Monroe County, Tennessee teen faces cancer for a second time

MADISONVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) – A Monroe County teen is battling brain cancer for the second time in four years.

Kayla Couch, a sophomore cheerleader at Sequoyah High School in Madisonville, has been diagnosed with a non-germinomatous germ cell tumor for the second time. The 15-year-old girl and her family are shocked to have to go through this battle again.

“When I found out about it again, I was a little surprised at first,” Couch said. “I didn't really accept it until it all started happening, actually until Monday when the treatment started. I was just, I don't know how to explain it.

Two weeks ago, on May 26, Couch and his family learned that his cancer had returned. Since then, support has poured in from friends, family and the community.

“I've had so much support from them, I get texts every day. I received so many gift baskets and so many gift cards,” Couch said. “I have three covers that look the same, it’s just a bunch of stuff to show that they really care. I received a few handwritten notes and it's just a lot.

As for his recent diagnosis, his mother said, Couch was starting to show symptoms before receiving the news.

“She had headaches, nausea. She was at the pool the day we found out,” Crystal Taylor said. “She had an episode where she couldn’t walk straight, so she was picked up by an ambulance.”

Couch and his family are sending this message to those who are supporting them during this time.

“Thank you. We most appreciate the prayers and sending her sweet messages when she is in the hospital and just being there for me.

In speaking with Couch and his family, 6 News learned that Couch was a member of the Monroe County Rescue Team.

The team said in a post: “Kayla is the strongest person they know, she will beat cancer again and they are all Kayla Strong.”

On Saturday, the Monroe County Rescue Squad is hosting a bingo night where proceeds from the event will benefit Couch and his family during this time. According to a message from the team, doors will open at 5:30 p.m., the cost is $10, which gets you into the game as well as a meal.