In Memory of the Beautiful, Malaya Berania

I don’t even know where to begin or how to write something like this, let alone be vulnerable to the world and share this story of the dear Berania family.

Malaya was admitted to CHOC on Friday, with complications of the flu and pneumonia. She fought and fought, stayed strong for her family, especially for mom, until Monday night, our sweet Malaya went to be with God. This healthy and charismatic girl left this world way too soon in a blink of an eye at just 10 years old. She had her entire life ahead of her. Her family, friends and those that have been around her will no longer witness her infectious personality, her love for dancing and singing, or that million dollar smile that she always radiated. Losing a child is unimaginable for any parent. Our children bury us parents, not the other way around.

This family shouldn’t have to think about what comes next, but the reality of it is, they will. Funeral, hospital expenses, everything. Let’s come together as a community and support them: mom and dad (Armida and Marlo) and Malaya’s sisters, Leila and Nene. If you knew Malaya, you know she left her light on earth for all of us. If you didn’t know her, just know that heaven gained a beautiful angel and her memory will live with us all forever.