From the very beginning, life demanded 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.

Mya’s story began quietly, almost imperceptibly. At 18 months, her parents, Brooke and David, noticed that something was off. Their bright, curious toddler seemed unsteady on her feet. Local doctors dismissed it as an ear infection, a common ailment for a child her age. But a mother’s instinct cannot 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.” That moment pushed them to seek further care, and soon an MRI revealed a devastating truth—a large brain tumor.

Faced with an almost impossible decision, the family was directed to Dr. Arnold Menezes, an experienced neurosurgeon at the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital. He offered a slim chance. “No one else will operate on this, but I will,” Brooke remembers him saying. “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 to proceed. After an 11-hour surgery, Mya’s tumor was partially removed. It was a cancerous pilocytic astrocytoma, a rare brain tumor that originated from the star-shaped cells of her brain. Its location, deep in her brainstem, made complete removal impossible.

What followed was a grueling 74-week course of chemotherapy. Brooke and David were included in every step of her care plan, attending meetings with Mya’s team and ensuring every question was answered. “We never gave up hope,” Brooke says. “Having a plan helped us a lot. We knew she was an amazing fighter and she wasn’t going to give up.”

Even in the hospital, Mya’s team worked to make her feel like a child first, a patient second. Brooke recalls a Halloween when a nurse dressed Mya as a piglet and her younger sister, Leia, as a lobster, taking them trick-or-treating around the hospital. These moments, small but significant, allowed Mya to experience joy and normalcy amid the medical chaos. She learned to ride a tricycle, ride a bike, sing songs, and play games—all within the walls of the hospital that became her second home.

But life was far from simple. At age five, Mya relapsed. Another 74 weeks of chemotherapy followed, and for five years she remained strong. Then, at 12, a routine scan brought more bad news. The tumor persisted, and Mya’s body, along with her spirit, felt the strain. With the honesty of a teenager who had faced far more than anyone should, Mya asked her doctor, Dr. David Dickens, if she could stop treatment. “He listened to Mya every step of the way,” Brooke says. “He discussed the risks, and together, they chose a path that balanced hope and her well-being.” After three more weeks of treatment, Mya recovered, regaining her energy and her bright, lively personality.

Mya’s journey, however, was not just about fighting her own battles. Along the way, she discovered the power of giving back. During a hospital visit, she overheard another family struggling and decided to help. With leftover funds from a softball fundraiser, she initiated what would become the Mya Strong Foundation, dedicated to supporting pediatric oncology families. From funding therapy dogs to providing trips and creating moments of joy, Mya’s foundation embodies the kindness she has carried through every stage of her life. The annual Mya Strong Softball Tournament has grown from eight teams to nearly sixty, drawing communities together in support of families facing similar challenges.

Even as a teenager, Mya’s health continued to demand attention. A bone marrow mutation required regular blood draws, and medications left her with hearing loss, which she manages with hearing aids. Yet, despite these obstacles, Mya remains a vibrant, resilient young woman. At 18, she is a high school senior with aspirations to become a registered nurse, a dancer who loves choreography, and a young leader who inspires everyone she meets.

Reflecting on her daughter’s journey, Brooke says, “They don’t just know who she is as a patient; they know who she is as a person. We are so lucky to have such an amazing facility so close to us. This entire team saved our child’s life, and we are forever indebted to them for their care, love, and support.”

Mya Gilchrist’s story is more than a tale of survival. It is a testament to courage, hope, and the unwavering human spirit. From a tiny toddler taking her first wobbly steps to a young woman giving back to families in need, Mya 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 with love, determination, and support, even the hardest battles can be met with grace.