– Develops complications from Strep A infection –

A few weeks ago, a perfectly healthy Katy gave birth to daughter Arielle, only to experience an intense and prolonged pain after the birth.

“It was a home birth, no drugs, eight hours of labor, and almost a 10-pound baby. So a little bit of pain is to be expected, but the pain kept getting worse and worse,” said Michele Dykstra, a close family friend of Hayes. Dykstra stepped into the role of caregiver for Arielle after Hayes went to the hospital. Doctors at Kingwood Medical Center eventually discovered the new mom had a Streptococcal A infection that had aggressively invaded her body.

As a result, Katy has experienced multiple organ failure and is unconscious. Surgery last week involved the removal of several sepsis organs. She is currently on a ventilator and is receiving dialysis.

“She had complete organ failure. They removed her bowels, her uterus, her ovaries, and I believe some colon,” said Dykstra.

Due to the fact that both are self-employed, they do not have medical insurance and their financial need is enormous. Family, friends and a growing online community of supporters are pulling together to help the family. There has been an amazing outpouring of helpful gestures by the community including meals, childcare, housekeeping, groceries and visits. Numerous fundraisers are currently being planned to help the Hayes family.

On Wednesday, March 3rd, there will be a “Shop for Katy Hayes Day” at the Merry Go Round on Woodland Hills in Kingwood, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

On Thursday, March 4, there will be a fundraiser at Skeeter’s on Lake Houston Parkway in Kingwood, from 5 - 9 p.m.

On Thursday, March 11, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. there is another fundraiser at Zammitti’s, at King’s Harbor, located on Lake Houston Pkwy, in Kingwood.

On Saturday, March 27 at “On the Park” Toy Store, also in Kingwood, there will be a “Rockin’ On Mom Bake Sale” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Quest High School is sponsoring a garage sale to add their support to the Katy Hayes Fund. All proceeds from the sale will be added to an existing bank account that has been set up for this purpose.

The sale will be held on the grounds of Quest’s campus on Timber Forest Drive, on Saturday, April 24th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Setup will begin at 6 a.m.

Donations of any garage sale items will be gratefully accepted, but people are asked that all items be pre-marked with a price, as this will save a great deal of time for volunteers. Any items that do not sell will be delivered to HAAM, and the donation receipt will go to the Hayes family to help as a tax deduction.

What is needed right now: donation of items for the garage sale; volunteers for cooking food to sell at the event; volunteers to setup/work the tables at the event; a cleanup crew after the event; a truck or flatbed to move un-purchased items to the Humble Area Assistance Ministries; flier distribution; any other activities that might bring in income (face painting booth, etc.) Volunteers may contact bellabeadshop@gmail.com, or call Karen at the shop 281-812-3237. 

Kingwood Mothers of Young Children (www.kingwoodmoyc.org) is a local nonprofit organization seeking community support for the Hayes family. Inquiries may be directed to KatyHayesFund@yahoo.com and donations of gift cards and baby supplies may be dropped off at Merry-Go-Round, or Bella Beads, the official collection sites for Katy and her family.

Photo: Katy Hayes with children Jake and Amber.