Kayla Senick, social worker at Odyssey Charter School, answered the call
Kayla Young, left, a dedicated instructional assistant at Odyssey Preparatory Academy, loving mother of two, and cherished member of the Odyssey Charter School family, recently faced a life-changing challenge: she needed a kidney transplant. At right is Kayla Senick, a social worker at Odyssey Charter School, who answered the call.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – In every community, there are moments that define who we are—not just through words, but through action.
In Brevard County, that moment has come through the extraordinary story of two women who share the same first name, and even more importantly, a deep commitment to helping others.
Kayla Young, a dedicated instructional assistant at Odyssey Preparatory Academy, loving mother of two, and cherished member of the Odyssey Charter School family, recently faced a life-changing challenge: she needed a kidney transplant.
After the passing of her husband, Steve, a military veteran, in 2022, the news brought yet another difficult chapter for her family.
But within the Odyssey family, that challenge inspired something powerful—unity, compassion, and action.
When Constance Ortiz, Odyssey’s founder and CEO, reached out to the school community, she did so with faith in the caring spirit that has long defined the Odyssey schools.
What happened next was nothing short of extraordinary.
Kayla Senick, social worker at Odyssey Charter School, answered the call.
A mother of four and foster mom to two, Senick has dedicated her life to supporting children and families with compassion and care.
When she learned of Kayla Young’s need, she stepped forward without hesitation. After undergoing testing, she learned she was a match.
In a world that can often feel divided, their story is a powerful reminder of what selflessness truly looks like.
One Kayla needed hope. The other offered the gift of life.
This is more than a story about a medical procedure—it is a story about love in action. It reflects the values that strong communities are built upon: compassion, courage, sacrifice, and caring for one another.
The transplant is scheduled for June 24, and the community is now rallying around both families.
A Meal Train is being organized to support Kayla Senick during her recovery, while a GoFundMe has been established to help Kayla Young with temporary housing, meals, and transplant-related expenses during the months of healing ahead.
In addition, Odyssey staff members are donating personal leave time to help support Kayla Senick should her recovery extend beyond the start of the new school year—another reflection of the compassion and unity surrounding both families during this journey.
Community members who would like to support the Kaylas can contribute through the links below:
