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Mikayla Matthews just packed her bags and headed to Hawaii to heal from her chronic illness. The Mormon Wives star left Utah this week seeking treatment for her yearslong battle with CIRS. Her emotional journey reveals how one debilitating condition forced her to make a drastic life change.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Age: Mikayla Matthews is 26 years old and shares four children with husband Jace Terry
- Diagnosis: She battles Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, an innate immune dysregulation affecting multiple organ systems
- Move date: Matthews relocated to Hawaii on April 29, 2026, staying at The Westin Maui in Maui
- Detox plan: She plans to attend a treatment retreat in Switzerland and is bringing a follower facing chronic illness
Why Hawaii? The Search for Healing
Mikayla Matthews revealed her surprise departure in an Instagram video captioned “Travel with me to heal my skin.” She documented packing an oversized suitcase, which cost her $200 at the airport. Taking two of her four children with her, Matthews explained that leaving Utah was essential to her health survival. She shared that being in California and Costa Rica for a month made her feel “living” instead of “surviving.” The coastal environment offered relief from her constant CIRS flare-ups.
Upon arrival in Maui, she documented herself at The Westin resort, saying “Officially starting the new chapter. In the most beautiful place, how STUNNING is this resort!?!” Despite experiencing some stress-related skin reactions, she remained positive, telling followers “I’m just so excited to be here. Positive vibes.”
Mikayla Matthews moves to Hawaii to heal CIRS diagnosis, leaving Utah
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Understanding CIRS and Her Battle
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) represents an innate immune dysregulation involving a range of symptoms that simultaneously affect multiple organ systems, according to the National Library of Medicine. Matthews revealed that CIRS has “ruined everything” in her body, including her nerves, skin, brain, liver, and hormones. She previously described experiencing severe, traumatic flare-ups that affect her ability to parent and maintain happiness. The condition heavily impacts her daily functioning, causing her to feel she was merely surviving rather than truly living.
Matthews suspects her condition was triggered by prolonged mold exposure. In previous interviews, she disclosed suffering from chronic eczema since childhood, but her CIRS symptoms developed later. She emphasized that the stress of managing the illness while caring for four children has emotionally devastated her, stripping her of “so much happiness” and time with her family that she can never reclaim.
A Personal Journey Documented Online
Matthews has been refreshingly candid about her struggle, sharing vulnerable moments on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives TV show and social media platforms. She previously broke down in tears discussing how the chronic illness has affected her quality of life. Her honesty resonated with countless followers facing similar health battles. Matthews documented her month-long journey in California and Costa Rica, noting the dramatic difference in her health when away from Utah.
| Timeline Detail | Information |
| Initial departure from Utah | April 22, 2026 (expressed anxiety about returning) |
| Time in California | Three weeks of improved health symptoms |
| Costa Rica visit | Five days of continued healing |
| Hawaii relocation | April 29, 2026 at The Westin Maui |
“I think every single day how grateful I am to be in the position that I’m in. The stress of having to heal your body and having to worry about taking care of your kids or paying your bills—it’s just so overwhelming.”
— Mikayla Matthews, Reality TV Star
Paying It Forward Through Privilege
Mikayla Matthews broke down emotionally when reflecting on her financial privilege to afford treatment and relocate at a moment’s notice. Recognizing that most people facing CIRS cannot simply move or access expensive treatment, she decided to use her platform for good. Matthews announced she would bring one of her followers experiencing chronic illness to the European detox retreat she’s planning.
In a follow-up video, she asked followers to share their stories if they believed they could benefit from the treatment experience in Switzerland. She promised to cover the flight, treatment costs, and all expenses for one lucky follower. This generous gesture demonstrates her commitment to raising awareness about chronic illness while helping those who lack resources for healing.
What Comes Next in Her Healing Journey?
Matthews views her Hawaii move as the beginning of a larger healing plan that includes the European detox treatment later this year. The reality star remains cautiously optimistic despite ongoing health challenges. Her willingness to document her journey publicly continues to inspire others struggling with invisible illnesses. Will her time in the tropical climate of Hawaii finally provide the sustained relief she’s desperately seeking?
Sources
- E! News – Mikayla Matthews Moving to Hawaii to Heal CIRS Diagnosis, published May 2, 2026
- Yahoo Entertainment – Mormon Wives’ Mikayla Matthews Reveals She’s Moving to Hawaii Amid Chronic Health Issues, published April 30, 2026
- People.com – Mormon Wives Star Mikayla Matthews Breaks Down in Tears Over Traumatic Skin Flare-Ups, published April 30, 2026
