B+ Hero Spotlight: B+ Hero Hayden and Women’s Lacrosse

The relationship between a B+ Hero and their paired organization is not only special, but also reminds us of the importance behind everything that we do for the kids. Starting this summer, we will be introducing B+ Heroes and showcasing how valuable the experiences between a family and their paired organization are.

B+ Hero Hayden and the University of Delaware Women’s Lacrosse team spent their first UDance together during the spring semester of 2016, approximately a year after she was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma. In the four years of being paired, B+ Hero Hayden has been a shining light within their team and shown remarkable examples of bravery and perseverance. She has become the team’s little sister, and her energy has made every moment spent together even better.

While it’s hard to pick a favorite moment together, the team agreed that preparing for UDance 2019’s B+ Hero Talent Show was just one of their favorite memories with B+ Hero Hayden. Creating a dance routine to a mashup of The Greatest Showman allowed for the team to turn B+ Hero Hayden’s creative thinking into a reality, and practicing for the occasion was a time where the pairing really got to bond with each other. All of their hard work paid off at UDance 2019, where they performed an intricate dance routine, complete with lacrosse sticks and B+ Hero Hayden in costume! 

A few of their other favorite memories together include going to a pumpkin patch every year, celebrating birthdays, and enjoying B+ Hero Hayden’s interests with her. She loves to paint, draw, and be creative, which led to designing and painting ceramics together. The Women’s Lacrosse team always looks forward to seeing more of her new creations, which are described as “one of a kind,” just like B+ Hero Hayden! The friendship between the team and B+ Hero Hayden has been strengthened through every moment they spend together. Whether it’s an event like UDance, or hanging out and playing Wii games at her house, both experiences are just as special and valuable to them. 

Throughout all the time spent together, the Women’s Lacrosse team has become an extremely important aspect of B+ Hero Hayden’s life. She considers them to be her big sisters, who have helped her through difficult moments and brought joy and happiness into her life. Just as much, B+ Hero Hayden has helped the team by becoming one of their teammates and best friends. Her optimism is infectious, and she lights up every room that she enters. She is the definition of strength and determination, which has provided the team with so much inspiration. 

When asked to describe B+ Hero Hayden, the team can expand on her shining personality and joyful outlook on life. They describe her as a happy and intelligent young girl, who always has a smile on her face and is so willing to help others, despite what she has been through herself. As an example, when the Women’s Lacrosse team held a B+ Tailgate, B+ Hero Hayden presented a donation she fundraised herself to help other children fighting cancer, showing that she is the perfect example of Kids Helping Kids Fight Cancer. Her acts of selflessness encourage and inspire every person around her to become the best version of themselves.  

As we enter a new semester, the team plans on strengthening their bond with B+ Hero Hayden and spending time with her in any way possible. They look forward to future FaceTime calls, UDance events, and the moment they are able to safely reunite! The relationship with B+ Hero Hayden is an integral aspect of becoming a member of the University of Delaware Women’s Lacrosse team, and they hope to create even more memories this upcoming year that will last a lifetime!