Cayden Michael Ali

Cayden M. Ali passed away on January 31, 2014. He was born on August 9, 2012 to La'Sha J. Ali and Michael L. Jenkins in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Cayden was a very determined little boy with a lot of love to give. He came into our lives prematurely and from day one we all knew he was a fighter. The doctors said "no", but Cayden said "YES". He had endured many hard complications, but stayed strong and true to himself and showed all of us he could do it.

He is survived by his loving parents La'Sha J. Ali of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Michael L. Jenkins of Chesapeake, Virginia; maternal grandparents Lisa A. Wilder of Glendale, Arizona, and Smart E. Ali of Nigeria, Africa; and paternal grandmother, Erica Wilson of Chesapeake, Virginia. He is also survived by his great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

A special thanks to all the staff at EDMARC for helping take care of Cayden and making sure he was very comfortable at home. Thanks to Mrs. Kim from Early Intervention for the long therapy sessions. Although Cayden slept through most of them, we thought he planned it each time. Also, to Mrs. Candace Dunleavy from Care Connections for helping with everything, from planning, to making sure all of Cayden's needs were met. Thanks to Dr. Heidi Flatin, Cayden's pediatrician, for doing everything she could to ensure Cayden was healthy and strong. Last but not least, thanks to all of those who kept us in their thoughts and prayers; we greatly appreciate it.