BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – Seventeen-year-old Kayla Mills recently won the Miss Arc Broward pageant, an event designed to build confidence in girls with disabilities. But behind the crown and her bright smile, Kayla has been fighting a rare autoimmune disorder that has severely impacted her life.
Kayla’s condition causes her immune system to attack itself, leading to a range of health complications. Her mother, Amy Mills, described the struggles they’ve faced.
“Kayla deals with her immune system attacking itself. She has an immune deficiency, antibody deficiency, lung disease—her parathyroid glands have attacked themselves,” she said.
For years, the disorder has wreaked havoc on Kayla’s body, causing seizures, hepatitis, arthritis, and more. Despite this, she remains determined to live her life fully. Kayla takes 20 medications daily and spends much of her time in and out of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
Her resilience extends beyond managing her illness. Kayla has become an advocate for children living with what she calls “hidden disabilities,” raising awareness for those whose conditions may not be immediately visible.
“Hidden disabilities get looked over because you can’t see them,” Kayla said. “It’s important to advocate for those types of things, to get the word out and raise awareness, and to get the care you need.”
Kayla also finds comfort in music. Singing has become an essential part of her therapy, helping improve her lung capacity, which has been affected by her condition.
“We’ve done singing therapy and music therapy for a long time, especially singing to help with her lung capacity and diaphragm.,” Amy Mills said. “Singing is therapy for her... the child loves music.”
That love of music was on full display when Kayla participated in the Miss Arc Broward pageant, where she wowed the judges and took home the title. Winning was a dream come true for the teenager, but she had another dream that was about to be fulfilled.
When Vera Cadillac Buick GMC, a local dealership, heard about Kayla’s story through Local 10 News, they decided to do something special for her. The dealership surprised her with a “Swiftie swag bag” and two club tickets to Taylor Swift’s upcoming concert.
Kayla, who is a huge fan of the pop star, was overjoyed by the unexpected gift.
She has faced a lifetime of challenges, but like the lyrics of one of Taylor Swift’s most famous songs, Kayla has proven herself to be “Fearless.”
As she walked out with her mother, making heart signs with their hands, the moment was a perfect tribute to the strength and determination Kayla shows every day.