Six-year-old Myla Mason has gone from battling for her life to striving to master Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Her father, Chad Mason, marvels at the transformation.
"You watched her be dependent on you for everything — from keeping her healthy to what food she could eat. Now she has this level of independence. It hits you all at once," he said.
When Myla was 2-years-old, she twisted her foot while walking and fractured a bone in her left leg. Her father and mother, Mindy Mason, expected it would heal and everything would be fine. But when the cast was removed, Myla could no longer walk.
As a precaution, her doctor ran some tests. That's when they discovered the Rochester toddler had acute lymphoblastic leukemia — a type of cancer that develops when a bone marrow cell develops errors in its DNA, according to Mayo Clinic.
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That was the start of Myla's long medical journey. She underwent chemotherapy and other treatment for two and a half years. If she got a fever, her father said, it meant a trip to the hospital for anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks. Because of Myla's fragile immune system, her parents had to limit her visits with friends and family. And then there were the physical effects of chemo.
"She was just one of those unlucky kids that every time she got a new dose of chemotherapy, she'd lose her hair. And as a little girl, that's pretty traumatic. But she never stopped smiling," her dad said.
It's been nearly two years since those cancer treatments stopped and Myla has stayed in remission. But in the months after Myla wrapped up her cancer care, her dad started to worry about his daughter. She was very shy, often hiding behind her parents when meeting strangers.
He wanted to help build her confidence. So he started teaching her Brazilian jiu-jitsu, using online curriculum from Gracie Academy in Torrance, Calif. Myla loved it, and began insisting they practice. And practice they have — every day for six months straight.
The family flew to California on Thursday so that Myla can take a test to earn her white and yellow belts. The academy is run by descendants of the founder of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Myla has been taking classes focused on preventing bullying. Chad Mason studied at that same studio in 1994 to help him with his grief after his mother died in a car accident.
In addition, the sons of one of Myla's nurses have helped with her training. Rochester's Martial Arts Fitness Centers, Inc. has also allowed her to practice in its space. Her father says Myla's transformation has been dramatic. She is no longer a shy, bashful kid.
That was evident during a recent visit. Myla demonstrated some of her jiu-jitsu moves for a reporter and photographer. She also shared some important information, including her favorite color (pink), favorite cartoon character (Ariel, from "The Little Mermaid") and her favorite food (buttered noodles).
Her dad added, "She's just gained the confidence to do anything."
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