Unlikely pair form special bond

A Finlandia University student that's diagnosed with a brain disorder is beating the odds. Twenty-two year old Makayla Mayo is furthering her education with the help of her caretaker, and now, dear friend.

Makayla Mayo is from Gwinn. For those that know her, she's been a fighter since 2012, after being diagnosed with a rare brain disorder called Moyamoya. She's now studying to become a physical therapist assistant (PTA) at Finlandia.

"I suffered from a stroke, so I had to learn how to walk again and just do basic activities that we take for granted. I want to be a PTA to help people go through what I've been through and I feel like I can really relate to the patients," said Mayo.

Although Mayo has survived many health battles, her mother wanted to make sure that she was in good hands while away at school. In May, Mayo met retired nurse, Bonnie Joyal in Hancock. The two suddenly found out that thy have more in common than expected.

"The more we talked, the more we found out what we had in common. Her mother is an OB nurse and so was I for almost 40 years," said Joyal.

"Her daughter has Moyamoya as well, and we actually have the same surgeon," said Mayo.

Now, Joyal is Mayo's caretaker. They've been living together for over two months, creating a bond like no other.

"People need to be open to something new in their life because having this young lady in my house has been useful for me," said Joyal. "We go out for dinner occasionally, so we're enjoying each other's company."

Even though Mayo isn't living with the traditional college roommate, she said it doesn't make her more different than anyone else as she continues to make her education dreams come true, with the help of Joyal by her side.

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