Mikayla Jade Resh, 24, of Nazareth, was at home with both her parents, Michael and Kimberly, when she took her last breath on January 30, 2019. She waited to leave for Heaven until her dad could get home and her sister, Lauren, had called to say she loved her. She will be missed by countless family and friends, especially Logan, Hannah, and Dalia.

Despite Mikayla's multiple disabilities, she was fully included at Lower Nazareth Elementary School where her third grade class wrote and illustrated a book about having a friend with a disability. Mikayla was never able to speak, but these young authors told Mikayla's story, giving her a voice through which to share some of life's most valuable lessons. Our Friend Mikayla was first published in 2006, donated to every PA public elementary school in 2012, and is the inspiration for Mikayla's Voice®.

Founded in 2010 by her family and friends, Mikayla's Voice is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization inspiring kids of all abilities to share the message of inclusion. Two more books written by kids for other kids, school assemblies, a wheelchair painting program, and an annual youth triathlon all allow kids to enjoy and demonstrate successful inclusion as they work and play together. All programs are designed for children of all abilities so they may teach others to celebrate diversity and promote kindness.

Born on December 23, 1994, in Flemington, NJ, Mikayla had a life full of love with her family and friends. She vacationed with Logan's family. Spent long weekends at the cabin. Ran in 5K races prior to her triathlon days. Went to her prom. Danced at weddings. Fed a giraffe. And loved to hold babies.

Mikayla's family promised that her "Voice" would continue to be heard. Louder. Stronger. Farther.  A Voice for Inclusion. Kindness. Friendship. Love. To help keep that promise, in lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Mikayla's Voice, PO Box 232, Nazareth, PA 18064.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, February 8, 2019, from 6:00-9:00pm and Saturday, February 9, from 11:00am-12:30pm in Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 323 Nazareth Pike (Rt. 191), Bethlehem, PA 18020. Services will follow at 12:30 with Pastor Christian Eichorn presiding. Mikayla will be laid to rest privately at Hope Cemetery, Hecktown, in the spring.