Support a mother’s final promise to her child

On November 29, 2023, I lost my sweet daughter, Hayzlynn Nicole Peterson—our beloved “Hayzle Bagel”—after a brave battle with Rett Syndrome. She was only 5 years old, but her light and love touched everyone who knew her. I am raising funds to give her the beautiful resting place she deserves and to create a lasting legacy in her honor, supporting siblings and families affected by Rett Syndrome.

My sweet daughter, Hayzlynn Nicole Peterson, was born on December 23, 2017, and passed away on November 29, 2023, at just 5 years old. Our Hayzle Bagel, as we lovingly called her, filled our hearts with immeasurable love and joy during her short life. But before her 6th birthday, her brave journey here ended after a courageous battle with Rett Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that affects approximately 1 in every 10,000 female births.

Rett Syndrome steals abilities most children take for granted. Hayzlynn lost her ability to speak, walk, crawl, and use her hands purposefully. She required a feeding tube from age 3 and faced seizures, breathing struggles, muscle stiffness, and other medical complications daily. Every day was a constant battle—but through it all, Hayzlynn radiated joy, courage, and light.

Every single day was a battle for Hayzlynn. She faced seizures that would come without warning, painful muscle stiffness, and the heartbreak of not being able to say the words she wanted to speak. Yet even through this, she smiled, laughed, and showed love. Her courage and joy inspired everyone around her—teaching us what true strength and beauty look like.

As her mother, it breaks me to ask for help, but I want to give my baby girl the beautiful resting place she deserves. I am raising funds to cover the costs of her burial, headstone, and memorial, so that family and friends have a place to gather, grieve, and remember her forever.

I began handmaking a headstone from scratch because I felt a deep sense of guilt and grief for not being able to provide her with a proper resting place. I wanted her brother and sister to have a space to continue their special bond with her. I started this project about a year ago, determined to give her the best I could, but every time I work on it, the emotions can overwhelm me and freeze me in place.

I took a section of a 2 ½ foot tall by 3-foot wide wooden picket fence, painted it white, and designed seven themed panels representing Hayzlynn’s life and spirit:

1. Little Mermaid Theme – Ariel, Flounder, and “Part of Your World.” Hayzlynn loved watching this movie, dancing along in her heart, and being sung to by her grandmother. This piece represents her love of music, imagination, and joyful moments.

2. Her Name – Painted in big letters as a central tribute to Hayzlynn.

3. Rett Syndrome Awareness – Purple ribbon, butterfly, and mutated chromosome motif representing the rare disorder she bravely battled.

4. Colorful Flowers – Symbolizing Hayzlynn’s bright, happy spirit even through constant challenges.

5. Blank Panel – Reserved for a theme still in progress.

6. Minnie & Mickey Mouse – Her favorite toys and lifelong bedroom/nursery theme.

7. Bagels – Representing her nickname, “Hayzle Bagel,” a special name her siblings and family continue to call her.

The fence will also feature a cement stepping stone in the middle with her picture, a photo of me with her, and a meaningful quote. On the back, I wrote a heartfelt poem:

"On December 23rd, 2017, a baby girl was born. At 4:09 pm, we fell in love! She had a tiny bit of brown hair & gorgeous big blue eyes. 6 lb 9 oz of pure joy! 19 inches of perfection. We named her Hayzlynn Nicole. Just 5 short years later, on November 29th, 2023, our babygirl opened her butterfly wings & flew to the heavens above. May she rest in peace & fly with the angels. Heaven is lucky to have you."

But Hayzlynn’s story doesn’t end here. I want her name and spirit to live on. A portion of this fundraiser will go toward launching “The Sparkle Lives On Project – In Honor of Hayzlynn”:

✨ A support group for siblings of children with Rett Syndrome in Wisconsin.

✨ Providing grief support, resources, and connection for families affected.

✨ Creating annual events like “Hayzlynn’s Day of Sparkle” to celebrate her life and raise Rett Syndrome awareness.

✨ Helping families with memorials, care packages, and other support during devastating loss.

This is more than a fundraiser. It is a promise to my daughter—to honor her life, remember her story, and ensure her light continues to shine in the lives of countless families.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps us:

Lay Hayzlynn to rest with dignity.

Complete her headstone and memorial.

Begin planting the seeds of a lasting legacy in her honor.

Thank you for being part of her story, helping us grieve, heal, and carry forward the love and light of our sweet Hayzlynn.

Where Donations Will Go

Every donation will go directly toward honoring my baby girl Hayzlynn with the beautiful resting place she deserves. Funds will specifically help cover:

Burial expenses – the cost of laying her to rest with dignity

Headstone creation – a lasting marker so family and friends can visit and remember her always

Memorial arrangements – flowers, decorations, and a space for loved ones to come together to grieve and celebrate her life

Future upkeep – ensuring her resting place remains cared for and beautiful in the years to come

Your generosity will give us a sacred place of comfort and remembrance, and it means more than words can express.