Honoring Hailey Mayz
Some children leave a mark on the world that no amount of time can erase. Hailey Mayz Vassilaros was one of them, a little girl her family lovingly described as one who “could make a statue smile.” Although her life was far too short, the Hailey Mayz Foundation was established in her honor so her joyful spirit and legacy could continue to touch the lives of children in need.
The Hailey Mayz Foundation
Created in her memory, the Foundation carries Hailey’s legacy forward by helping children receive the therapy and financial support they need to live fuller, healthier lives.
Through initiatives like the Hailey’s Halo Program, the Foundation provides direct financial assistance to families facing hardship, funds community outreach efforts, and helps expand access to pediatric therapy for children who need it most.
Since its inception, the Hailey’s Halo Program has provided more than $30,000 in direct assistance and gifts to families facing financial hardship.
Who Was Hailey Mayz?
Born on July 20, 2006, Hailey lived with Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TEF), a condition that required occupational, physical, and speech therapy from an early age. Throughout her journey, Stephanie Coe and Michelle Dilts were her therapists, celebrating every milestone alongside her parents, grandparents, and aunt, whose unwavering love and support surrounded her every step of the way.
Then, without warning, Hailey passed away on August 11, 2009. She was just three years old.
In the months that followed, Stephanie and Michelle remained close with Hailey’s family while pursuing their longtime dream of opening a pediatric therapy clinic. They opened aMAYZing Kids Pediatric Therapy in 2011 in Hailey’s honor so her legacy could continue to inspire every child and family they serve.
How Hailey Mayz’s Legacy Inspires the aMAYZing Kids Mission
Today, the clinic has helped thousands of children and families throughout the community. Hailey’s story continues to shape the compassionate, family-centered care that defines aMAYZing Kids today. Her legacy reminds the team:
- Therapy should be a joyful experience. Hailey loved therapy so much that her parents chose to engrave the word “therapy” on her gravestone alongside the other things that brought her joy.
- Families are at the heart of every child’s journey. The support of Hailey’s parents, grandparents, and aunt played an important role in her progress — a reminder that therapy works best when the whole family is part of the process.
- The bonds built through therapy can last a lifetime. The lasting relationship we shared with Hailey’s family continues to inspire the compassionate, family-centered care that defines aMAYZing Kids today.
Support the Hailey Mayz Foundation
Everything the foundation does reflects the same mission that inspired aMAYZing Kids from the beginning: helping every child reach their fullest potential while supporting the families who love them.
If Hailey’s story inspires you, you can help continue her legacy. Visit Donate to the Hailey Mayz Foundation and Change a Child’s Life to learn how your support helps more children and families throughout our community.