Singer Jhene Aiko Launches W.A.Y.S Foundation & Donates $15K To Young Cancer Patient

Jhene Aiko has had a busy year, from dropping her sophomore album, Trip, to dropping a poetry book titled "2 Fish."  But in between it all, the busy songstress is still taking time to spread some Christmas cheer and give back.

Instead of a traditional gift exchange, the songbird chose to gift her family in a different way. She launched the W.A.Y.S Foundation on Christmas in honor of her late brother, Miyagi. In a statement to Billboard, Aiko said, "This Christmas, I decided to gift my family with the 'WAYS Foundation,' something my family and I have had in the works since the passing of my brother." 

Jhene's brother passed away at an early age in 2012 due to cancer. "I decided to make a donation on my family's behalf in which we plan to continue to help people and families affected by cancer," Aiko said.

Her first donation of $15,000 took place on Christmas eve and went to the family of an adorable 5-year-old girl battling leukemia. Lily Olive from Eagle Rock, California, who received her diagnoses over Thanksgiving break, received the surprise donation from Aiko to cover medical expenses. 

The name for the foundation, W.A.Y.S, stands for "Why aren't you smiling." Jhene's brother, Miyagi was known for regularly tweeting the phrase during his treatment for cancer as a way to encourage humor and positivity into others. 

Well here's to Jhene finding her own 'WAYS' to spread some positivity during the holidays and giving back in a major way! #Prayers4Lily