Mia's Medical Fund

Aunt Robin (that's me!) holding baby Mia (or as I liked to call her, Mimers)  1996


Mia and her brother Max 


Photo by Mia Kaiser



A couple of months ago my neice Mia was admitted to the emergency room for what she thought was the stomach flu.  Shortly after she climbed into bed, the age of 21, contemplating a confusing and potentially devasting diagnosis of ovarian cancer.  Within two weeks Mia underwent surgery to resect an eight pound tumor (larger than a basektball) as well as the removal of several organs inlcuding a full ovary, a partial ovary, her appendix and part of her stomach.  And there are very likely more surgeries in her near future.  

On October 15, 2017 Mia "celebrated" her 22nd birthday from a hospital room at Jupiter Medical Center.



Mia and her brother Ian were born in Seattle, WA and spent early childhood years playing in snow, rain and evergreen forests!





Mia has worked as a preschool teacher and a Jewish religious teacher for several years.  She is beloved by all of her young students and their families.  

Teacher Mia


Teacher Mia





Mia also graduated from the Culinary Institute of Virginia College and completed an internship at the Disney Culinary Program in Orlando, FL.  She intended to complete a second internship but decided to return home to her family after the June 2016 Orlando shooting.  I've been told by many people that she is an excellent chef although I have yet the privilege to taste any of her creations!  Looking forward to it one day soon!


Chef Mia and her brother Max


Creme brule by chef Mia


Melon flower by chef Mia


Aspiring culinary wiz







Mia returned to teaching preschool, and a few months later had a fall at work which resulted in a fractured patella and several torn ligaments in her knee.  In February 2017 she had surgery to repair her knee injuries and she is still slowly continuing to recover.  According to her moms, Mia's positive attitude really carried her through this tough experience.  She leaned on her creative outlets of painting, cooking and craftmaking to motivate her recovery.


Mia and Max




Mia is not only an artist in the kitchen.  She is a self-taught artist with pen and paint too.  She has created many extraordinary pieces just for fun.  And her talent doesn't stop there.  She has been an avid reader and brilliant writer from a very young age.  She is the co-author of Diameter of a Bullet, a fictional young adult novel based on the real life 2006 shooting at a Seattle synagogue that impacted her life.


elephant by Mia Kaiser


Drawing by Mia Kaiser


Painting by Mia Kaiser


Drawing by Mia Kaiser




In September 2017 Mia began experiencing severe abdominal pain and nausea.  She visited the ER fully expecting to be diagnosed with the stomach flu.  She and her parents did not expect the test results they were handed:  massive tumor in her pelvic area, likely cancer, will need removal immediately.  And it was after several additional tests and an excruciating waiting period that Mia was diagnosed with a rare form of Ovarian Cancer.

Her local physicians have been collaborating with oncology experts within the country in order to determine accurate diagnosis and best treatment options.  One of the scariest and most personal implications of this diagnosis for my 22 year old neice is the very real possibility that she may not be able to have biological children.  Mia is a natural caregiver, a lover of children and she deeply desires to be a mom one day.  Now, she is trying to accept this cancer diagnosis and all the ways it may impact her life moving forward. 



With gratitude I ask, please help Mia and her family pay for the many expenses related to Mia's illness and recovery.  She still has a long road to go and any help is truly, greatly appreciated.



Mia, Toree and Max



Mia and her little brothers (Ian and Max)



Mia with east coast family (Uncle Ron, Grandma Sandy and Aunt Shirley) celebrating her culinary accomplishments



Mia and Max



Max, Mia and Aunt Robin (me!)



Mommy and Mia, 1996



Mom (Tammy) and Mia, 2016



Mia Kay Kaiser


"You're mad.  Bonkers.  Off your head... but I'll tell you a secret... all of the best people are." -LC