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Advocacy & Legacy Projects
Echos of the Heart: Creative Legacy Projects
Stories create meaning from our lives and share wisdom across generations. Transforming your personal experiences into a curated narrative allows you to honor your journey while shaping a legacy that transcends time. In articulating your truth, you uncover substance within pain and discover beauty in your resilience—your story becomes a timeless source of connection and inspiration.
Our stories are the foundation of who we are; to curate them is to claim ownership of ourselves.
You landed here with a story to tell, a cause to fight for, and lived-experience to pass on.
You want to honor the people and experiences that have shaped your life. Maybe you’ve wondered how to preserve your most cherished memories or create something meaningful for future generations. Perhaps you’re looking for a way to turn your story into a powerful message or create a lasting impact through advocacy.
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But getting started feels overwhelming—where do you begin?
You’re holding onto stories and memories, afraid they’ll fade with time.
You feel the pull to create something that honors your journey, but you’re unsure how to bring your vision to life.
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You’ve walked through grief, transformation, or profound change, and you're called to turn those experiences into something meaningful.
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You dream of shaping a legacy that reflects your truth, connects with others, and leaves an enduring impact.
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I know the feeling.
How I got here.
In 2023, I lost my husband James to colorectal cancer at the age of 40. His diagnosis at just 38 catapulted us into an intense, life-altering journey—one defined by grief, love, and transformation. Those two years shaped me profoundly, teaching me how to hold space for joy and sorrow to coexist and how to find gratitude even in life’s darkest moments.
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Through this shared journey, James and I discovered the power of advocacy and storytelling as a means of finding healing and connection amidst a deeply painful reality. Together, we channeled our experiences into raising awareness for early screening, advocating for health equity, and amplifying James’ legacy as an artist. Today, I carry forward the torch we lit—advocating for equity in healthcare, early detection of colorectal cancer, and celebrating the music tenderly left behind by my husband. My continued work reflects how our love continues to ripple outward, bridging advocacy, community, and healing.
I offer our story as inspiration—and evidence that finding purpose through storytelling and advocacy can form a beacon of light in even the darkest moments. I invite you to explore how honoring your own journey can uncover the profound meaning found in shared connection.
It all started when doctors uttered the words "colon cancer" before James was rushed into emergency surgery to remove a tumor obstructing his colon. At just 38 years old, he was seven years younger than the newly reduced recommended screening age of 45. Doctors told us they suspected the tumor had been growing in his abdomen for nearly a decade by the time of his surgery—a sobering realization.
As James lay in the hospital, grappling with his diagnosis, fear began to set in—not just of the unknown but of dreams unfulfilled. A well-loved touring musician, James had accomplished so much in his career, yet there were aspirations he held close to his heart. Among them was the desire to release music under his own name, leaving a mark through his solo work.
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As he recovered at home, we began to process how his diagnosis would shape our lives in the months ahead. James weighed the difficult decision of how much to share publicly. The truth was heartbreaking: colorectal cancer disproportionately affects African Americans, and young people are being diagnosed at alarmingly increasing rates. Without greater awareness, far too many will face a deadly, yet preventable disease.
James Casey performing with Trey Anastasio Band on 11/9/2022 in Lowell, MA. Photo by Adam Berta.
Amid the fog of uncertainty, James resolved to face his fear head-on and shape his legacy. He made the bold decision to share his story, driven by a hope to inspire others to take control of their health and avoid his fate.
His candor in sharing his story opened doors to link his music with advocacy. He recorded a holiday album, A Little Something for Everyone, dedicating the proceeds to fund cancer screenings for those in need.
Album artwork by Nate Cepis
At the same time, James poured his heart into his music, finishing The Kauai Project, his second solo album, while continuing to tour and undergo treatment.
Behind the scenes, I worked to amplify James’ journey by creating opportunities for his story to reach a wider audience. I conceptualized and pitched a music video and a micro-documentary, securing funding from cancer advocacy organizations to bring them to life. Together, we expanded his impact beyond music, connecting with others and advocating for better health outcomes.
Album artwork by Dax Anderson
Music As Medicine directed by Bradley Hasse; shot and edited by Lisa Bolden; produced by Ayla Casey.
Music video for New Bloom directed by Bradley Hasse; shot and edited by Lisa Bolden; produced by Ayla Casey.
Through this work, James fulfilled his lifelong dream of releasing music under his own name, cementing a legacy that continues to inspire. For all of us who mourn his loss, his story remains a beacon of hope, motivating agency and action to be our own health advocates and cherish the time we have.
As time marches forward, I remain devoted to the work James and I started together, fueled by our love and the shared vision to leverage his story in service of others, ensuring that his light and legacy endure.
The Kauai Project Comes Full Circle; released posthumously; directed by Bradley Hasse; shot and edited by Lisa Bolden; executive produced by Ayla Casey.
How will you be remembered?
The answer lies in the stories we choose to tell, the connections we nurture, and the impact we leave behind.
Crafting your legacy is a deeply personal and meaningful process. I’m here to guide you through building something that’s heartfelt, intentional, and uniquely yours.
It's never too early to start shaping your legacy.
Imagine...
Transforming your personal journey into a timeless narrative that captures your story with care and intention.
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Picture having the tools to forge meaningful connections and celebrate the people and moments that have shaped your life.
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Envision approaching legacy work with a guide to support you honoring your path with purpose.
Whether you want to honor a loved one, amplify your own voice, or create something timeless for future generations, I offer support to help bring your vision to life.
How To Curate Your Story Into Your Legacy
Storytelling Workshops: Collaborate on crafting personal or family narratives that honor your journey. Perfect for creating meaningful tributes or exploring your own story with intention.
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Keepsakes and Multimedia: Create bespoke memory books, photo essays, audio recordings, memoir, or micro-documentaries that bring your story to life and preserve it for future generations.
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Advocacy Initiatives: Turn your personal journey into a force for change with campaigns, multimedia advocacy pieces, or legacy-inspired projects that amplify your message.
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Creative Consulting: Receive one-on-one guidance to align your creative projects—whether writing, art, or other mediums—with your legacy’s deeper purpose. From ghostwriting to brainstorming sessions, I’ll help bring your vision into focus.
ABOUT YOUR GUIDE
I'm Ayla, the creator of Alchemy for Human Hearts. I draw on my lived experience through storytelling and deep compassion to help you craft a legacy that reflects your truth. In navigating terminal illness with my husband James, I discovered the healing power of storytelling and advocacy. Today, I support others in curating their narratives, amplifying their voices, and preserving the stories that matter, transforming experiences into timeless sources of connection and inspiration.