The Kentuckian beating the odds after a life-changing accident
Presented by UK HealthCare
During Kayla’s reign as Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky, she’s made public appearances across the state and participated in media opportunities to advance her platform of advocating for people with disabilities. | Photo courtesy of UK HealthCare
Life can change in an instant. And for Kayla Lacy, a freak accident would change her life forever.
On Memorial Day of 2022, Kayla accidentally dove into the shallow end of a pool. She hit her head, shattered her C-5 vertebra, severed her spinal cord, and was instantly paralyzed.
Since her accident, Kayla, who’s from Stanton, KY, has continued to be a positive force during her continuous recovery. The work Kayla puts in is extremely taxing and difficult, yet she continues to surprise staff with her progress.
She’s been working with the team at the UK HealthCare Outpatient Therapy Clinic, housed in the Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Center, to help her learn how to use her body and regain freedom in her life.
“Kayla’s injury has greatly impacted every aspect of her life,” says Rebekah Pinson, a UK HealthCare occupational therapist. “She no longer has functional use of her legs and has limited use of her arms and hands, but she is getting stronger every day. She comes in and constantly surprises us with what she can do.”
Remaining determined
In January 2023, Kayla won the title of Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky, and she continues to use her platform to advocate for people with disabilities.
“I’m not much of a pageant girl, so I didn’t really expect to win,” Kayla said. “I just wanted to do this for fun. But here I am.
My platform is to really spread awareness about disabilities. I want to advocate for more handicapped-accessible parking spaces and for small, local hospitals to be more well-equipped to assist people with spinal cord injuries.”
Continue reading to learn more about the life-saving care Kayla received and how her determination continues to drive her into the future, inside and outside of UK HealthCare.
The Gaythering | 5-8 p.m. | Old North Bar | Price of purchase | Join the Imperial Court of Kentucky for a queer happy hour + networking event.
Big Band + Jazz Outdoor Concert | 7-8:30 p.m. | Moon Dance Amphitheater, Ecton Park | Free | Bring a lawn chair or blanket and listen to the smooth sounds of the Young at Heart Big Band at Lexington’s longest-running concert series.
Wednesday, May 21
Kentucky Great Writers Series | 6:30 p.m. | Carnegie Center For Literacy | Free | This literary event features readings by Willie Carver (“Gay Poems For Red States”), Alix Harrow (“Starling House”) + Dorian Hairston (“Pretend The Ball Is Named Jim Crow”).
Night Market | 5-10 p.m. | The Void Sake Co. | Free | There’s something for everyone at this open-air bazaar where you can eat, drink, shop + be merry under the stars.
Saturday, May 24
Chamber Music Festival of the Bluegrass | Saturday, May 24-Sunday, May 25 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg | $48+ | Join New York’s Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center for four performances.
The Drunken Flea Vintage Fair | 12-8 p.m. | The Burl | $5 | Step into a treasure trove of style with 50+ vintage sellers, mouthwatering eats, and music that keeps the good vibes rolling all day.
Stargazing at Raven Run | Saturday, May 24-Sunday, May 25 | 9-11 p.m. | Raven Run Nature Sanctuary | Free | View the night sky with the Bluegrass Amateur Astronomy Club and ponder the wonders of space.
Starting the first week of June, join the library for free, exciting activities that will keep the whole family learning all summer long. Enjoy live animals, free books for kids, and special guest appearances by beloved book characters.
Don’t forget to pick up a calendar to explore other educational programs the Lexington Public Library has in store this summer, including:
An animal encounter with Kentucky Down Under
A sing-along with musician and author Jim Gill
Science experiments with “Mr. Science” Jason Lindsey
And more
Pro tip: All students receive free Lextran rides to the Lexington Public Library this summer with their student success card. In partnership with Fayette County Public Schools, the library is also offering free summer lunch and snack at select locations.
Lexingtonians who are able to support recovery efforts from this weekend’s storms are invited to make monetary donations to the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund. All donations are tax deductible and go directly to helping affected Kentuckians.
Kids
Registration is open for Camp Carnegie half-day camps for rising sixth through eighth graders who want to explore everything from puppetry to playwriting. Registration for these week-long camps starts at $100 — $25 for students enrolled in the Free and Reduced Lunch program.
Drink
The baristas at Coffee Times are brewing up something a little different this May. Enjoy Jasmine with Flowers, the “calming and captivating” Tea of the Month, starting at two ounces for less than $4.
Award
Congratulations to Bonita Bloom, whose design was selected for the official T-shirt of Lexington Pride 2025. You can still sign up to volunteer at this year’s celebration on Saturday, June 28 at Oliver Lewis Way.
Eat
The chefs (and social media manager) at Agave & Rye want to know which Epic Taco should make a triumphant return to the menu. Personally speaking, City Editor Sam had The Yoda in 2021 and hasn’t stopped thinking about it since (think: sweet + spicy chicken with kung pao sauce and pickled cucumber).
Development
Hendricks Commercial Properties of Wisconsin has purchased The Summit at Fritz Farm, home to luxury apartments and ~70 shops + restaurants. While the sale price was not disclosed, the Fayette County Property Valuation Administrator assessed the 32.6 acre property at $90.5 million earlier this year. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Calling all business owners and hiring managers — we’re growing our LEXtoday Job Board, which means you can post unlimited job listings for free. No tricks or gimmicks — simply create an account and start posting.
This rendering shows what the new Town Branch Park will look like when completed. | Rendering courtesy of Town Branch Park
After nearly a decade of speculation, planning, and construction, the grand opening of Gatton Park on the Town Branch is fewer than 100 days away. The 10-acre park will officially be ready for the public on Saturday, Aug. 23.
Celebrations begin at 12 p.m. with a ribbon cutting and family-friendly attractions like:
Live music + dance performances from local artists
Face painting
Visual art gallery
Dog-friendly programming
Food + bevvys from LEX’s best spots
Replacing the Manchester Parking Lot behind Rupp Arena, Gatton Park on the Town Branch is a public park built with private funds. It isn’t too late to make your own contribution and become one of the hundreds of donors responsible for funding amenities including:
ADA accessible playground + splash pad
Outdoor performance venue
Climbing wall
Reading room
Games area
Arts hub
Dog park
Food village
Great Lawn
Bookmark the countdown clock and follow Gatton Park on Instagram for the latest updates as we get closer and closer to opening day.
The Buy
One of our favorite trends of the summer: textured handbags. From straw to beaded, these are our top five picks:
🌟 This standout wood bead bracelet handle bag is the perfect accessory for your beach vacation.
🌟 This versatile braided tote made with 70% recycled plastic is available in 35+ colors.
🌟 MANGO’s woven canvas crossbody with smooth faux leather detailing offers fun textural interplay.
🌟 This crescent straw bag with an adjustable shoulder strap will be our go-to all summer long.
🌟 An elegant rope clutch is a must for summertime weddings and cocktail parties.
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