Walking for Kindness. Walking for Knox.

By Ray Bayat

As a society, we all follow the wisdom that the wise are older and more experienced in life.  Automatically, a head full of gray hair qualifies someone to pass on lessons in life to the younger generation.  From Greek, Roman, and Persian civilizations, we hear of philosophers and leaders’ words for living the virtuous life.  Yet, what if the truest lesson in life is delivered by a 12-year-old boy?

Knox Dydalewicz was that boy.  He lived as we all should.  Inclusive, kind, always smiling, happy, full of infectious energy, a big heart, and empathetic.  Someone who made you feel good whenever you were around him.  12 years young but many decades in spirit.  Unaware of his knack to touch and create joy for others.  It came so easily for him because it was his innate nature.

How I know this is through his friendship with my son Dara.  Dara is not the boisterous middle school boy seeking attention on the school grounds.  Sure at home he acts as a crazy teenager, although he was not one yet.  However, at school, a different person.  One less inclined to engage easily with others and jump into a conversation or banter with friends.  So when Knox and Dara became friends, Knox influenced Dara. Knox’s happiness rubbed off, and Dara was much happier going to school.

Dara’s favorite thing to do – insisting on mom and dad texting or calling Knox’s parents so that the boys could hang out.  Dara would ride his bike to Knox’s house, and they would shoot hoops in the driveway.  Or Knox would come over with his electric scooter, and they would spend time in Dara’s room.  As I got to spend more time with Knox, I got to know him.  He was different than other kids.  Most would not look me in the eye – most times not even saying hi.  Others would not engage in conversation.  Yet Knox always smiling would ring our doorbell, look me in the eye, and say hello, and always engaged in conversation.  He ALWAYS had a smile on.  A radiant energy of kindness and joy.  Infectious.  As an adult, I wanted to be around him as my spirit was lifted. 

My best memory of Knox was the night I took him, Dara, and Harrison (Dara’s best friend from soccer) to Chipotle and then the Legends game.  At Chipotle, the three boys wanted to sit away from me.  From a short distance, I observed that Knox was leading the charge with laughter.  There was so much joy and happiness in the three of them acting silly together and laughing out loud.  In that instant, I thanked God for Knox and his effect on Dara.  I could sense an ease in Dara’s inner being, the feeling every parent wants for their child.  

The news of Knox’s passing was devastating to us.  It was unfathomable.  But we know the simple lesson Knox taught us and must live it EVERY day.  It is the ONLY way to be.  His purpose was to teach us how we, too, can be influential and impactful with kindness, inclusivity, and empathy.  Such a great reminder that the wisest are not necessarily the old.  God sent Knox as a messenger of love and kindness.  It is our responsibility to spread his message.

On December 6, 2024, Knox came to me personally in a dream.  I saw myself looking at a boy standing in the dark some distance away with his back to me.  I felt like I was looking at myself and viscerally feeling anxious, fear, panic, and worry.  These feelings were crippling my 8-year-old self.  As the boy slowly turned his head while his body remained still and a light shone on his face, I was flabbergasted to see it was Knox.  Angelic with a large smile, he looked me in the eye and, in a soft manner, said: “It will be okay, Mr. Ray.”

Why a 24-Hour Walk?

There are individuals you come across in life that change everything.  Knox was such a person for Dara and the Bayat family.  To honor him, I have decided to participate in the 24 Hour Extreme challenge to raise $50,000 for the Live Like Knox Foundation.  Walking 24 hours to test the human spirit.  To do something hard so that I create ease for others.  I want to be part of spreading kindness.  Lots of kids get recognized for their academic and athletic accomplishments.  No one gets rewarded for kindness.  I want to change that.  Live Like Knox rewards those high school students who are good souls, genuinely interested in leading with kindness every day, and having an impact as Knox did.  Please help me raise $50,000 through this 24 Hour challenge, which would forever change five students’ lives with much needed scholarships funds to advance their studies. 

24-Hour Extreme Challenge

April 17, 2026, 8 AM to 8 AM April 18, 2026
Start and end at: Press Café, 4801 Edwards Ranch Road, Fort Worth, TX 76109

Follow my journey in preparation for this event and the day of the 24-hour walk through social media and other means. Your contributions will change lives. For as little as $1 an hour, you could have a profound effect on a young person’s future. They can be reminded that kindness is the best trait and living as such is the ultimate honor of Knox.

Join Me. Let’s all LIVE LIKE KNOX.