MAN BEHIND OUR MISSION
Smiley's Voice Foundation was founded by the family and friends of Michael Hylton, Jr. also known as "DJ Smiley". Michael Hylton was born April 13, 1980 in Brooklyn, New York. At birth he was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect called "Tetralogy of Fallot" and had corrective surgery when he was 2 1/2 years old. He lived a normal and healthy lifestyle, without medical restrictions, until the morning of November 21, 2009 when he became victim of the fifth leading cause of death in America - STROKE. His family and thousands of friends had to face the harsh reality of losing someone who was both very special and loved. Sadly, Michael did not recover and faced an untimely demise on November 22, 2009 at age 29.
Smiley's Voice Foundation's mission is to increase stroke awareness. Our goal is to help decrease the number of people who die yearly as a result of a stroke by targeting young adults and providing resources, preventative education and support to families to:
> Increase stroke awareness and prevention in populations identified as being high risk
> Provide resources to families caring for young adults recovering from a stroke
> Provide support groups to parents and siblings who have suffered loss of a loved one due to stroke
> Target young adults, by providing resources, preventative education and support to families
> Support the education of college students interested in pursuing a profession in nursing or medicine through mentoring and financial assistance.
Smiley's Voice Foundation has a core group of professionals that include Physicians; Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners; Registered Nurses; Social Workers; Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists; Certified Personal Trainers; Nutritionists; Physical Therapists; Occupational Therapists; Speech and Language Pathologists; Licensed Family Counselor; and other volunteers who are knowledgeable in stroke rehabilitation.
Smiley's Voice Foundation is to save lives and decrease the number of people who die yearly as a result of stroke by empowering and educating others to "Making a Difference in the Lives of Many Through Stroke Awareness and Prevention Programs".
The passing of my son was unexpected and we will always have that missing piece in our family, but through Smiley's Voice Foundation it became a life-long journey to continue his legacy of love for humanity while making a difference in the lives of many and spreading stroke awareness so that no other family could go through the hurt and loss of a loved one like we did. I'm so fortunate to be able to impact the lives of others, all while partnering with some of the most passionate and driven philanthropists who are dedicated to our mission.
-Carol Hylton