10/03/2026
Halito Online Village! 🌻
I am sure most of you are aware as you have been advised by the school community. But in the event that you haven't been brought up to speed, this post and fundraiser concern a young man that I have had the absolute honor of helping raise since his birth.
I vividly remember that day, like it was yesterday! At the time, the hospital only let one person in the delivery room, so Terry was in there, and my Dad and I were in the hallway of the L&D ward. Because they wouldn't let me be in the room, I stood as close as I could physically be, pacing...
Fun fact, we were actually under the impression (based on several ultrasounds) that this baby was a GIRL, which led to his mother naming him Kaylee. Terry had all girls up to that point, so when the delivery team verified the baby was in fact A BOY, his firstborn son, he was overjoyed! He was quite literally jumping for joy... And if you ever met Nathaniel’s Dad, you know how very Extremely Extra Large he was.
In both personality, and physical size.
So when he started jumping, the entire floor was shaking! I genuinely thought it was an earthquake! Then my phone rang, and the caller ID was Terry! I picked up, and man... the pure joy that rang through this man's voice is something I will NEVER FORGET.
He was so loud, we could audibly hear him yell without it, but also through the phone, "I HAVE A SON! KARENA I HAVE A SON!!!!"
Although he did not come from my body, I have had the privilege of raising Nathaniel and his sisters from day one. Life asked him to be resilient long before this injury. He has faced a depth of sorrow that would break most people. But not Nathaniel. Instead, he has come out on top. He is a winner. He is a hero. He is the very definition of grit and resilience. While they don't call me "mom," I am their Auntie Karena, and I will always choose them, just as I have for the last 18+ years. To God be the glory! ✨
Fast forward to last week at the St. Anthony football game. Nathaniel, playing Defensive LB and repping his Auntie K’s #34 (which I’m honored that he chose,) the kickoff was made and RHP ran down the field, our boy got rushed and hit by #55 (if you Only understood the irony...) 8.1 seconds into the video below, and in true NayNay style, he juked this punk and ran right to finish out the play... He literally walked off the field, no injury time out, nothing. But, once he reached the sideline, he began throwing up and as the game progressed, and he was still holding his stomach, the seriousness of his injury became clear.
He was rushed to Keck USC of Arcadia. Once the medical team discovered free-flowing blood in his stomach, the critical decision was made to immediately transfer him to Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), where he underwent emergency surgery for internal bleeding.
We have been surrounded by incredible care from the school community, and we are already more than halfway to the goal! The GoFundMe was graciously set up by a community member. You will notice the page references "the Riley family," without getting into details that aren’t appropriate for the public, please know this fundraiser is absolutely for Nathaniel and our family.
Yakoke 💠 from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has donated or shared. Please visit the GoFundMe page linked below to help provide practical support and keep Nate and our family in your continued prayers. 🙏💠
Link to donate:
Nate Riley and the Riley family need support right now after a frightening medical emergency… Wendy parry needs your support for Support Nate Riley's Recovery
