Izzy Boyd: 2026 Riley Champions presented by Kroger

Seven-year-old Ja’Isaibella “Izzy” Boyd of Evansville can sometimes avoid long, painful car rides to Indianapolis while still connecting with her Riley Children’s Health specialists, thanks to Riley’s innovative Sickle Cell Telemedicine program.

“It makes a lot of difference because the drive is taxing, it is expensive with the gas, and then having to take off work,” Izzy’s mom, DeAndria Hawkins, said. “Being able to have that as an option, where I don’t have to miss a full day’s work, is beneficial.”

Izzy was diagnosed at birth with sickle cell disease, a painful blood disorder. The condition causes severe pain and fatigue, requiring Izzy to take daily medicine, receive occasional blood transfusions, and use pain medication during a sickle cell crisis. She receives care at Riley Children’s from Seethal Jacob, M.D., Izzy’s pediatric hematologist, and Riley psychologist Julia LaMotte, Ph.D.

While her chronic health condition is challenging, for Izzy, Riley means hope: “Because it’s going to help the kids get better,” she said.

Izzy lights up every room she enters. Even on her roughest days, she still finds ways to encourage others.

“She is very loving, very caring, very charismatic,” DeAndria said. “When she has to leave the classroom because of her pain and her friends are concerned, she’s assuring them that she’s going to be okay.”

Izzy’s favorite things are arts and crafts, coloring, painting, singing and dancing—but her generosity shines just as bright as her creativity. When Izzy was selected as one of the Riley patients to attend a Taylor Swift concert in Indianapolis, thanks to Riley donors Denney Companies, she brought a special surprise: handmade friendship bracelets for every other Riley patient there.

“I’m not sure there is a better way to demonstrate how big her heart is,” Dr. Jacob, who nominated Izzy as a 2026 Riley Champion, said. “Izzy’s generous spirit and loving demeanor mean no one is left a stranger.”

Now, as a Riley Champion family, Izzy and her mom want their story to inspire others while supporting a health system that means so much to them.

“What I hope this will do for Izzy is to spread a little more positive shining light,” DeAndria said. “She gets to be a Champion and spread awareness not only about Riley but about sickle cell.”

Dr. Jacob emphasizes Izzy’s potential to inspire and lift those around her: “She is a dynamic, energetic and kind girl who believes in the importance of acceptance and love.”