In Zayan's memory

Tragedy struck a local family and our community when Zayan Mayanja, a 6-year-old non-verbal autistic child, went missing overnight in 2024 died after he was found in Nabnasset Lake. An outpouring of sympathy for the family and other autistic members of our community asked what they could do to help and maybe prevent future similar situations.

Westford Remembers, Inc. has purchased Apple AirTags and various AirTag holders to be provided to families of autistic and Alzheimer's family members to assist in locating those at risk of wandering. The AirTag devices are to be managed and distributed via the Westford Police Department and Westford's Council on Aging Outreach and Social Services program.

Westford Police urge any residents that have family on the autism spectrum, or with relatives that have any other cognitive condition, to contact Westford Police at 978-399-2345 and sign up for the department’s cognitive alert registration program. Doing so will “greatly assist law enforcement in locating your loved one if they were to ever go missing”. Requests for AirTags will be included in this registration program.

Westford COA's Social Services can be reached at 978-692-5523. Support groups, family support and many other services are available to all Westford residents.

Donations to Westford Remembers, Inc. for this effort and other community support/outreach programs can be done via their website at https://www.westfordremembers.org/donate/. Westford Remembers, Inc is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization.