Jhene Aiko Opens the WAYS Foundation In Remembrance of Her Late Brother

blogged by: @ashleytearra

There are plenty of things to smile about, and singer-songwriter Jhene Aiko is definitely sure to spark a few smiles with her latest endeavor, the ‘WAYS Foundation’. The 29-year-old launched the charity over Christmas weekend, in honor of her late brother, Miyagi, who passed away, after battling cancer, back in 2012.

Through the newly-established organization, Aiko has set out to assist cancer patients and the families of those in need, providing not only financial but emotional comfort and support, as well. She made her first generous donation to Lily Olive Cosby, a five-year-old girl from Eagle Rock, California, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. Aiko visited Cosby’s home with a $15,000 check in hand to cover the little one’s medical bills.

When speaking with Billboard, Aiko says, “This Christmas, I decided to gift my family with the ‘WAYS Foundation,’ something my family and I have had in the works since the passing of my brother,” She expresses. “I decided to make a donation on my family’s behalf, in which we plan to continue to help people and families affected by cancer.”

According to Billboard, the name of the foundation gains its significance from the phrase “Why aren’t you smiling?”–which is something that her brother once tweeted during his battle with the disease.