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SALT LAKE CITY – In partnership with Raise the Future, KSL TV spotlights children in Utah's foster care system who are seeking adoptive families. In this story, we introduce you to Kyland, a charismatic 15-year-old with a love for speed, adventure and the hum of a motor.
A Passion for Machines and Motion
At K1 Speed in Sandy, Kyland is in his element — racing, navigating curves, and thriving in the intensity of the moment. "I'm into cars, planes, trains — if it has wheels or a propeller, I'm into it," he said. Kyland’s fascination with machines goes beyond just a hobby. The practicality, excitement, and raw power behind engineering captivate him. "The intensity, the usefulness, the practicality, the fun of it," Kyland said. "It just strikes me as interesting. Really interesting." For Kyland, the dream doesn’t stop at racing. He envisions himself behind the controls of an Air Force jet one day. "I want to have fun. I want to have a risk. I want to have danger," he said.
Seeking Stability in a Loving Family
Kyland has been in foster care for three years. He’s a young man who thrives on risk-taking, using it as a way to establish control in his life. But more than that, he longs for stability — something only a family can provide. "Oh, yeah, 100%. It'd be amazing to have a family," Kyland said. "At least I could feel normal for once. Well, normal." Energetic and quick-witted, Kyland carries a confidence that makes an impression. He may keep his guard up at first, but when given the space to open up, he’ll share his true self. "Sometimes you're going to get the kind of kid that stays out in the garage, works on probably what looks like a doomed project for like three, four months out of the year," he said.
The Kind of Family He Needs
Kyland knows exactly what he’s looking for in an adoptive family — one that will embrace his quirks and support his ambitions. "I want a family that will accept me for being the quirky, stupid, confident me," he said. At the same time, he values independence and guidance in balance. "Someone can support me enough to say, 'Hey, you should go do this, I'll help you.' But someone that will also stay back if there's something that I need to deal with myself, you know?" he said.
More Than Just a Racer
Beyond his love for adrenaline and adventure, Kyland is a teenager with layers. He’s drawn to video games and drawing. He’s passionate about the foods he loves — corn dogs, peanut butter fudge, and pancakes. And he’s not afraid to speak his mind. "If I feel like there's something that needs to be said, I will not be afraid to say it," Kyland said. At this crossroads in his life, Kyland is searching for belonging with a caring adult or family that will love him for who he is. "I want someone that's willing to take all of me, not just the presented part of me," he told KSL TV.
How to Help
Kyland would do best in a family where he is the youngest child, and he would love to have a dog. To learn more about adopting Kyland, please contact Raise the Future at 801-265-0444.
