Our Hero Lrya
Heading into Week 2 with a victory under their belts, the Lions head over to New York to play the Bills at their brand new stadium. Thursday Night Football... it's a big deal. That's why we want to introduce you to a little girl with a big heart.
Meet Lyra. She is a 6-year-old sweetheart born with sickle cell disease. But the obstacles in her path have not stopped her from living life to the fullest—just like her favorite characters of all time, Lilo & Stitch.
Aidan carried Lyra's mantra into the Bills stadium:
"Ohana means family.”
We, the Hutchinson family, know firsthand how important it is to have a strong family support system—especially when facing adversity. And Lyra is so lucky to be surrounded by the most loving and uplifting people who have never left her behind.
Lyra's Story:
Lyra is 6 years old and was born with sickle cell disease. Over the years, she has faced several complications and hospitalizations, including acute chest syndrome. In 2023, she was diagnosed with sickle cell cerebral vasculopathy after doctors found that her left internal carotid artery had narrowed which put her at increased risk for stroke. To help protect her from that risk, she received monthly blood transfusions for several years.
In June 2026, Lyra underwent a bone marrow transplant in hopes of giving her a healthier future. The transplant and recovery have been challenging, but Lyra has continued to show an incredible amount of strength and resilience. She is now home and continuing her recovery, with ongoing medications, treatments, and frequent medical appointments as her new immune system develops.
Lyra is a kind, humble, sweet, and creative six year old. She loves dancing, watching movies, Stitch, sour candy, and creating things. She especially enjoys building and inventing things and doing arts and crafts.
During her hospital stay, one of the little things she enjoyed was taking what we called our “midnight walks” to grab snacks. Those small moments gave her something to look forward to during a difficult time. Now that she is home, she still loves being outside and going for walks with her family, although her time outdoors is more limited because of her medications and recovery.
Lyra loves spending time with her family and siblings. “Ohana means family” has become especially meaningful to us because it reminds us that no one gets left behind or forgotten. Throughout her transplant and recovery, our family supported Lyra through prayers, kind words, encouragement, and affirmations, always reminding her that she was loved, strong, and never alone.
Despite everything she has been through, Lyra continues to find joy in the simple things she loves.
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Lyra's bravery, kindness, and support of her incredible ohana make sure an unstoppable force.
She is an inspiration to us at the House of Hutch... she is our hero.
Please pray for Lyra and consider donating to her GoFundMe to help her family with medical expenses.
Love Always,
Team Hutch