WHEN “NO” COST HER EVERYTHING — AND STILL SHE ROSE

In 2017, in South Carolina, Kayla Hayes agreed to meet her ex-boyfriend, Seth Aaron Fleury, believing it would be a calm, final conversation. He had asked for another chance. She refused. In that moment, everything changed.

What followed was sudden and brutal. When Kayla pulled away from him, he reacted with extreme violence, causing devastating injuries to her face. Within seconds, confusion turned into unbearable pain. Emergency responders rushed her to the hospital, where doctors fought to repair the damage. She endured more than 300 stitches and multiple surgeries. Despite every effort, some injuries could not be reversed. Her appearance, her smile, and even simple movements were permanently altered.

All because she said no.

In 2018, Fleury pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. For him, the case reached its conclusion. For Kayla, the impact did not end in a courtroom. It became something she carries every single day.

Yet her story does not stop at trauma.

Instead of retreating into silence, Kayla chose to speak. She began sharing her experience publicly, turning her pain into a warning and a source of strength for others. She created a support community called “Rise Above,” helping women recognize early signs of abusive relationships before they escalate.

Kayla Hayes refused to let the darkest moment of her life define her quietly. She chose to stand, to speak, and to help others find the courage to do the same.