Teen battled health anxiety for years before biggest fear became a reality
MIA Harris Jones was just eight when she started to develop health anxiety. It was challenging for her to be in crowded places and even prevented her from leaving the house at times.
Devastatingly, her worries became a reality when last year, at the age of 14, she became unwell.
Her mum Jade rushed her to the hospital as her condition worsened.
After days of rigorous tests and scans, Mia was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
The family was heartbroken to learn Mia’s treatment would span more than two-and-a-half years. The cancer cells had invaded her lymph nodes, and a mass was found around her spine, necessitating immediate aggressive chemotherapy.
Mia, now 15, said: “I had to spend the next seven weeks in the hospital undergoing chemotherapy, steroid treatment, X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, lumbar punctures, biopsies, blood transfusions and so much more.
“The chemotherapy had really horrible side effects like nausea and mouth ulcers which made me extremely unwell. It made it difficult to eat and drink or take my medication, so I had to have a feeding tube inserted.
“My hair started falling out very quickly after starting treatment so I made the decision to shave it off. I was really sad at first because I loved my curls, but I soon got used to my new look. Because I was bed bound for many weeks, I lost a lot of muscle and it was hard to stand or walk very far. I had to work with the physiotherapists to help me get strong again.”
Mia’s anxiety about being in hospital was so intense that she couldn’t speak for the first four weeks, and her panic attacks returned. After briefly going home, Mia, only four months into her treatment, suffered a severe reaction to chemotherapy and was taken to the paediatric critical care unit.
Now in partial remission and undergoing maintenance treatment, Mia, from Cardiff, recently experienced another harsh response to the chemotherapy, resulting in a fourweek hospital stay to manage excruciating leg pain.
Yet, through all of her trials, Mia’s self-assurance has soared in recent months, making her an inspirational figure and role model to many young patients in the oncology ward.
The Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity has recognised her resilience and kindness by awarding her the title of Youth Ambassador.
She now acts as a supportive older sister to younger children in the oncology unit and has helped raise thousands of pounds for other children facing similar challenges.
Four-year-old Vinnie, who was diagnosed with leukaemia just a few months after Mia, has formed an extraordinary bond with her.
Sarah, Vinnie’s mum, shared: “Vinnie met Mia when they were both coming in for chemo - and they bonded instantly. Mia always has Sully, her favourite cuddly toy from the film Monsters Inc, with her and always made an effort with Vinnie.
“He took an instant liking to her and, of course, Sully. Everyone who knows Vinnie knows how much he loves a soft toy. Vinnie made me buy him Sully and was so excited to show Mia he had one too.”
She added: “The bond between them is so special. He idolises her and she idolises him right back.
“The friendships he has made in this place will last forever, especially this one.
“Mia’s bravery and strength rubs off on Vinnie, and they’ll continue to be strong together.”
Mia has found a new sense of purpose from her experiences and is determined to aid more children like her in any way possible.
In her own words: “Although I still have another two years of treatment, I’m feeling a lot stronger and more positive.
“A few months ago I was asked to make digital art for a patient information booklet that’s given to families on our ward. Then the Noah’s Ark Charity approached me to ask whether I’d help them design superhero characters for their Superhero 5K Family Fun Day.
“I love raising money for the charities who have helped me and my family. My mum set up a TikTok account to help me raise awareness and I post on it regularly about my life.
“We’ve gained nearly 40,000 followers and raised over £2,200 for charity so far and our account keeps growing every day.”
Jade said: “Though it’s been the worst nine months of our lives in so many ways, it’s been wonderful to see Mia’s confidence grow. The hospital and charity staff have been amazing, bigging her up and giving her lots of opportunities that her anxiety would have stopped her from doing before.
“She took part in a video for the Noah’s Ark Charity and went to a concert that they organised tickets for as thanks. She was terrified of big crowds before so that’s such a big leap forward for Mia.
“Noah’s Ark even organised for Mia to go to a creative agency called Wordley so that she could work with them on the animations she designed for their superhero event. I’m just so proud of her and the lovely thing is, I know everyone here at the hospital is, too.”
Mia’s illustrated characters are now being used on posters and adverts to promote the Noah’s Ark Charity Superhero 5k Family Fun Day in June.
Bethan Simmonds, from the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “Mia’s wonderful artwork demonstrates perfectly why we chose to give this event a superhero theme. Each of Mia’s illustrated characters, herself included, are based on real patients.
“They, and the thousands of other young superheroes cared for at the children’s hospital, are who we do it for. The event is about celebrating the incredible resilience of children like Mia while raising vital funds to make sure they receive the very best care.
In addition to her treatment and creating content for social media, Mia’s immediate plans include assembling her own team of superheroes to participate in the 5K. Despite her rising fame on TikTok, her longterm career aspirations seem to be heading in a different direction.
Mia said: “It’s my dream to train to become a children’s oncology nurse when I leave school. The nurses and other medical staff who have cared for me have inspired me to help other children in my situation in the future.”
For more information about the Superhero 5K Fun Day, visit www. noahsarkcharity.org/superhero