PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Mikayla Beatty, 14, is the new face of the Chasin a Dream Foundation, a Jupiter-based non-profit that takes care of families with children battling life-threatening illnesses.
But Mikayla is much more than the gorgeous face and set of stunning eyes that first greet you. She encompasses a story of hope, survival and inspiration.
At the age of 13, she was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma. Doctors found the cancerous cells in her chest, lungs and throat after searching for answers as to why a simple cold, cough was so persistent.
“I was shocked. I was so scared. I didn’t know how I was going to get through this. But I did. I turned right to my faith, I picked out my motto, my verse, everything and I was like I’m going to do this. I’m going to just keep on fighting,” said Beatty.
It was these words from Isaiah 41 verse 10 that Beatty turned to daily: “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous."
Those words always lifted her up, she says. And now, Beatty wants others who are battling life-threatening illnesses to know that she is with you.
“Never give up. You can do this. You’re stronger then you really think you are,” said Beatty.
Beatty has a stunning voice. She has always submerged herself in singing and acting so she’s hoping that by sharing her voice, musical ability and personal experience with cancer, she can uplift others walking the same journey she began last April.
“Music soothed me a lot because I feel like when you’re going through something, doing what you love really helps distract your mind from the bad,” said Beatty.
Next month, you will see the ninth grader’s face debuted on the Chasin a Dream Foundation’s latest advertisement. The promotional material helps the non-profit continue their mission of supporting families dealing with a devastating diagnosis.
“She shines, she just shines. She shines hope and love and passion and kindness in this crazy COVID world right now she’s what we need,” said Lori Griffith, the founder and president of Chasin a Dream.
Beatty just recently went through her last chemotherapy treatment and is looking forward to being back on stage singing and acting with young performers of Palm Beach County again soon.
To learn more about the Chasin a Dream Foundation, visit https://www.chasinadream.org/
If you know of someone inspiring South Florida, please send us their story to InspiringSFL@wptv.com.