Adalyn Klink

Elliana's Army
Jan 10
2 min read

Adalyn Klink was born on May 4, 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. From her first moments of life, she faced extraordinary challenges. At birth, she had lost 80 percent of the skin on her legs and all the skin on the backs of her hands, requiring immediate and intensive medical care. Doctors rushed Adalyn to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where a neonatologist warned her mother, Julie, that Adalyn likely had the “worst kind” of Epidermolysis Bullosa. Hearing this, Julie questioned whether her daughter would survive. Medical staff quickly transferred Adalyn to Wisconsin Children’s Hospital, where she received specialized care for 15 days. Determined to remain by her daughter’s side, Julie chose to leave the hospital just 24 hours after giving birth.

Physicians conducted a skin biopsy and chromosome testing, confirming that Adalyn had Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB). As Julie prepared to care for Adalyn at home, hospital staff assured her that insurance would cover the extensive medical supplies her daughter required. Two months later, however, Julie received a call from the insurance company informing her that they would not cover the cost of Adalyn’s medicines or bandages. Fear set in as Julie worried about how she would continue providing the lifesaving care Adalyn required.

For six months, Julie fought to secure supplies with assistance from AdaptHealth, DEBRA, and fellow EB families in Wisconsin and Utah. Their support allowed Adalyn to continue receiving the supplies essential for her daily care during an uncertain and stressful time.

Now five years old, Adalyn understands that she lives with a disease and that her sores create certain limitations. Doctors have performed eight esophageal dilations, and EB most significantly affects her feet. Despite all odds, Adalyn continues to thrive. She attends kindergarten, walks independently, and eats without the need for a G-tube. Through every challenge, Adalyn shows strength, resilience, and joy, inspiring everyone who meets her.