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BOUNTIFUL — The family of a Utah girl who died from complications due to RSV, croup and pneumonia is keeping her memory alive through a new college scholarship.
The Brighton a Life scholarship, in honor of 4-year-old Brighton Tenney, will benefit a UVU student this coming fall semester.
Brighton died in January after being in and out of the hospital for about a week.
"She went to the hospital, was there for a couple of days, and we were out four days. Then that's when everything just went bad," said Kevin Tenney, Brighton's father.
Kevin and his family are still dealing with the sudden loss, but he said they find comfort in remembering and talking about her sweet spirit.
"Brighty was the happiest little girl," her father said. "Everyone that knew her said she just lit up the room. Everyone loved her."
To raise money for the scholarship, the family partnered with the Strikes for Kids foundation and Utah Jazz player Alec Burks, who said he was glad to see a packed house at the Bountiful Bowl where the fundraising event took place Wednesday night.
"We all know how much it costs to go to school, and it's amazing to know that there are a lot of people out there [donating]," Burks said.
Brighton's mom, Bethany Tenney, said she is glad her daughter's scholarship will help someone dealing with a similar situation.
"Sometimes when you have tragedies, you don't look further in life. You don't go to college, you don't take the next step. So, hopefully [the scholarship] will make someone want to," Bethany said.
The Strikes for Kids organization hoped to raise $4,000 through the event.
For more information on Brighton and her family, visit www.brightonaday.com.
