Kaylee Gain, a Missouri teen, endured a brutal assault that has left her with a lengthy road to recovery.
Kaylee Gain, a 16-year-old from St. Louis, Missouri, has come home after surviving severe brain injuries caused by a violent altercation at her high school on March 8.
According to the New York Post, Kaylee was attacked by a classmate near their school, an incident that escalated to the point where her head was repeatedly slammed into the ground.
This assault put Kaylee into a coma, leading to complex brain injuries. Her medical team performed a craniectomy to alleviate brain pressure, removing part of her skull.
Lawyer Bryan Kaemmerer emphasized the severity of the procedure. “While hospitalized, Kaylee underwent a craniectomy, a neurosurgical procedure to relieve the pressure on her brain,” he explained.
Kaylee's recovery has been arduous. After her hospitalization, she spent two weeks in a specialized in-patient rehab facility, focusing on regaining basic functionalities.
The reattachment of the skull piece removed during surgery has yet to occur. She now wears a custom helmet to protect her vulnerable head, a constant reminder of her ordeal.
Kaylee’s days are filled with therapy. She attends physical and speech therapy sessions three times a week, each a small step toward regaining her prior life.
Despite these efforts, the incident continues to haunt her. “Gain still deals with trauma, fear, and pain that have arisen from this incident,” Attorney Kaemmerer stated.
Kaylee's cognitive functions remain a major concern. She is scheduled for neuropsychological testing to assess potential long-term impacts. She struggles with short-term memory loss, a common aftermath of traumatic brain injuries, adding an extra layer of difficulty to her daily life.
The legal proceedings regarding the incident are ongoing. The court is deliberating whether the 15-year-old suspect—claimed by their family to have acted in self-defense—will be tried as an adult.
The community has rallied around Kaylee, offering support and hope as she navigates her challenging path to recovery. Attorney Kaemmerer shared that regardless of the outcome of the court case, "The family will respect the ruling."
Kaylee Gain's situation's emotional, physical, and legal complexity continues to unfold as this young girl battles the consequences of a moment that altered her life forever. With medical, psychological, and legal battles ahead, the community's support remains her steady backing.
