I am creating this GoFundMe on behalf of the Hayes family, Patrick’s parents, Patrick Hayes Sr. and Lisa Hayes, and his brother Michael Hayes — who have just suffered the heartbreaking loss of their beloved Patrick Scott Hayes Jr. after a courageous three-year battle with CNS lymphoma.

Patrick’s life was defined by resilience. From childhood, he faced challenges most of us will never know. Born with Evans Syndrome, an extremely rare autoimmune disease, he spent years enduring hospital stays, treatments, and uncertainty. Yet he defied every expectation. He was even sponsored by Make-A-Wish and still, he grew up to beat the odds and live a life filled with passion, humor, strength, and heart.

Our friend Patrick was truly one of a kind. He never let his illnesses — past or present — dim his appreciation for life. As a kid and as an adult, he carried a joyful, humble spirit. He was a brother within his church youth group, a hardworking, handy, and determined man, a lover of fitness, and still a fun-loving child at heart. If you knew Patrick, you knew he was bold, honest, down-to-earth, and unafraid to speak up when something was wrong, even if he stood alone. Despite his strength and seriousness, he held a deep sense of humility. He could laugh at himself, soften a room with a joke, and remind everyone that real strength is quiet, gentle, and kind.

The last five years were especially difficult for the Hayes family. Before Patrick’s own diagnosis, he was the main support system for his younger brother, Michael, during Michael’s cancer battle with lymphoma, the same cancer Patrick would eventually develop in 2023. Fortunately, this was a battle Michael ultimately overcame. However, just when the family thought their nightmare had finally ended and they could breathe again, Patrick himself fell ill and was diagnosed with lymphoma. His cancer spread to his spinal cord, requiring frequent and painful lumbar punctures to administer chemotherapy. Through all of this, Patrick helped keep his family emotionally grounded and remained the beacon of hope for his family and friends.

Patrick fought with everything he had for nearly three years. In recent months, things were finally looking optimistic, and his family was hopeful as he continued responding to treatment. That’s what makes his loss even harder to process. On the morning of November 29th, 2025, Patrick passed suddenly yet peacefully in his sleep — just a day after sharing a warm, loving Thanksgiving with his family. Though he had been sick, none of us expected this. His passing came as a heartbreaking and unimaginable shock to everyone who loved him.

The Hayes family has exhausted their financial resources after supporting two sons through cancer. They are seeking any help, big or small, to assist with funeral and memorial services for Patrick. Every donation will go directly to his family so they can honor him properly and find some peace during this devastating time.

We love you, Pat. You are the definition of

Loyal,

Original,

Kind,

Tenacious,

Authentic,

Remarkable,

Outspoken,

Gracious,

Ambitious,

Resilient.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and for keeping Patrick’s memory alive.