Honoring Resilience: The Wyatt Memorial Award & Emmalyn’s Story
- The B.A.B.Y Foundation
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 2
Each year at the B.A.B.Y. Foundation Gala, we pause to reflect on the incredible strength and love that families show in the face of unimaginable challenges. The Wyatt Memorial Award is our way of honoring that resilience — a symbol of courage, determination, and hope in the midst of a child’s medical journey.
Named in memory of Wyatt Cade Dillon, this award celebrates a child and their family who embody the same unwavering spirit Wyatt showed during his battle with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Wyatt spent many months at Children’s Hospital, enduring a heart transplant and countless treatments. Through it all, he showed the world what bravery looks like — joyful, strong, and full of life.
In 2025, we were honored to present the Wyatt Award to Emmalyn, a young girl whose story is a true testament to the power of perseverance.
Emmalyn has faced more in her young life than most of us can imagine — five rounds of chemotherapy, MIBG therapy, tumor removal surgery, back-to-back bone marrow transplants, radiation, and immunotherapy. Each step has come with intense physical and emotional hurdles, including the reality of long-term side effects like infertility. In a brave and forward-thinking decision, Emmalyn’s family chose to preserve one of her ovaries to give her the chance of having a family of her own one day.
Her courage is remarkable. Her spirit is unshakable. And her family’s love and support have been nothing short of inspiring.
The Wyatt Memorial Award is not just a recognition — it's a reminder. A reminder of the beauty and strength that exists within our B.A.B.Y. families. Of the community that lifts them up. And of the children, like Wyatt and Emmalyn, who show us what true bravery looks like.
Watch her video here:
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