Ugandan Boy's Death Shocks Local Charity

It was a trip to California to see his older brother off to college.

But for then 11-year-old it ended up being the trip of a lifetime.

The boy, who was assisted by Steven's Hope for Children after falling ill due to sickle-cell anemia during the trip earlier this year, died earlier this month after failing to recover after a skateboarding accident. He was 12.

Byron received treatment for his condition at starting in January. Steven's Hope, a nonprofit organization that provides housing for families who are seeking long-term treatment, helped the family during their two month stay in the region.

The family was treated to many experiences while they were here, including trips to the snow, Ontario Reign games and the Magic Castle.

Steven's Hope announced news of his death on their Facebook page on July 19. In the note, they shared an email from the boy's mother, Ada: “When Byron got home, he had so much to talk about. He still has lots of stories to tell. You should see how he lights up when he talks about the Magic Castle. He’ll never forget his fantastic experience he had there.”

The Upland-based group is currently helping other families and their children, including a newborn awaiting a heart transplant at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, and is also working to raise funds to continue its mission.

The charity is currently selling tickets to the 8th Annual Concerts Under the Stars at the Hafif Family Estate in La Verne. There are three dates available: July 30, Aug. 6 and Aug. 13.

Tickets are $55 per person, and include a catered dinner. Charities receive 100 percent of all money raised from ticket sales. Tickets are first-come, first-served. To purchase tickets from Steven's Hope, call (909) 256-0100.