By Marie A. (Nana’s mother)
Published February 27, 2026 | 5 minute read

Delyth Nana Arthur was born on December 9, 2017, in New York. From the very beginning she was unforgettable. Tiny but mighty. Bright. Energetic. Full of life.

She started walking and speaking in full sentences at just one year old. Every story she told began with, “Do you know?” and she usually did. Nana was bubbly, loving, funny, and just the right amount of stubborn. If she did something she should not have, she would smile and say, “Oh Mummy, I’m so so so so so sorry,” and no one could stay upset for long.

She loved school and dreamed of becoming a scientist, visiting space, and helping sick children as a doctor. She adored reading her STEM books, even hiding them after bedtime so she could keep learning. She loved singing, dancing, and making up her own songs. Music made her come alive. She loved the ocean, the park with daddy, shopping with mommy, Chick fil A trips, and Christmas. On December 26 she would already ask, “How many days till next Christmas?”

Family was her world. Gracie was her favorite girl. Elijah, the Boy as she called him, was her baby. She proudly declared him the cutest boy in the whole world. She had already planned her future. One day she would get married and have one child. If it was a boy his name would be Max. If it was a girl, her name would be Summer. She even promised to babysit her siblings so mommy and daddy could go on dates.

Six years, ten months, and twenty-five days. Too short yet filled with more life than some experience in decades. Until Nana, her family had never heard of myocarditis or sudden cardiac arrest in children. Now her mother is a certified CPR instructor.

More than anything, Nana had a beautiful heart. She prayed for the world and for children who were sick and dying. At just six years old her compassion was far beyond her years.

In February 2024, after what seemed like a mild illness, Nana suffered sudden cardiac arrest caused by myocarditis.

For five and a half months Nana fought. She endured ventilators, feeding tubes, and intense rehabilitation. She lost the ability to walk, talk, and eat independently. But she fought. She worked through physical, occupational, speech, and aquatic therapy. She was determined to get back to being that girl again. Every small movement was a victory. Every breath was a miracle. She fought a good fight of faith. She truly did.

On November 3, 2024, after helping her dad cut his birthday cake, Nana went to sleep and entered the Kingdom of Heaven.

Six years, ten months, and twenty-five days. Too short yet filled with more life than some experience in decades. Until Nana, her family had never heard of myocarditis or sudden cardiac arrest in children. Now her mother is a certified CPR instructor. Now Delyth’s Heart Foundation exists. Now families are being educated. Now awareness is being raised. Because her voice still speaks.

The little girl who began every story with “Do you know?” continues to teach the world.

She is free now. Walking. Talking, probably a little too much. Free from pain. Free from sickness.

Still Smart.
Still Sweet.
Still Sassy.

Still the brightest light in our lives. DELYTH – Forever Blessed and Beautiful.

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