In the wake of her son Michael Hylton’s untimely death from a stroke in 2009, Carol Hylton, a registered nurse from Portland, established Smiley’s Voice Foundation. This organization is dedicated to raising awareness about neurovascular diseases and has since become a beacon of hope and action in the fight against such conditions. The foundation is the driving force behind the annual Black, Red & White Foundation Gala, now in its 12th year, which will take place on November 22 at the Doubletree By Hilton hotel in Fort Lauderdale.
Michael Hylton Jr., affectionately known as ‘Dee Jay Smiley,’ was a vibrant 29-year-old who left an indelible mark on those around him. Described as warm, kind, and deeply respectful, Michael was a humanitarian who always saw the best in people. His passion for music led him to form Crowdpleasers Entertainment, a venture that brought joy to countless events, from weddings to parties at his favorite venue, Ginger Bay Cafe in downtown Hollywood, South Florida.
Last year’s gala raised $5,000, which was donated to the Stroke Unit at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) in St. Andrew, Jamaica. In July 2024, Carol Hylton, alongside Dr. Rosemarie Lewis, coordinated a mission to UHWI, led by renowned South Florida neurosurgeons Dr. Norman Ajiboye and Dr. Brandon Davis. During their time in Jamaica, they performed five critical surgeries in collaboration with Dr. Kevin Wade, a consultant neurointerventional surgeon at UHWI.
Carol Hylton, supported by her husband Michael and daughters Mikara and Marissa, continues to lead Smiley’s Voice Foundation with unwavering dedication. This year, the foundation aims to raise even more funds and honor Michael’s memory by advancing their mission. ‘Michael was a God-fearing young man who loved his family and considered us his foundation,’ Carol shared. ‘We started this Foundation after this life-changing experience to continue his legacy of love. If we can save one person from dying from a stroke or its impact, then we are living the mission of Smiley’s Voice Foundation.’