02 May Honoring Colette: A Mother’s Legacy of Love and Light

Nyssa Hasty’s world turned upside down when she learned her daughter, Colette, had a life-limiting heart condition. Facing impossible choices and medical barriers, Nyssa moved from Arizona to Austin where she found not only care for Colette, but also a place to call home and a supportive community at the Ronald McDonald House. 

                             

“We just sobbed that somebody was taking care of us… It meant more than I think I could ever put into words.”

Colette’s time with her family may have been short, but because of the steadfast love of her mother, her impact will last forever. In the wake of unimaginable loss, Nyssa found a powerful way to honor her daughter’s memory — by creating a space that brings comfort, joy, and a sense of normalcy to families in crisis.

The Colette Memorial Library, nestled in the heart of the Ronald McDonald House, is more than just a cozy corner filled with books.

                                                           

It’s a sanctuary of hope, where children can escape into stories, play freely, and choose a book to take with them — a small piece of comfort that lasts beyond their stay.  

“As a bereaved parent, one of your biggest fears is that nobody’s gonna say your baby’s name again… and so we wanted to do something to keep her alive in more than just our hearts.”

Through this beautiful tribute, Nyssa has transformed her grief into a lasting legacy of love and compassion — giving other families the gift of peace during their hardest days.

Colette’s story reminds us all that even the tiniest of people can make the biggest impact.