Mila is typically a very shy girl but once she is comfortable around a person, she really shows off what a wonderful, animated, and creative girl she is. She is incredibly smart and intuitive!

On New Year’s Eve 2024, Mila started complaining of stomach pains. A stomach flu had been going around and her parents feared she’d caught it at first, but as the night went on, her pain got significantly worse with no other symptoms. Confused and cautious, they took her to the ER. Mila was given meds for a UTI and sent on her way.

But over the next week her symptoms did not improve. Mila now had back pain in her kidney area. She went back to the ER, where it was assumed to be a traveling infection. Meanwhile, her parents followed up with her pediatrician and ordered every GI test available. A positive Celiac test sent them down a rabbit hole of research, but they knew something more was going on with Mila. Her pain continued to worsen, she was rapidly losing weight, and she was losing all interest in all of her favorite things.

Mila finally returned to the ER for a third time after almost a month of tests. Her parents were determined not to leave without answers. This time, Mila had a pelvic ultrasound and CT scan. These revealed a large 8.3 cm mass that originated from her uterus. Mila was immediately transferred to UCLA Children’s Hospital for a biopsy.

This confirmed Mila had Stage I embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma.

She began a chemotherapy VAC treatment, underwent 20 rounds of proton radiation, and has had her tumor resected. Today, Mila is still fighting.

She is her parents’ hero for so many reasons. Because she has had to adjust to so many new and scary things so quickly; because, despite her shy and quiet demeanor, she has made the best of her situation; because she is so brave for facing things she can’t fully comprehend at her young age.

Their hope for Mila is that she will look back on this experience not with fear but with purpose. They hope she can turn this time into motivation to help others.

To others who may also be facing a childhood cancer diagnosis, Mila’s parents want them to know they are not alone. “The unknown is so scary but there is support,” said Vanessa, Mila’s mom. “Always advocate for what you feel is best for your child. You know them the best.”

To Mila and her family, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is an important vehicle to help spread awareness and give much needed grants and funding for research which is so desperately needed for children.

“I am super strong!” – Mila, childhood cancer hero

“I love my sister and I pray for her.” – Jackson, Mila’s brother

Information provided by Vanessa F., Mila’s mom
Updated August 2025