Zakiyah Holland

Zakiyah Holland

Zakiyah, known by family and friends as “Kya,” was diagnosed with Brain Cancer in the fall of 2011. She passed away peacefully at the young age of five at her home in Mechanicsville, MD. She is remembered as a strong, vibrant little girl who loved life. She was happiest while attending church with her family, singing, dancing, or playing in the rain.

Kya was able to enjoy time with her family at two of her favorite places as she fought her battle with cancer. In March 2012, the Make a Wish Foundation fulfilled her dream of going to Disney World. Later that year, she was able to visit the beach—another dream made possible by the Believing In Tomorrow Foundation.

A Message of Hope Cancer Fund helped the Holland family in this time of financial need, covering car and gas payments so
Kya’s mother could give her full time and attention during the week.



In addition to the already burdensome costs of treating cancer, when a child or family member is critically ill, one parent may have to leave his or her job to care for them. This makes it difficult for families to cover expenses they previously did not have difficulty with, such as utility bills, rent or mortgage payments, rising gas costs, and other everyday expenses. MHCF offers families assistance with some of these costs.