'Superhero' teen helping others through cancer treatment
A “superhero” teenager has been praised for raising thousands of pounds for a children’s cancer ward while tackling the disease herself.
Mia Harris Jones, 15, from Cardiff, was told last year that she had leukaemia and is now receiving treatment at the city's Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital.
Staff on its Rainbow Ward praised her impact on younger patients and she has now been recognised as a youth ambassador there.
“When we got her diagnosis it turned our entire lives upside down,” said her mum Jade.
Mia became unwell last summer and was eventually diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Doctors found that cancer cells had already spread to her lymph nodes and a mass had been detected around her spine.
This meant she needed immediate aggressive chemotherapy.
And, with another two years of treatment still required, it’s been an incredibly difficult time for her family.
“The last 10 months have been really challenging, watching her go through treatment which has been particularly harsh," said Jade.
“But she's had so many new opportunities since she's been at Noah’s Ark, they've involved her in lots of activities that have kept her mind occupied.
“So it’s been really nice to watch her confidence grow despite everything she’s going through.”
Those activities have involved documenting her cancer journey on TikTok to more than 35,000 followers, as well as helping to raise money for the hospital’s charity arm.
Her newfound confidence has also led her to take on a “big sister” role to many younger patients on the ward, whom she describes as “one big family”.
“A year ago if I had to come into hospital I’d be absolutely petrified, but now the ward and the whole hospital feels like a home,” said Mia.
“All the little kids on the ward are going through the same thing, so I try and show them the procedures.
“I think seeing a role model like me who is going through the same thing helps them feel a little bit less scared.”
Having found unexpected social media fame, she is determined to use her platform for good.
“It sort of blew up so I thought why not raise awareness and money for the charities, especially Noah’s Ark who have been a help to me since my diagnosis,” said Mia, who has already raised over £2,000.
“It’s been amazing and makes me feel really proud of myself and happy that I’m able to help other kids.”
One of her closest friends is four-year-old Vinnie who was also diagnosed with leukaemia.
The two bonded over their affinity for Mia’s cuddly toy Sully, from the Pixar film Monsters Inc.
Another is Charlotte, nine, from Builth Wells, who is full of praise for Mia’s positive energy on the ward.
"I find it really good that everyone can make friends here, and Mia has been very good and supportive to everyone," she said.
Mia has now been awarded youth ambassador status by the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity, in recognition of “her triumph over adversity and kindness to others”.
And although her road to recovery remains a long one, she’s determined to remain positive and help with fundraising efforts whenever she can.
For example, Mia has drawn the promotional posters for the hospital's upcoming Superhero 5k Family Fun Day, featuring characters based on real patients such as herself.
She also wants to become a paediatric oncology nurse when she is older.
“I’m really hoping to do that and help other children like me,” said Mia.
