Mission
Meet Our 2026 Scenic Shore Honored Hero: Amira!
Amira was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) just after her 2nd birthday in 2021. What began as a month-long search for answers quickly became a life-changing journey for Amira and her family. She was diagnosed in Green Bay and began treatment in Milwaukee, two hours away from home. For her parents, this meant long drives back and forth, time away from work and family, and the emotional strain of watching their little girl face treatment while being far from the comforts of home.
After her first month of chemotherapy, Amira’s doctors realized she wasn’t regaining strength as expected. They soon discovered that she was becoming paralyzed almost up to her neck. Her care team immediately stopped treatment and started a 28-day clinical trial of immunotherapy while they worked to uncover the cause.
Through genetic testing and collaboration with top leukemia specialists around the world, doctors found that Amira had a rare sensitivity to one of her chemotherapy drugs. This reaction caused severe neuropathy and loss of movement in her limbs. Despite the risks, her medical team had no other option but to restart the same chemotherapy after her 28-day break.
With incredible determination and an unbreakable spirit, Amira endured nearly two and a half years of treatment, including excruciating pain, multiple hospitalizations, and months of occupational and physical therapy.
In August 2023, Amira reached a milestone moment: she rang the bell to celebrate the end of treatment and being officially two years post-chemo without relapse. Today, she continues with regular blood work and oncology checkups to monitor her health and watches for any long-term side effects from the medications she received.
Amira is now thriving in first grade, where she loves baking, crafting, and playing with her two brothers. Her bravery and joy continue to inspire everyone she meets. Amira’s story is a powerful reminder of why we ride, to give more children and families the chance to ring that bell and celebrate life beyond cancer.