Home / Every Ribbon Has a Name
The Kiona Foundation Honor Wall
In honor of those we have lost. In service of those still here.
This wall begins with three children whose names are carried by the Foundation and by the people who love them: Kiona, Carlene, and Elayna.
Every Ribbon Has a Name is Kiona Foundation's childhood cancer memorial. It is one part of a broader Foundation mission that serves people and families affected by cancer across the lifespan.
Names carried here
These were not pre-determined fates. They were illnesses where conventional therapy was inadequate, and the search for less toxic, more effective options is the work that follows.
Every Ribbon Has a Name is separate from fundraising and donor recognition. There is no cost to a family, and no donation can create a place on this wall.
The children
February 5, 1994 - January 24, 2006
Teratoma and germinoma brain tumors
Kiona was Dr. Lakisha's firstborn daughter. She was diagnosed in 2002, received treatment at Children's Hospital Oakland, and lived to age eleven.
Kiona Foundation was founded in 2003 in her honor. The Foundation carries her name because the work began with her life and continues for the children and families still walking this road.
May 7, 2020 - January 11, 2024
Known as Carly | Stage IV metastatic retinoblastoma
Carlene, known as Carly, was Dr. Lakisha's daughter. Born in Jamaica, she was diagnosed in 2020 and later received treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering. She lived to age three.
Coins for Carly was created to help meet the costs of her care. Her life now travels with the Foundation's research mission and its search for better options for children.
August 21, 2020 - February 7, 2025
Neuroblastoma
Elayna was known as the Princess of East Branch. She rode around in her pink Barbie Jeep, smiling and waving at everyone.
Elayna and Carly were roommates at Memorial Sloan Kettering. Jennifer and Dr. Lakisha became friends through that season of care, and Jennifer called Dr. Lakisha to be with them at MSK when Elayna took her last breath.
Remembered here by her mother, Jennifer.
How the wall is cared for
Before publication. The family or authorized submitter chooses the name, photograph, dates, and words, then reviews the exact presentation.
After publication. A family may correct, update, or remove a tribute at any time.
At every stage. The Foundation reviews accuracy, image rights, privacy, accessibility, and the submitter's authority to submit.
Memorial Steward. Mertis Williams oversees submissions, family review, corrections, and removal requests. Contact her at mwilliams@kionafoundation.org.
Submit a remembrance
Begin on the Foundation's submission page. It explains what happens next and offers four equal ways to share a remembrance: online form, email, paper, or telephone.
There is no deadline and no cost. Nothing is published automatically. Mertis returns the exact tribute to the family for written approval before it appears.
Corrections and removal
Contact the Foundation to correct a tribute, raise a privacy concern, or request removal.
Mertis Williams, Memorial Steward
stories@kionafoundation.org