After months of treatments and fighting, a New Boston teen received news that she is cancer free.
Makilia Moore, 15, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (ALM) in early December. Last week, she and her family got the news that the cancer cells which were once in her blood and spine are gone, said Kristy Evans.
Makilia has been receiving regular chemotherapy treatments since her diagnosis.
“She’s doing good and in her last round of treatment … She’s in remission,” Evans said. “You have a whole different perspective on life after something like this. Makilia is so strong, I am so proud of her.”
Makilia and Evans have called Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth home since her diagnosis. They have had brief stints where they have been able to return to New Boston each month.
“I’m expecting within the next two or three weeks that we’ll be discharged and get out of here,” Evans said. “This will be our last hospital stay. I’m super excited. She’s excited.”
Makilia will still have to have testing and regular checkups over the next five years, but Evans said things are looking up for her prognosis.
What Makilia is most excited for, Evans said, is returning to school to get back into sports.
“She said she doesn’t care if she’s got to take that pole down the track with her, she’s getting back on that track one way or the other. She’s very determined and headstrong, that’s for sure,” Evans said with a laugh.
During their hospital stays, Evans’ other children, ranging from ages 4- to 16-years-old, have been staying with their grandmother while still attending school and participating in sporting and other activities.
Makilia and two of her siblings celebrated birthdays, her brother attended prom and Christmas came while the family was separated.
“It’s been hard on us, but I think it’s definitely made us a lot closer and humbled us,” Evans said.
Evans said that she thanks the community for their support through their journey.
“The community has been nothing but great to us … We’re so thankful for their support,” she added.
The family is making plans to help support the community as well.
Family and friends will join Makilia and Evans at this year’s Glow Walk with a team appropriately named Fight Like Makilia. They are also planning a few additional fundraisers for cancer treatment and awareness.
“That way we can give back a little and help raise money for the next people that may need it,” Evans said. “We’re ready and excited to raise money and walk and all that good stuff.”
