Kaylee Gibbs-Starnes
Kaylee Gibbs-Starnes was born on October 15th to her mom Toni and dad Jonathon. Kaylee has had a heart of gold since day one and loves animals of all kinds, especially horses. Her mom describes her as very sassy and spunky. She is always funny and the life of every party. Kaylee is always on the go and hanging with her friends. Since she became a proud licenses driver, she can be found in her beloved Mustang, cruising around with her friends and hitting up the go to spot in town, Taco Bell. She loves to work. For her last birthday, her dad hooked her up with a great sound system so anytime she is in her Mustang, you can guarantee the radio will be on at top volume! Kaylee is a very hard worker always picking up extra shifts every chance she gets. Kaylee is blessed with an amazing support system including a close extended family. Her Grandma and Papa Gary come see her daily and watch their favorite shows . Her uncles and cousins are always coming by to chat and her parents and little brother are always cuddling up for movie nights. Her two dogs, Tucker and Kali never leave her side.
Diagnosis
In the fall of 2025, Kaylee and her family started to notice some odd symptoms. At first, she experienced some numbness and tingling in her legs and side. Then her symptoms progressed to loss of balance and falling. Finally, she began dragging her leg. Her parents fought for weeks to get an MRI and when they finally did, they received news they could never have imagined. Kaylee had Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG). Kaylee began her battle, undergoing brain surgery and radiation. She is now exploring clinical trial options, venturing out of her small town to seek the best care her family can find. Her mom Toni writes, "We are sharing Kaylee's story today because she is so brave and strong and is a fighter."
The Archer Foundation is honored to join Kaylee in her fight against DMG and the belief that there are more good days ahead.
