Malaikye Payne

Organ donor

Age 17 months – Azusa, CA

Donated on 08/18/2011

at LAC-USC Medical Center

Honored by OneLegacy

Malaikye Thomas Payne was born March 29, 2010. Malaikye was also known as Kye and he was a happy, vibrant and feisty little boy. He could light up a room with his amazingly contagious smile. He brought immense joy to those around him, and his family knew he was destined for greatness. After his tragic death and through his gift of donation, baby Kye ended up saving the lives of four people, ranging from 9 months to 65 years of age and including two small children like Kye, who received a second chance at life. Malaikye, as his family thought, was indeed destined for greatness—he died a hero at 17 months old, saving the lives of four people, and his spirit lives on in his recipients and in his loved ones’ hearts.

Malaikye’s Story

Malaikye Thomas Payne was born March 29, 2010. Malaikye was also known as Kye and he was a happy, vibrant and feisty little boy. He could light up a room with his amazingly contagious smile. He brought immense joy to those around him, and his family knew he was destined for greatness.

At 10 months, Malaikye was walking and at 1 year, he was running everywhere. He was such a busy baby, learning new words and new dance moves, always playing with toys or with someone. Malaikye loved sharing hugs and kisses. His family remembers him smiling and laughing, especially when they would take him to Disneyland.

Another cherished memory was when his family celebrated Kye’s first birthday. He was happy, playful, and excited to play with the animals that were brought in for his party. He smashed the birthday cake and had it all over his face.

Sadly, in August of 2011, his family received a phone call that would change their lives forever. Kye was a victim of a heinous crime and he suffered traumatic brain injuries that eventually resulted in his death. His family prayed for a miracle, but unfortunately, Kye did not recover.

During this time of deep grief, Malaikye’s mother and father made the difficult, but generous decision to donate his organs, in the hopes that he could save others. Through his gift of donation, baby Kye ended up saving the lives of four people, ranging from 9 months to 65 years of age. His family later realized that a miracle was performed that day. In fact, there were four of them and they were all possible thanks to baby Kye. Four organ recipient families received answers to their prayers on that day.

Malaikye’s story continues to touch the lives of many people. Malaikye, as his family thought, was indeed destined for greatness—he died a hero at 17 months old, saving the lives of four people. Malaikye is missed every single day and even though he is not physically here, his spirit lives on in his recipients and in his loved ones’ hearts.