A San Antonio nonprofit is asking the community to help a local 14-year-old girl rebuild her independence after a life-threatening illness earlier this year resulted in the loss of both of her legs and her right arm.
Disabled Outdoorsmen USA will donate all net proceeds from its annual Clay Shoot on Friday, July 24, at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio to benefit Bandera’s Kaydin Ruiz and her family as she continues months of recovery and rehabilitation.
According to event organizer Susan Jenkins, Kaydin's story is one of extraordinary resilience.
'At just 14 years old, Kaydin Ruiz has already fought a battle that most of us cannot imagine,' Jenkins said. 'Earlier this year, Kaydin was a young girl living an ordinary life — going to school, spending time with family and friends, and looking forward to all the things a teenager should be able to dream about.'
That changed suddenly after what initially appeared to be the flu.
'What began as the flu became a devastating medical emergency,' Jenkins said. 'Kaydin developed severe pneumonia and sepsis, and her body began to shut down. Her condition became so critical that her heart stopped for two minutes.'
Kaydin spent 117 days in the hospital as doctors worked to save her life. To survive, she ultimately underwent amputations of both legs and her right arm.
'But Kaydin survived,' Jenkins said. 'Today, her story is not only about what she has lost. It is about the incredible courage of a 14-year-old girl who is learning how to live a new life — one day, one challenge and one victory at a time.'
Kaydin recently celebrated her 14th birthday while continuing rehabilitation. Ahead of her are prosthetic fittings, extensive physical therapy, ongoing medical appointments and the challenge of relearning many everyday tasks.
Jenkins said one of the family's greatest needs is a wheelchair-accessible van.
'One of their greatest needs is a reliable wheelchair- accessible vehicle that can safely transport Kaydin to rehabilitation, therapy, medical appointments, school and eventually back into the community and the activities that bring her joy,' Jenkins said.
When Disabled Outdoorsmen USA learned about Kaydin's circumstances, the organization decided to dedicate this year's annual fundraiser to helping her family.
'For Disabled Outdoorsmen USA, this is what its mission is all about — helping people with disabilities discover that life can still hold adventure, purpose, independence and joy,' Jenkins said.
She said organizers hope every participant understands the impact the fundraiser can have.
'Every team that registers will be helping a young girl rebuild her independence. Every sponsor who steps forward will be helping a family carry a burden they never expected to face. And every person who participates will be sending Kaydin a simple but powerful message: You are not facing this journey alone.'
The annual clay shoot will be held Friday, July 24, at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio. Individuals, teams and sponsors are invited to participate, with proceeds benefiting Kaydin's ongoing recovery and helping the family obtain an accessible vehicle.
Jenkins said Kaydin's determination has inspired everyone involved with the event.
'Kaydin has already shown the world what courage looks like,' she said. 'She fought through illness, surgeries, loss and months in the hospital, and she is still fighting for her future. Now our community has an opportunity to fight alongside her.'
Those interested in registering for the fundraiser or becoming a sponsor can visit Disabled Outdoorsmen USA's website for more information. All net proceeds from the July 24 event will go toward helping Kaydin and her family meet her ongoing medical and transportation needs.
.png)
