As thousands of families prepare to attend the Raleigh Christmas Parade on Saturday, Hailey Brooks’ family will not be one of them.

Between memories of the 2022 parade, where Hailey was killed after a truck lost control and hit her, and what would’ve been Hailey's 13th birthday this year, it’s been an emotional toll on her parents, April and Trey Brooks.

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WRAL News first spoke to April and Trey Brooks in 2023, who said the grief of their daughter's death still lingered as the 2023 parade approached.

Hailey Brooks and her siblings
Brooks (left) and her siblings. Brooks was hit and killed by a truck that lost control during the 2022 Raleigh Christmas Parade. (© WRAL)

While the two will be out of town for this year's parade, they continue honoring Hailey’s legacy with the Shine Like Hailey Foundation.

The foundation was founded in 2023 to help spread the good April and Trey said their daughter embodied by providing scholarships to “enable young people to experience the world through dance.”

"We were initially funded through an outpouring of generosity from more than 1,400 families, friends and even strangers that were moved by Hailey's story," the foundation said. "This is her legacy."

Shine Like Hailey volunteers making meals for hungry families
Shine Like Hailey volunteers making meals for hungry families. (© WRAL)

The foundation’s outreach included more activities that affect other’s lives, including feeding families at the Ronald McDonald House, providing blankets and stuffed animals to children in hospitals and providing toys to younger victims of Hurricane Helene.

Shine Like Hailey volunteers dropping off care packages to sick children
Shine Like Hailey volunteers dropping off care packages to sick children. (© WRAL)

The family has also used the foundation to push the "Shine Like Hailey Parade Safety Act," which would require more safety regulations for vehicles participating in the parade.

Since then, the city of Raleigh has opted to have parades without vehicles. This year, the parade will have more vehicles along with enhanced safety measures, such as inspections for vehicles participating and drivers meeting age requirements.

All participants are also required to sign a waiver releasing the city of Raleigh from any legal responsibility in case of an incident.

As for the foundation, Brooks’ family took a mission trip to Jamaica donating medical supplies to children in need. The Brooks family told WRAL News they have a “big surprise” coming in 2025.

Trey and April Brooks
The parents of Hailey Brooks traveled to Jamaica on a mission trip with the Shine Like Hailey foundation. (© WRAL)

Those wishing to help or donate to the foundation can do so here.