By Dan Shriner
Review Editor
The memory of Alayna Zalac, Lake Orion’s Warrior Princess, sparked a gathering at Friendship Park on Monday for many of her friends and family on the day of her 14th birthday.
Alayna passed away six months ago from complications from leukemia.
During her fight, the Lake Orion community stood behind her, raising $40,000 for the Zalacs with a benefit concert in order to help with the expenses of treating Alayna at home. Shortly before her death, she was feted at a special ‘Make a Wish? event in which she was treated like a celebrity.
On Monday, there was little fanfare, just many hugs and friends family sharing memories of the special little girl who seemed to deeply touch everyone she came into contact with.
‘This started with an opportunity to get together,? said Chris Lavan, a teacher at Stadium Drive Elementary School. ‘We came out to wear purple, her favorite color, and to honor Alayna. It spread by word of mouth. We wanted an opportunity to gather with friends and love her. It’s just an opportunity to gather and remember her on her birthday.?
Several of Alayna’s family and friends also visited her resting place at Square Lake Cemetery, near the Orion Library, that Alayna also loved.
Her mother Teri said Alayna’s father, Mike, suggested the gathering should be a celebration of her life, not mourning her death.
Alayna’s step-father Jamie Huff said he will always miss the wonderful smile and love that Alayna showed to everyone.
Teri said she has come to realize how many friends and others who loved Alayna and her vibrant personality.
‘She had a lot of love for people,? she said.
‘I realized after the fact about how many people Alayana touched,? her father, Mike Zalac, said. She had a lot more influence on people than I thought.?
All of the outpouring of help, love and friendship in Lake Orion obviously touched the family.
Teri said that Alayna’s friends are very close and are doing things in her memory.
‘It all makes you love Lake Orion,? she said. ‘The people here are like no others.?