In August 2016, just after her second birthday, Mia was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). After completing her initial treatment, she officially went into remission in September.
Mia and her family joined Light The Night in Los Angeles, and her mother gathered thirty of her friends, family, and fellow church-goers to form their team, "Mia Zara". The walk was emotional for Team Mia Zara, as Mia was still undergoing treatment. Mia and her family were included as part of the stage ceremony, and she even made a special appearance on the local news.
Today, Mia loves to sing with her sister, dress up in princess dresses, and adores Minnie Mouse. She is still undergoing routine treatment, but she is doing well. Her mother has continued to connect with other families who they met at the Light The Night walk through social media. Mia and her family have also kept in touch with the California Southland Chapter. One of their Team in Training teams even did a dedicated mission video for her. As Mia’s mother said, "Seeing other families and looking at my own little survivor is so, so special to us."