9-year-old Mikayla is a competitive ballroom dancer who has been courageously battling mixed phenotype acute leukemia since December 2024.

On December 19th, 2024, a large bruise appeared on Mikayla’s thigh. Concerned by this development, her parents took her straight to the paediatrician the following day.

Bloodwork was done, and two days later her parents were called with the results. That call would change everything.

Mikayla was rushed to the nearest emergency room, where her family received the devastating news – their precious daughter had cancer.

Specifically, Mikayla was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer known as mixed phenotype acute leukemia.

This brave girl began chemotherapy the very next day, and she has faced every single day of her treatment journey with extreme courage, strength, and her signature sparkle. 

She has endured 6 x rounds of intense chemotherapy, involving 10 x different chemo medications. She has also received steroid treatment, and countless blood and platelet transfusions.

There have been many unexpected hospital admissions, and challenging side effects of treatment including chemo toxicity and an acute kidney injury. 

It has sometimes felt like one step forward followed by one step back, as intense treatments take a toll on her body.

Through it all, her doctors and nurses have become like family… offering not just medical treatment, but compassion, kindness, and endless support. The care she receives has helped her feel like herself even in her hardest moments. 

Mikayla is full of life, laughter, and light. As a competitive ballroom dancer, she thrives on stage and loves to perform. She’s funny, caring, inquisitive, and deeply social, and she adores her dog Rosie who gives the best cuddles. 

In the words of Mikayla’s mom, “This past year stole so much from her… moments she should’ve spent laughing, playing, just being a little girl. Instead, she spent them fighting. And yet, through every hardship, she never lost her light.”

“She continues to inspire us with her bravery, her spirit, and her smile.” 

Mikayla is currently in her third cycle of maintenance treatment. She receives daily oral chemo and continues to be closely monitored by her care team.

GCC’ers, let’s pedal our hardest for Mikayla this August! It’s on!