Earlier this year, our friend Maranatha-a hard-working, self-supporting single mother of two teenage girls-received devastating news. Her daughter Micayla, who was only 13 years old, was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma-a rare type of cancer which attacks bone and surrounding tissue.

Micayla received her first chemotherapy treatment on March 24-her 14th birthday. Complete hair loss soon followed. There is also the risk of future infertility, heart damage and other ongoing health concerns. Maranatha has taken a leave from her job at the hospital to care for Micayla at home and to take her to the hospital for treatments and ongoing tests. In order to protect Micayla's compromised immune system, her 16 year old sister Mianna was placed in the care of Maranatha’s parents, and Micayla had to stop going to school. Through it all, Maranatha states with pride, “Micayla has continued to be strong throughout everything. She is beautiful both inside and out.”

On June 26 2025, Micayla had surgery to remove the tumor as well as several ribs, part of her lung and other surrounding tissue (nerves, chest wall and diaphragm). Recovery will be slow and arduous and will include radiation until November 2025.

This continues to be a long journey for Maranatha, Micayla and Mianna and has significantly impacted Maranatha’s ability to meet their ongoing financial obligations. As income dwindles, expenses continue to mount. Please consider supporting this family financially. Maranatha is a woman of considerable faith, and would appreciate prayer support as well.