Kyla Thoms: Husband’s emotional tribute to ‘one in a million’ Gold Coast woman
The husband of a popular Gold Coast woman who passed away last week after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour has paid a heartfelt tribute to the love of his life.
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A VIVACIOUS Gold Coast woman who donned hot pink lipstick and bright yellow nail polish was known for her zest for life, generous heart and ability to see the good in others.
Kyla Thoms, 45, died suddenly on August 12 less than a week after being diagnosed with an extremely aggressive brain tumour and one day before scheduled surgery to remove it.
“She was the best thing that ever happened to me,” said her husband Jason, who should have been celebrating 25 years of marriage to the love of his life on August 17.
“I was expecting to grow old with her, and was certainly not expecting her to go before me.
“It’s surreal, when I walk into our unit everything is her, her touch. I’m sleeping on her side of the bed, my side is still made.
“I don’t think I’ll go back to my side of the bed, ever.”
In 2017, Kyla spoke to the Bulletin about how she was living with depression and had done so since she was 11. She hoped sharing her story would help others deal with their mental health issues and that women in dark places would seek help.
The health and fitness coach, who worked with Jason, 50, in their Arbonne business, was also a Weight Watchers leader for 10 years, helping hundreds of women achieve their health and fitness goals.
The couple met in their early teens but didn’t start dating until Kyla was 18. By the time she was 19 Jason had proposed.
“I married her on the day she turned 20,” he said.
Despite not having children of their own, the Biggera Waters couple would offer respite for foster carers by taking in foster kids to stay for the weekend or a week.
“We’d have regular children that would come once a month or every second weekend,” said Jason.
“Kyla was also the life of the party, in our mid 20s and 30s when we used to have everyone over she wouldn’t want anyone to go home, she was too busy enjoying herself.”
In July the couple had to put their 17-year-old dog Leroy to rest. After the death of her fur baby, Kyla went into what Jason and her family and friends thought was severe depression that had her in bed for two weeks with vomiting and headaches.
But on August 7 she became ill and was taken by ambulance to hospital, where she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. She stayed in hospital until her tragic passing while on life support less than a week later.
“We just thought she’d picked up a bit of a bug and I thought if she wasn’t better by the weekend I’d take her to the doctor,” said Jason.
“She woke up on Saturday and kept leaning to one side and then she couldn’t talk to me, it was scary. That’s when I called an ambulance.”
Jason said on the evening before she passed away she slipped into unconsciousness and was ventilated and then put into an induced coma.
“Just before 11.20am she took her last breath, she had been kept on life support system while we were saying our goodbyes,” he said.
“While I wish I could have more time with her, the doctors did say that this was the second best thing that could ever happen to her.
“If we’d discovered it nine months ago she would have gone through all these operations and her quality of life would have really suffered.
“Kyla made me into the person I am today, she was one in a million.”
Jason says the outpouring of support he’d received and his faith were helping him to cope with the devastating loss of his wife, but that he was “numb”.
“She used to wear her heart on her sleeve, willing to help someone that was in need in their life or in their own Arbonne business,” he said.
“Kyla touched so many people’s lives, she was simply amazing.”
A private social media memorial page to remember and pay tribute to Kyla already has more than 500 members sharing their memories and using the hashtag #brightyellowhotpink.
The Bulletin was honoured to be given permission to share some of these anecdotes.
Vicky: “Kyla left glitter on everything and everyone she touched. She was real, open, spiritual and not just a pretty face, she had skills.”
Anon: “Kyla would light up the room just by walking into it and even though she had her own struggles she was always there for everyone else lifting them up and making sure everyone was okay and making them feel special. I wish you saw yourself the way everyone else did gorgeous.”
Therese: “She never gave advice unless asked, always saw the person standing on their own, always made her own judgment, always listened to a sentence to the end and had a memory like an elephant”.
Trace: “And I don’t have yellow nail polish babes, but I’ll keep my last message from you for the rest of my life”.
Jo: “Kyla truly was an angel on Earth like everyone is saying and each time I bumped into her/you guys on our morning walk along the esplanade or at the gym, it was such a blessing as she was such a kind, honest, fun, heart-centred soul who radiated the most beautiful energy.
She had an edge and boldness that stood out from the rest and we all admired her so much for that. I have been so lucky to have crossed her path and so honoured to receive and share in a sprinkling of her unforgettable glitter.”
Ali: “I literally met her once, but she has impacted me and I won’t forget her. What a legacy to leave behind to have that sort of impact on people. Jason, you certainly sound like a real life super hero and her forever soulmate.”
Sarah: “She was a beautiful person who was full of love and life.”
Krystal: “I remember Las Vegas and you were both like superstars, dressed for the red carpet and always surrounded by people. And although you were high profile and everyone wanted to talk to you, you still made time to talk to me and made me feel important. You and Jase embraced my whanau and I and we all fell so much in love with you.
“I also remember a conference in Aussie and I was so insecure about my weight, my looks etc and I felt so out of place but you consoled me and told me of your own personal struggles which made me realise that we all have our own battles that we are fighting on the daily. You gave me hope and you inspired me to love myself more and try not sweat the small stuff.”
Sarah: “Your heart, soul and light shone too bright for this f**ked up world. You were everything a human soul should be, and the queen of all of our hearts. We are broken, and will remain broken, but your heart’s pain is finally over, sweet, sweet lady.”
Katrina: “I first met Kyla at Weight Watchers in 2011. This beautiful light of enthusiasm and goal achieving had me leave wanting more. I looked forward to her wise words and encouragement every week, and fondly remember putting together a hamper as she and Jason embarked on the journey of foster care. I draw inspiration from Kyla, setting goals and working hard to achieve them. She positively touches every person who comes into contact. She also leaves the legacy of look after your mental health, and it’s OK to not be OK.”
Paula: “She was so open about her depression which helped me at times and we had some honest conversations about that which I am forever grateful for. She had a beautiful smile that would light up a room. I’m sure she would not believe the impact she had on so many people’s lives but the world was definitely better for having her in it. Fly high beautiful your memory will be in our hearts forever.”
Emmalee: “What I know of Kyla. When I felt invisible she saw me. When I felt ugly she convinced me I was beautiful. When I thought she was too pretty or too successful to talk to, she approached me. Her spirituality, kindness and willingness to just be with you transcended her ambition.”
Debbie: “Kyla you were definitely a bright star, and even though I didn’t see you in person anymore but on social media I loved seeing your beaming smile. You are going to be very sadly missed by myself and everyone whose life you touched. Jason I am so sorry and cannot imagine what it will be like without someone as vibrant and beautiful as her.”
Oliver: “She was a shining star from the very first moment. Her effervescent personality and beaming smile. I have no words for the depth of sadness and shock. A true angel touched the heart of so many. The garden of heaven has another beautiful flower.”
April: “When I first met Kyla, I had landed in Oz at age 20, she to me was the quintessential Ozzie gal, blonde hair, blue eyes, Beautiful! I liked her from the first moment I met her, she was always up for a laugh, funny, outgoing and extremely energetic.
“As I got to know her and see the layers that made up this beautiful person, I realised that Kyla was different, she suffered with depression but battled everyday to win! She was not ordinary but extraordinary … she was brave, determined, giving and an inspiration to everyone she met!
“She could not enter a room unnoticed she was always the life and soul of a party. Her beauty was only matched by her personality.”
Kyla is survived by parents Stuart and Diane Harris and her siblings Bonnie Condon and Stuart Jnr Harris.
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