We are doing this in honor of our dear friend Mia Amendolagine who, at nine years old, was diagnosed with Leukemia. We met Mia in the second grade at Malloch Elementary when she moved from Italy. We were an instant trio with a very close friendship. In the spring of third grade, Mia started missing school with what was considered just common childhood ear infections. The ear infections never seemed to go away, and on April 17, 2015, Mia’s family received the unfathomable news. She was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and admitted to the hospital. We were scared and nervous when we learned of Mia’s cancer, but we knew we had to remain strong for her.

​​​​​​​Mia’s chemotherapy treatment started at Valley Children’s Hospital. It was during this time that the original “Team Mia” was born. We were committed to Mia and wanted to do all we could to help raise money to support her family as they fought her cancer. We sold bracelets, hosted bake sales, and organized a blood drive. Soon we found out that Mia’s only hope for survival was that she undergoes a bone marrow transplant. After finding a match for a bone marrow, we had hope. Hope our friend would beat her cancer and return with us at school. Hope that our lives would return to what they were before.
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Mia was transferred to Stanford Hospital on July 29, 2015, for her transplant. Throughout her treatment, Mia maintained a positive outlook on life and lived every day to its fullest. Despite all her pain and suffering, she fought and found a reason to smile each day. Unfortunately, due to transplant complications, Mia lost her battle on June 25, 2016. Losing Mia was devastating to our families and us. Our hearts were broken. Watching her go through all she did at such a young age opened our eyes to many things. Leukemia is the #1 most diagnosed form of childhood cancer; because of this and how it affected Mia, finding a cure has always been close to our hearts. Therefore, we dedicate this campaign in Mia’s name!

From March 2, 2023, to April 21, 2023, Team Mia will be campaigning in hopes of raising over $200,000! Yes, you read that correctly, 200,000 in 7 weeks, which will go directly to support LLS and their Children’s Initiative a $100M multi-year endeavor. We know this is ambitious, but we are enthusiastic that with your help, we can accomplish this goal together.

We are asking for your support of our campaign and are confident that with your help, we can achieve our goal. Team Mia will help fund the LLS mission to find cures for blood cancers and assist patients and their families. Anything helps! Thank you in advance for your support.

Please use this webpage to donate and find more information as our campaign progresses. Checks made out to ‘LLS’ may also be sent to 2582 West Beechwood Ave., Fresno, CA 93711. We hope to have your support throughout this journey!

From the bottom of our hearts,

Emily Dye & Avery Thompson