Honoring a Legacy of Light: The Alyiah Volunteer Memorial Award
- BABY President
- Nov 17
- 3 min read
Some lives shine so brightly that their light continues to guide others long after they’re gone. For The B.A.B.Y. Foundation, that light is Alyiah’s.
On July 6, 2016, Alyiah’s life — and her family’s — changed forever. At just eight years old, she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, an autoimmune disorder that cannot be prevented or cured, only managed with constant vigilance and care. What followed was a journey of courage, resilience, and unwavering spirit.
A Child Full of Courage and Heart
Type 1 Diabetes brought countless challenges: sleepless nights, blood sugar checks at all hours, finger pricks, insulin injections, and the delicate balance of managing meals, activity, and emotions. But despite everything, Alyiah refused to let her diagnosis define her.
She was determined to live life on her own terms — with laughter, adventure, and compassion. She found joy in the things she loved most: animals, gymnastics, martial arts, and exploring the outdoors. Her bravery wasn’t just in enduring the hard days — it was in the way she approached every day with a smile.
Her family learned a new rhythm of life — one measured in carbs, courage, and care. Together, they faced each high and low with unbreakable love.
A Spirit that Continues to Inspire
When Alyiah passed away unexpectedly in January 2022, the heartbreak rippled far beyond her family. To those who knew her, Alyiah wasn’t just a child living with diabetes — she was a beam of hope, a symbol of perseverance, and a reminder that even in the face of hardship, light and kindness can thrive.
Her time with The B.A.B.Y. Foundation left a lasting imprint. She and her family were recipients of the foundation’s support, and later, she gave back as a beloved volunteer, spreading joy and helping families like hers navigate their own challenges.
It was that selflessness, that spark of compassion, that led to the creation of the Alyiah Volunteer Memorial Award — an annual recognition given to an active volunteer within the board who embodies Alyiah’s spirit: hardworking, selfless, and joyful in service.
A Butterfly Takes Flight
The award is symbolized by a butterfly, representing transformation, strength, and grace — all qualities that defined Alyiah. Just as a butterfly’s wings carry it forward, Alyiah’s legacy carries the mission of The B.A.B.Y. Foundation forward, too.
Each year, when we present the Alyiah Volunteer Memorial Award, we are reminded of what true compassion looks like. It’s found in the quiet moments — a volunteer offering comfort to a family in crisis, a board member staying late to make sure an event runs smoothly, a donor choosing to give simply because it’s the right thing to do.
These are the moments that honor Alyiah’s life.
Her Legacy Lives in our Mission
The B.A.B.Y. Foundation’s mission has always been about families — helping them find hope and stability when medical challenges threaten to take both away. Alyiah’s story reminds us why that mission matters.
She taught us that illness doesn’t dim the human spirit — it can magnify it. She showed us that kindness can live in even the hardest moments, and that community can lift burdens that once felt impossible to carry.
Through the Alyiah Volunteer Memorial Award, her legacy continues to inspire everyone involved with The B.A.B.Y. Foundation to serve with heart, humility, and hope.
A Light That Never Fades
Though Alyiah is no longer with us, her spirit continues to shine in the laughter of the children we help, the determination of their families, and the compassion of every volunteer who steps forward to serve.
Her story is not one of loss, but of love — and her light will forever guide The B.A.B.Y. Foundation as we continue to build brighter years for families in need.
To learn more about how The B.A.B.Y. Foundation supports families and honors legacies like Alyiah’s, visit www.thebabyfoundation.org.