MaKayla’s joy, courage, and determination shine through everything she does.
MaKayla is energetic, funny, loving, and always ready to make new friends. She loves to sing, dance, read, cook, and create art. Her bright personality and willingness to try new things bring joy to everyone around her.
MaKayla’s journey began in April 2024, when her mother noticed concerning changes just as the family was preparing to leave for vacation. MaKayla and her twin sister, McKinley, were only six years old. After several appointments and tests, doctors found a small lesion on MaKayla’s left ovary. It grew rapidly, and she underwent surgery on July 9, 2024, to remove the tumor, her left ovary, and her left fallopian tube. In August 2024, MaKayla was diagnosed with Sertoli-Leydig cell cancer, a rare form of ovarian cancer.
MaKayla began chemotherapy soon after her diagnosis. Her care was transferred to Beacon Pediatric Hematology so she could receive treatment closer to home while staying connected to her family, twin sister, and school. She completed four rounds of chemotherapy, with each round requiring an inpatient stay on the pediatric fifth floor at Beacon Children’s Hospital.
Throughout treatment, MaKayla continued her education with support from the staff and teachers at Wilson Elementary. On inpatient days, she joined her classmates virtually, allowing her to see and talk with her friends. Her teacher, Sydney Douhan, helped make sure she remained included and connected to her class.
Through hair loss, a reduced appetite, difficult treatment days, and time away from school and friends, MaKayla remained positive. She did not want those around her to focus on sadness. Instead, she wanted them to celebrate the victory she believed was ahead.
On December 7, 2024, MaKayla was declared cancer-free, and on December 19, she rang the bell to celebrate remission. She now sees her Beacon oncology team every three months and receives scans every six months. Her family shared that her scans and blood work have continued to come back clear.
MaKayla’s family is especially grateful for Dr. Stacy Snyder at Beacon Hematology Oncology Clinic and the nurses who cared for her throughout treatment. They are also thankful for the many people who supported their family, including MaKayla’s pediatrician, school staff, family, friends, church community, and her mother’s colleagues.
MaKayla and McKinley’s bond became even stronger throughout the journey. McKinley stayed by her sister’s side on some of her most difficult days, and their family continues to celebrate every milestone together.
When MaKayla was selected as a Junior Irish Reporter, her family knew the opportunity was a perfect fit. She loves being in front of others, meeting people, and sharing her personality. For her family, the experience is a chance for MaKayla’s story to encourage others to persevere with courage and faith, no matter what challenges they face.
MaKayla’s family will always be grateful to Beacon Children’s Hospital for the care and compassion they received. To them, the team became part of their family and helped carry them through an incredibly difficult time.
MaKayla’s story is one of courage, faith, family, and a joyful spirit that never stopped believing in victory.
Because of your support of Beacon Children’s Hospital, kids like MaKayla receive expert treatment close to home, along with opportunities to smile and shine beyond their medical challenges. Your generosity makes sure families never feel alone in their hardest moments.
Learn how you can support kids like MaKayla at Beacon Children’s Hospital: https://foundation.beaconhealthsystem.org/give-now/
