapy in Decatur. “She has a walker, but she is 10 years old and refuses to use it,” Christina said.

Christina said Kyndall is like a normal 10-year-old in many ways. “She has a love for horses, and she is a big Taylor Swift fan,” Christina said. “She loves her friends and makeup. She is just that 10-year-old girl who wants to grow up too fast.”

Kyndall also has tried to maintain her autonomy as much as possible. Although she requires help with everyday functions, she does try to do them herself. “Through the whole thing, she doesn’t want to be babied,” Christina said. “It is hard for her because she knows how, she just can’t. She has handled this so much better than I have. I say all the time that she is stronger than me.”

Christina said Kyndall has a great support system from her friends and her teachers. Almost 200 people follow her progress on her Team Kyndall page on Facebook.

For community members wanting to help, Christina said, “prayers are the most important. She does have a Gofundme, and we are also going to set up something at PNC Bank under Team Kyndall Fund.”

Christina also said Kyndall loves seeing and reading the encouragement she receives through friends and social media. Christina said Kyndall is still aware this is happening to her, and she knows when people offer encouragement.

Since she is aware of the changes, Christina said depression is a concern for Kyndall. Those who are interested in helping the Owens family with their journey can send letters or cards to Kyndall. Those interested can contact Christina through the Team Kyndall Facebook page. “We are open and appreciative of everything. Even if it is just a prayer at night, that is what we want,” Christina said.  

“It does not seem real, but it is,” Christina added. “That is why I reached out. We could use the prayers, and maybe her story will help someone else.”