Kayshaun Bennett was born in April 2006. Bright and funny and super energetic- he was also extraordinarily resilient. Kaykay was born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a condition that progressively deteriorates the muscles of the body. Though he was often in pain, Kayshaun was almost always smiling through it. Nicola Bennett was Kayshaun’s sole caregiver. She joined the AMY Project as a participant in 2011 and went on to perform in Checkout (2011) and Derailed (2012) Kayshaun was often present at AMY Project sessions and performances, tearing through the rehearsal hall during breaks, cutting up the dance floor at the Graduate Program fundraiser, and generally winning the hearts of AMY participants, staff, volunteers, audiences, and friends.
Due to complications related to the disease, Kayshaun passed away of congestive heart failure on August 15, 2014 at 8 years of age. With the support and input of his mother, this fund is set up in his memory. The Kayshaun Bennett Fund supports childcare and other accessibility concerns to ensure single mothers are able to fully participate in AMY programming.