It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Hallie Kyed, the two-year-old daughter of Doug Kyed, an NFL writer for the Boston Herald. Hallie battled acute myeloid leukemia for the last nine months, but tragically, she lost her life on January 21.
Doug Kyed took to Instagram to express his grief, sharing that Hallie’s condition worsened after a bone marrow transplant, and the treatment she was receiving stopped working. The Kyed family stayed by her side as she peacefully passed away in her sleep on Sunday morning, holding her hands in bed.
Hallie may have been young, but she left a lasting impact on the lives of those she encountered. Her father describes her as a “special child” who touched the hearts of many. Doug and his wife, Jen, feel blessed to have been her parents, and her older sister, Olivia, cherished having Hallie as her little sister.
Despite the devastating news of Hallie’s relapse, her family held onto hope for remission, amazed by her bravery, strength, and resilience during her nine-month battle with leukemia. Unfortunately, the chemotherapy after her transplant proved ineffective, and her aggressive form of leukemia had grown out of control.
The doctors at Boston Children’s Hospital did everything they could to help Hallie, and she defied all odds every day for nine months. Doug reflects on precious memories of Hallie calling out for “DADDDDYYY” and demanding walks around the hospital floor. She would shower him with affectionate pats on the back when he took her out of her crib. Hallie was a vibrant, funny, and spunky little girl who loved to dress up as different princesses, much to the delight of doctors, nurses, and hospital staff.
Doug acknowledges that the world is a lesser place without Hallie and hopes that people mourning her loss will take away a valuable lesson from her life: to know what you want and persistently ask for it, whether it’s going for a walk, riding in the car, or wearing a specific Disney dress.
Hallie will be laid to rest on January 26, and during this difficult time, we extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the Kyed family.
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