Nick Cannon and Alyssa Scott are honoring their son’s memory with a foundation to help families facing pediatric cancer.
On Friday, the still-grieving parents announced the Zen’s Light Foundation on Instagram to celebrate what would have been their son’s first birthday.
“June 23rd will forever be a day of celebration. A beautiful lighting ceremony to honor the life of an Angel. Zen’s birth has now transformed into ‘Zen’s Light,’ “Cannon wrote.
He added, “We are proud to announce his new foundation that will help so many others in this world. ‘Zen’s Light’ mission is to foster global excellence in hope, grief care and pediatric healthcare for families and children in need.”
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The 41-year-old Wild N’ Out creator thanked those who joined the pair in supporting the event, “specifically the Children’s Hospital of Orange County and our other beautiful partners.”
“Can’t wait for next year where our Lighting Gala will continue [to] grow to help find a cure for pediatric cancer, further research and help console more families during difficult times. ??”
On Thursday, the 28-year-old model took to Instagram and shared a loving tribute to her late son on what would have been the infant’s first birthday.
“Happy heavenly birthday, Zen. At the root of all the emotions I have today, there is insurmountable love,” she wrote.
“I always try my best to remain optimistic, but right now, I can’t help but cry out, ‘it’s not suppose [sic] to be like this,’” she continued. “In my mind, I can see him smashing his cake and crawling around, tugging at my legs. But the reality is I will blow out his first candle. I will wish he was still here with us. GO REST HIGH ?”
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The Masked Singer host reposted Scott’s touching video, writing, “The loving, nurturing, irrefrangible, and strength-filled Amazing Mother [Alyssa] said it way better than I could ever.”
In December, Cannon announced on his talk show that 5-month-old Zen had passed away from hydrocephalus, a form of brain cancer that causes fluid to build up in the brain, Sis2Sis reported. The baby boy was Cannon’s seventh and youngest child at the time.
“We were faithful and hopeful for that time,” Cannon said on his talk show. “We carried on. He was still just playing with his brothers and sisters. I embraced every moment.”
In addition to Zen, Cannon shares 10-year-old twins with ex-wife Mariah Carey, a father to 5-year-old Golden “Sagon” and 1-year-old Powerful Queen, whom he shares with Brittany Bell. He also shares 9-month-old twins Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir with Abby De La Rosa.
