Reyna's Readers


Reyna’s Readers is a fund established in honor and remembrance of Reyna Ý Linh Polk’s love of reading. Morning, afternoon, and night, Reyna always found a moment to grab a book and sit and flip through the pages happily with anyone who joined her. With Reyna’s Readers, we hope to support Madison Reading Project’s mission to make books accessible to all children and inspire a life-long love of reading.

About Reyna

Reyna radiates joy and love, with a smile and a “hi” waiting for anyone she meets. Her exuberant energy is infectious, and her curiosity to explore extends to going to new places, figuring out different toys, playing with animals (especially dogs), meeting new people, and most importantly, reading books and tasting new food.

In December 2025, a little over 15 months old, Reyna unexpectedly passed away after not waking from a nap. Her cause of death is unknown and is currently categorized under Sudden Unexplained Death of Children (SUDC)*. Though her time here was too short, her light and warmth continue to live on in everyone who knows her.

Her parents, Ryan Polk and Maria Tran, are committed to honor Reyna and spread her light and love to the world. There are far too many books that Reyna didn’t get to read, but we hope that this fund can help children in the community read those books and more.

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*To learn about SUDC, you can visit the SUDC Foundation website. The SUDC Foundation supports and provides invaluable services for families that have unexpectedly lost a child.

Learn more about SUDC

Visit the SUDC Foundation Website

Messages in Memory of Reyna

"In the story of our life, you are our favorite lines, the most important pauses, and the love that defines us. We love you, Reyna, to the moon and back."
- Mama & Dadadad

"Reyna would want so many children to experience the joy of reading as she did."
- Melissa Tran

“We dedicate this gift to baby Reyna in honor of her memory and the light she brought to the world.”
- Rachel Kuo

“In memory of Reyna Polk. May the joy of books and learning carry forward the light she brought into this world.”
- Cheryl Linnemann 

“For a girl who loved to read and her parents who had to say goodbye too soon.”
- Rachel Manley 

 “Reyna loved stories...anytime, anywhere, anyone reading them to her, but especially her bedtime and morning books!”
- Katie Nguyen

“To share the gift of reading with all other children.”
- Tim Opsal

 “In loving memory of a little angel taken too soon.”
- Jean Polk

 “You are so loved and missed, little one.”
- Katy, Aaron, & Sammie Pruitt

 “Such a precious child, gone too soon. Reyna was so loved and so special.  She will forever be in the hearts of all.”
- Dawn Spierings

 “Reyna was a beautiful little girl who left this world too early.”
- Judith Roberts