Kayla Hayes’ story is a powerful example of resilience in the face of unimaginable violence. In 2017, at just 17, she was brutally attacked by her ex-boyfriend, who bit off most of her lower lip after she refused to take him back. The physical injury was severe, but the emotional and psychological impact was even greater.
After the attack, Kayla struggled with the trauma. She found it hard to be around people, dropped out of college, lost a scholarship, and faced overwhelming medical bills. For a long time, she covered her face with makeup and couldn’t eat properly due to the damage. It’s a reminder that abuse doesn’t just hurt in the moment — it changes a person’s entire life.
But Kayla didn’t let that pain define her. She wrote a memoir, She Rises, about her journey to healing and recovery. The book has helped others going through similar situations and won an award in 2022. She also created a Facebook group called Rise Above to support people affected by abuse, showing how she’s turned her experience into a way to help others.
Her story highlights the long road survivors face after abuse and the strength it takes to rebuild a life. It’s a reminder that healing is possible, even after the darkest experiences.
