The People Project:
Hayley Dickens
By Ashley & Andrew LeSaicherre | February 25, 2023
Meet Hayley Dickens!
Hayley grew up in Hammond, then her family moved to Loranger when she was in middle school. She had a younger sister, Summer, who passed away in 2015. She graduated as the valedictorian and cheerleader captain from Loranger High School in 2004. She then got her Bachelors in Nursing from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2008.
She met her husband, Justin, at Trey Yuen when they were in high school. She was the to-go order girl and he bussed tables. They got married in 2010 in Hammond. They adopted Kallie in 2017, then had Kora in 2019. In June 2021, Kallie was diagnosed with Diffuse Midline Glioma, a type of brain tumor found in the central nervous system. She fought for 10 months, and passed away in May 2022. They started a non-profit, Keeping A Light for Kallie, that supports pediatric cancer families both financially and emotionally. They are proud to announce their 501(c)(3) status was granted in January 2023!
Justin and Hayley wrote a book, The Optimistic Angel, about their experience with Kallie. All proceeds from their book will help support families battling pediatric cancer.
We want to thank Hayley for spending some time with us and letting us get to know about her life and her love of the area.
Q: What led you to your current career?
A: I currently work for the Tangipahoa School System. I had been a nurse for many years, but I needed a change after what happened last year. I needed a non-hospital setting.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the area, and what do you like to get there?
A: Our go-to family spot is Streetside Market. It is easy to bring Kora, as she can move around. I always get something Chinese.
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: Summer family vacations with my family. My mom worked in the school system also, so we would travel during the summers.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: The mountains. We took Kallie there on her Make-a-Wish trip, and we just love the outdoors. We like to hike and that it doesn't feel touristy.
Q: What is your favorite movie? What is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
A: Forrest Gump. Once I start watching, I can't stop! I think the first movie I saw in a theater was The Lion King with my Mom, my sister, and my sister's nanny.
Q: Do you have a favorite book? What do you love about it?
A: I would have to say the book we wrote (The Optimistic Angel). I am so proud of it. Justin encouraged me to write it.
Q: What advice would you give a group of people?
A: Live in the moment. Don't worry about the small things. Something as simple as a family dinner date is important.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: To write another book.
Q: What is your favorite type of music? Who is an artist or band that you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: We listen to a lot- country, blues, folk. I would like to see Nathaniel Rateliff perform live!
Q: What current or former business makes you the most nostalgic about the area?
A: Trey Yuen, definitely.
Q: If you could choose one person to go to lunch with that you’ve never met, who is it and where would you go?
A: Another childhood cancer family.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique that you love about the area?
A: I love the feel of downtown Hammond. We also love Paul's Cafe.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: Still here! Running a successful non-profit. Still married and raising Kora.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you (even friends or family)?
A: I love a good living room dance party with my family.
Q: What is a word or phrase that comes to mind when you think of the word “Home”?
A: Happy. Smile. Hey. Kallie said that one day, and it stuck with us.
Q: If you could have a full-time staff member that is fully paid for, what would that be? (Chef, housekeeper, driver, coach, personal trainer, etc.)
A: A housekeeper. Someone to do the daily dishes and laundry!
Q: If you had to choose one type of cuisine to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
A: Mexican
Q: What do you do when you are alone in your car?
A: Zone out in silence.
Q: What is the last gift you gave and received?
A: The last gift I gave was a Keeping A Light shirt to a family battling the same cancer Kallie had. The last gift I received was tulips for Valentine's Day from Justin and Kora.
Q: What are you known for?
A: Being Kallie's Mom.
Q: What is your favorite 90s jam?
A: Don't Look Back in Anger by Oasis.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
A: To be able to cure cancer.
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: Working out, writing, reading and spending time with Justin and Kora.
Q: What is your most commonly used emoji?
A: The laughing crying face.
Q: What is something you are most proud of?
A: Starting a non-profit, being Kallie's Mom and writing a book.
Q: What two items would you take with you if you shipwrecked on a deserted island where food and water were taken care of?
A: Hair conditioner and a picture of my family.
Q: If you won the lottery, what would you purchase or spend money on?
A: Donate to cancer research, pay off all debt and a tropical vacation just the 3 of us!
Q: What do you want your legacy to be?
A: That I was like Kallie. Spreading her joy and her light.
Hayley nominated Robin and Bella Cervantes
Who would YOU like for us to get to know?
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