Meet Mya!
Mya’s journey began on April 30, when she was admitted to Sanford Children’s Hospital with severe stomach pain. Just two days later, on May 2, she received a diagnosis that would change everything: Crohn’s disease.
Unfortunately, her challenges didn’t end there. Between May 30 and June 22, Mya endured three additional hospitalizations due to a persistent infection that required two different JP drains. Her final stay lasted 12 days and brought even more difficulties — severe malnutrition, dangerously low iron levels, and the need for both iron and blood transfusions. During that stay, she underwent major surgery to remove roughly 18 inches of damaged intestine caused by fistulas from Crohn’s disease, along with her appendix, and she received an ileostomy bag.
Mya was discharged on July 3 with a PICC line to continue IV antibiotics at home. Since then, she has shown incredible resilience. She turned 14, returned to school part-time, and continues her infliximab infusions — and iron treatments when needed — every four weeks at Roger Maris Cancer Center.
Her ileostomy reversal surgery is scheduled for December. During that operation, surgeons will also perform another resection where her large intestine connects to her colon, addressing an area of narrowing that could cause future complications.
Through everything, Mya has met each challenge with strength and courage — and she continues to move forward with hope.