From the very beginning, life demanded extraordinary courage from Mya Gilchrist.

Before she was even two years old, she began a battle that would define her childhood: chemotherapy. For more than six years, hospital halls, IV drips, and doctor visits became her world — a world she faced with a resilience that inspired everyone around her.

A Childhood Interrupted

Mya’s story began quietly, almost imperceptibly. At 18 months, her parents, Brooke and David, noticed something was wrong. Their bright, curious toddler seemed unsteady on her feet.

Local doctors initially dismissed it as a common ear infection, but a mother’s instinct could not be ignored. Brooke recalls the moment that broke her heart: “She looked right at me, and she wanted to come to me, but she couldn’t. Every time she tried, she veered off to the left.”

Further investigation revealed the devastating truth: a large brain tumor.

A Fight for Survival

Faced with an almost impossible decision, the family turned to Dr. Arnold Menezes at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. He offered a slim chance: “No one else will operate on this, but I will. She has maybe a 10% chance of survival, but if she goes home, she’ll have maybe two weeks to live.”

With trembling hands and hope in their hearts, Brooke and David agreed. After an 11-hour surgery, Mya’s tumor — a cancerous pilocytic astrocytoma — was partially removed. Its deep location in the brainstem made complete removal impossible, and the young girl faced a grueling 74-week course of chemotherapy.

Even through hospitalizations, Mya’s parents remained deeply involved, attending every meeting, asking every question, and providing unwavering love and support.

Finding Joy Amid Chaos

Despite the severity of her illness, Mya’s caregivers worked tirelessly to ensure she felt like a child first, a patient second. Brooke remembers Halloween in the hospital: a nurse dressed Mya as a piglet and her younger sister as a lobster. They went trick-or-treating around the hospital, creating moments of joy amid the medical chaos.

Within the hospital walls, Mya learned to ride a tricycle, ride a bike, sing, and play games — small triumphs that reminded her she was still a child, despite the constant medical challenges.

Relapse and Perseverance

At age five, Mya relapsed, enduring another 74 weeks of chemotherapy. For five years, she remained resilient, never giving up.

At age 12, routine scans revealed that the tumor persisted, and Mya, wise beyond her years, asked her doctor if she could stop treatment. Dr. David Dickens listened carefully, guiding Mya and her family in choosing a path that balanced hope with her well-being. Three weeks later, she recovered, regaining her energy and vibrant personality.

A Legacy of Giving

Mya’s journey was never solely about fighting her own battles. She discovered the power of helping others. During a hospital visit, she overheard another family struggling and decided to take action. Using leftover funds from a softball fundraiser, she founded the Mya Strong Foundation.

The foundation supports pediatric oncology families, funding therapy dogs, special trips, and joyful experiences for children and their families. The annual Mya Strong Softball Tournament has grown from eight teams to nearly sixty, uniting communities in support of those facing unimaginable challenges.

Even as a teenager, Mya’s health continued to demand attention. A bone marrow mutation required regular blood draws, and medications caused hearing loss, which she manages with hearing aids. Yet she remained vibrant, resilient, and inspiring.

A Young Leader and Role Model

At 18, Mya is a high school senior with aspirations to become a registered nurse. She is a dancer who loves choreography and a young leader who inspires everyone she meets. Her parents reflect on the care she received: “They don’t just know who she is as a patient; they know who she is as a person. This entire team saved our child’s life, and we are forever indebted for their care, love, and support.”

Courage Beyond Survival

Mya Gilchrist’s story is more than survival — it is a testament to courage, hope, and the human spirit. From a tiny toddler taking her first unsteady steps to a young woman helping other families, she embodies the idea that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, one can choose strength, kindness, and hope.

Her journey reminds us that life may test us in unimaginable ways, but love, determination, and community support make it possible to persevere. Through her foundation, advocacy, and personal example, Mya leaves a legacy that uplifts families, patients, and medical professionals alike.

Lessons from a Brave Fighter

Mya’s story shows that joy can be found even in hospital halls, laughter can echo through IV drips, and hope can persist through the darkest moments. She is a living symbol of resilience, proving that every small act of courage and every smile in the face of adversity can ripple far beyond what we see.

Her courage, kindness, and determination leave a blueprint for facing life’s hardest challenges with grace. She is not just a survivor — she is a beacon of hope, a reminder that love, faith, and unwavering courage can overcome even the greatest obstacles.

Mya teaches the world that adversity does not define us — our response does. Her story continues to inspire countless people and will leave a lasting impact on families and communities for generations to come.