Alaya is a HUGE family person. She LOVES spending time with her family. She loves to dance, cheer, make slime and anything that she can experiment with. She comes off very shy at first but once you get to know her, she has the heart of gold. She loves helping people out and doing for others. She designs shoes. She likes to paint them. Every person she has come in contact with has said they are instantly drawn to her. It’s something about her that draws people to her. I always get compliments about how sweet, cute, and well-mannered she is.
Before her second birthday, I noticed her right eye was crossing. I also noticed that her pupil appeared to be dilated as well as “glowing” or a haze like color. Eventually it appeared to be an orange color. She was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma on February 28, 2011.
Alaya went through 8 rounds of chemo and countless laser treatments. As of now, she is no longer receiving treatment and her eye has been removed. At the time of treatment we struggled with transportation and money for gas and food for travel.
Alaya has not let the fact that she has endured all of what she has stop her from smiling. She has smiled through it all, which has, in return, brought smiles to our faces. She remained so strong and always prays for her health and thanks God for her survival. She is such a HUGE believer in God.
Hope session by Amanda Joann Photography
To God be the glory for the blessing of this precious little lady. Soar Alaya, gonna be looking for those shoes to hit the market!
Real tears of joy that a young lady of color Stong enough to not only share her story but continue to beat all odds!!! your mama must be wonder woman !!
You are a precious gift from God! What an adorable happy little girl. I work with your Auntie and I have met you a couple of times. You strive for your dreams and keep that happy face smiling! Beautiful pictures of a sweet girl!
Alaya is a child with great strength and faith in God. She certainly knows how to make your day with the “best hugs and the most beautiful smile”. As a friend of her father, I was asked to join the family in prayer when Alaya first began to experience issues with her eye. I never thought that God would have it that 5-6 years later, we would become neighbors and Alaya and Amiyah would literally become inseparable and your mother and I would establish a friendship. I am thankful that their paths crossed because Alaya’s strength and faith has been a blessing to our family. Her personality shines like the sun and the love she demonstrates is contagious. Her ability to walk through this journey called life with hope provides hope for so many. Alaya, Amiyah, Kennedy, Aaliyah 1 and Aaliyah 2 loves you so much and we are thankful that God placed you in our lives…..Love Titi Toya.
She’s a remarkable young lady, I met her last year. And being a cancer survivor myself. I told her that she’s my champion and how she really encourages me.