Empowering communities through education and awareness
ONE YES HAS THE POWER TO SAVE 8 LIVES
Experience firsthand the remarkable power of compassion, renewal, and real impact.
About Maiya's Heart Project
Our Story
Maiya's Heart Project was born from the deeply personal experience of Sharnell Lydia, who tragically lost her daughter, Maiya Cunningham, due to heart failure while awaiting a life-saving transplant. This profound loss ignited Sharnell's unwavering commitment to transforming grief into a catalyst for change and hope.
In the wake of Maiya's passing, Sharnell's grief transformed into a powerful determination to spare other families from the heartache she endured. Drawing from her personal journey and the lessons learned from her daughter's life, Sharnell founded Maiya's Heart Project with a mission to raise awareness about the life-transforming impact of organ donation.
Since its inception, Maiya's Heart Project has grown into a multifaceted initiative, fueled by the desire to honor Maiya's memory and make a positive impact on countless lives. Sharnell's dedication has led the project to partner with organizations like the Southwest Transplant Alliance, advocating for increased organ donor registration and sharing Maiya's story to inspire compassion and empathy.
The project's outreach extends beyond registration campaigns, encompassing scholarships in Maiya's name, fundraising for grants to support families of pediatric transplant patients, and creating resource listings for hospice, palliative care, and grief recovery. With unwavering determination and an ever-growing community of supporters, Maiya's Heart Project stands as a testament to the transformative power of turning personal tragedy into a force for change.
As the project continues to evolve, its history is a testament to Sharnell's resilience, empathy, and unyielding dedication to ensuring that no family has to endure the pain of losing a loved one due to a lack of organ donors. Maiya's Heart Project serves as an enduring legacy of love, hope, and the belief that every "yes" to organ donation has the potential to save lives and create a brighter future.
Our Mission
Maiya's Heart Project is dedicated to saving lives through inspired action. Founded by Sharnell Lydia in memory of her daughter, Maiya Cunningham, our mission is to raise profound awareness about organ donation and its life-transforming potential. With a focus on education, empathy, and empowerment, we strive to inspire individuals, families, and communities, particularly within the African American community, to become registered organ donors. Through partnerships, scholarships, and support initiatives, we aim to create a legacy of compassion, healing, and renewed hope, turning personal loss into an enduring force for change.
Our Vision
Our vision at Maiya's Heart Project is a world where the transformative power of organ donation creates a tapestry of renewed lives, boundless compassion, and boundless hope. We aspire to be a beacon of light, inspiring individuals, families, and communities to unite in the noble cause of organ donation, fostering a global culture of empathy and life-saving action. Through education, advocacy, and support, we envision a future where no life is lost due to the lack of a donor, where every "yes" reverberates with the promise of a second chance, and where Maiya's legacy lives on in the vibrant tapestry of saved lives and transformed hearts.
Our Impact
Real Lives, Real Impact
Discover the power of compassion and second chances through our heartfelt stories. Organ donor recipients, families, and friends share their inspiring journeys of hope and transformation.
Our Programs
At Maiya's Heart Project, we offer a range of programs to support our community, including support for donor families, health fairs and wellness events, and partnerships with community organizations. Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of the community we serve.
Our Success Stories
Over the years, we have helped countless individuals and families overcome financial, medical, and social challenges. Our success stories are a testament to the impact of our programs and the dedication of our team and supporters.
Our Partnerships
We are proud to partner with a variety of organizations and businesses to support our community. Our partnerships enable us to expand our reach and provide even more resources and services to those in need.