Lexington mother continues son’s legacy by making a difference in others’ lives

LEXINGTON, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — Alisa Hairston lived every parent’s worst nightmare when her son Berkley was shot and killed on Aug. 22, 2021, just two weeks before his 18th birthday. Now, Alisa said she’s taking that pain and turning it into a purpose to keep her only child’s memory alive.

“When you lose a child, honestly, you can feel a child leave your body. And I can’t explain it. And I felt him leave my body,” said Hairston.

Every day is a battle for Hairston, who said some days are harder than others.

“I may wake up… because he could cook exceptionally well, and I could smell things and I realize, oh, I’m just dreaming because it’s real. He’s not coming back.”

Even after his death, Berkley’s life continues in other ways. His mom started a non-profit called “It Really Does Matter,” which focused on reducing gun violence and creating safer communities.

She also holds a toy drive every Christmas that benefits children affected by gun violence.

But she wanted to do something else. This year, September 9, would’ve been Berkley’s 21st birthday.

“He couldn’t wait to turn 21. 21 was “Mom, I’ma be legal. Mom, I’ma be legal. I’m legal now.’ And all I could think about was 21. What could I do for Berkley turning 21? And I said Berkeley’s 21 scholarship,” says Hairston.

The scholarship will go to a high school senior affected by gun violence who plans to go to culinary school. She’s asking for people to donate $21 on their website .

“I just really want to give back to families,” says Hairston. “Because when you lose a child to gun violence, you never get your life back.”

Even though her son is no longer here physically, there is a slobbering, four-legged reminder of him named King, Berkley’s Cane Corso who misses him, just as much as she does.

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“Dogs, you know, they grieve and he’s grieving my son. He has been grieving for three years. King will go to that door and he’s just sitting there because I know he’s looking for my son to come. And I’m like, buddy, he’s not coming.”

She hopes to have everything finalized to be able to present the scholarship to a graduating senior by the end of this school year.

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