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Notre Dame Junior Irish Reporter program, born from the partnership between University of Notre Dame Athletics and Beacon Health Foundation, gives Beacon Children’s Hospital patients the opportunity to meet and interview Notre Dame athletes. Meet these special kids, learn their stories and see them in action.
Get to know these amazing kids and find their full story and video below.
MaKayla’s joy, courage, and determination shine through everything she does.
Energetic, funny, and loving, MaKayla enjoys singing, dancing, reading, cooking, and art. In August 2024, at age six, she was diagnosed with Sertoli-Leydig cell cancer, a rare form of ovarian cancer, after surgery to remove a rapidly growing tumor.
MaKayla completed four rounds of chemotherapy through Beacon Pediatric Hematology. Even during inpatient stays, she remained connected to her classmates at Wilson Elementary and faced each challenge with positivity, courage, and faith.
In December 2024, MaKayla was declared cancer-free and rang the bell to celebrate remission. She continues to receive follow-up care from her Beacon oncology team, and her family shared that her scans and blood work have continued to come back clear.
Being selected as a Junior Irish Reporter is a perfect opportunity for MaKayla, who loves meeting people and being in front of a crowd. Her family hopes her story encourages others to persevere, stay courageous, and believe that challenges can be overcome.
MaKayla’s journey is a powerful reminder of the strength of family, faith, compassionate care, and a joyful spirit.
Notre Dame vs. Rice University
Owen never focuses on what he cannot do. He simply figures out a way to do it.
Diagnosed with Amniotic Band Syndrome before birth, Owen has spent his life proving that determination can overcome any challenge. With support from the team at Beacon Children’s Hospital, he learned to tackle everyday tasks, ride a bike, play video games, and accomplish things in his own unique way.
Today, Owen is a happy, energetic seven-year-old who loves superheroes, dancing, school, and making people laugh. His confidence, creativity, and positive attitude inspire everyone around him.
Being selected as a Junior Irish Reporter was an exciting moment for Owen and his family, who are lifelong Notre Dame fans. The experience gave him an opportunity to share his bright personality while celebrating a journey filled with strength and perseverance.
Owen’s story is a reminder that differences do not define what is possible, and that determination can take you anywhere.
