At this annual briefing, hearts feels heavier than usual by the fact that Keith's passing marks its 10th anniversary this week on the 14th of September, only living to 20 years old. It is with your continued belief and support towards The Keith B. Hayes Foundation, can we feel strong for all the good he did in his short life not being meaningless and not in vain. Our family continues to believe that Keith's voice and spirit of giving to others continues by your ongoing generosity. As a 'grass roots' Foundation, we are proud to maintain 6 figures in our account with The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan County. Please understand, this is only due to you! Words cannot express our gratitude and sincere thankfulness!
To update you: *It should be noted, that we are endowed by CFOS and traditionally are to give 5%-6% of our earnings in our account in order to perpetuate our Foundation. However, as a family, we have chosen to give up to 12% annually towards research and organizations that we feel related to Keith and the disease he suffered from.This past year in 2017 we were able to once again increase our Grants to the majority to whom we endow.
1- For the past 5 years we have been granting funds towards research at Columbia Presbyterian in NYC related to Polyglucosen disease, which Keith was post par tum diagnosed with. Dr. H. Orhan Aikman, Assistant Professor of Neurology at annual giving has been utilizing these funds towards continued researching this degenerative myopathic disease, so that one day it can arrest its progression. We are proud that The Keith B. Hayes Foundation was able to once again increase our endowment to $14,000. (for further information on Dr. Aikman's research, please visit our website thekeithbhayesfoundation.org)
2- Bridges, formerly known as Rockland Independent Living Center, New City, NY is a non-profit organization which helps individuals with any form of a disability to learn skills and strive to become independent. Keith was in training to become a mentor before he passed away. Annually, now Bridges, honors Keith's memory by awarding an individual who works with this population "The Spirit of Mentoring" held annually on Disability Awareness Day. We awarded once again $1,000.00.
3- NOVA, formerly known as The Ralph Braun Foundation, which provides revamped vehicles for the handicapped to be able to remain independent we increased our giving to $500.00. Keith, shortly before his death, was supposed to have his car remodeled for his increasing disabilities.
4- We continue to award $500.00 towards The Wheel Chair Foundation to provide wheelchairs to individuals who cannot afford them without aide from this organization. Keith was wheelchair bound for the last 1 1/2 years of his life.
5-We continue to award $500.00 towards The Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation. Keith's disease involved his heart, which eventually could no longer function.
*For the 2017 year The Keith B. Hayes Foundation was able to award$16,500.00 with an increase to both Columbia Presbyterian's research and to NOVA.
Again, sincerest thanks for your continued support so that we can continue to be the spirit of giving and be Keith's voice towards people in need.
God bless you,
Sheila and Sadler Hayes, mother and father of Keith B. Hayes
Adam and Galit Hayes, brother and sister-in-law Of Keith B. Hayes
Brian Hayes, brothr of Keith B. Hayes
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