Myla’s Story
A Unicorn Was Born
On October 6th, 2011, our lives changed forever. Myla Carrera entered this world in just fifteen minutes, strong, determined, and already making her presence known. From the moment we held her, we knew she was something special. She was born into a family full of love, and almost immediately she showed us that she had a mind of her own. She knew exactly who she was, and she was never afraid to shine.
Myla grew quickly, not just physically, but emotionally. She was potty trained by fourteen months and speaking with the vocabulary of a three year old by eighteen months. But what amazed us most was not how advanced she was, it was how deeply she understood people. Empathy came naturally to her. She instinctively thought of others before herself. One of our favorite memories is when her older sister dropped her ice cream and Myla, without hesitation, offered her own. That was simply who she was.
She had an effortless way of including everyone. Friends gravitated toward her, and she became the glue that held them together. We often called her our sparkling unicorn because she was joyful, unique, and impossible to forget. Myla was organized, goofy, and wise beyond her years, with an old soul and an infectious zest for life. She loved her dog, Hulkie, adored her two older sisters, and was convinced she would one day be a famous YouTuber. Her personality was bold and flamboyant, yet grounded in unconditional love. She filled our home with laughter, color, and warmth.
Holding On to Hope
On December 26th, 2017, our world stopped. Myla was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor, stage IV diffuse anaplastic histology, with widespread metastasis to her lungs. Nothing prepares you for those words. Nothing prepares you to watch your child be asked to carry something so heavy.
Myla faced her diagnosis with a courage that still humbles us. Her treatment began with surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. She endured more than any child ever should, yet she continued to show us strength, grace, and joy. Even in the hardest moments, her spirit remained intact.
One year after treatment, we were told that Myla still had multiple lung lesions and was considered terminal. We were advised to keep her comfortable. We could not accept that as the end of her story. Instead, we chose hope. We pursued experimental treatments, including repurposed medications and immunotherapy in Austria, holding tightly to the belief that miracles can exist alongside medicine.
Despite everything, the cancer spread to the occipital lobe of her brain. After multiple recurrences, Myla’s body could no longer fight. On January 1st, 2020, she passed away in our arms. Our hearts shattered in that moment, but our love for her did not leave with her. We do not say goodbye. We say until we see you again.
Myla's Spirit Still Leads Us
Myla occupies an enormous space in our hearts and always will. Her light, her kindness, and her unshakable positivity continue to guide us every day. After her passing, we began receiving signs in the form of leaves. They appeared repeatedly and unmistakably, offering comfort and reassurance that Myla is still with us.
From those moments, Myla’s BeLeaf was born. A leaf represents hope, renewal, and growth, and those values reflect everything Myla stood for. While her physical presence is no longer here, her spirit lives on through this foundation and through the lives it touches.
Through Myla’s BeLeaf, we honor her by helping families who are walking the difficult path of childhood cancer. We believe every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and extraordinary. Every child deserves to feel like a unicorn.
Myla will always be our girl, our teacher, and our greatest gift. Her life continues through love, compassion, and the seeds of hope we plant in her name.