The early months of 2020 brought uncertainty and fear to many, but for the Mraceks, it marked the beginning of an unimaginable journey. Millie Mracek, a 3 year old, amazing girl, began showing symptoms that puzzled doctors. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, diagnoses were challenging, and the Mraceks eventually received devastating news: Millie had an inoperable tumor called Rhabdomyosarcoma.
In order to treat the cancer as much as possible, Millie underwent chemotherapy and radiation. By November, her scans were clear, but in December, her symptoms returned. The cancer was back, and there were no more life-saving options. Millie passed away in early February 2021, surrounded by her loving family.
In her final days, Millie suffered from mouth sores. At an appointment, she asked for a popsicle, a small comfort for her pain, but the hospital didn't have one. Heartbroken, her father, Nick, ordered 400 popsicles from Amazon three weeks after her passing, vowing no child going through what Millie was would face this disappointment again.
This act of kindness soon developed into the Mighty Millie Foundation. Family and friends rallied around the Mraceks, helping them donate popsicles to three local children's hospitals. When others heard about their mission, they wanted to help, too, and the foundation was born.
"Through the Mighty Millie Foundation, we can bring small moments of joy to other children and their families," said Millie's father, Nick Mracek. "It's our way of honoring Millie and sharing our grief as a powerful force for good."
Operating initially from their home, the Mraceks aimed to serve 10 hospitals by the end of the first year. The response was overwhelming. Ten hospitals quickly joined, but logistics proved challenging. Undeterred, they partnered with GoodPop and Atlanta Bonded Warehouse to scale their efforts.
Through word of mouth, the foundation's reach extended across the Southeast. By their second year, the Mighty Millie Foundation served 115 hospitals, with ambitions of much more to come.
The foundation's mission expanded to support childhood cancer research, donating $100,000 and seeing an additional $75,000 matched by other organizations. They provided resources directly to frontline doctors, hoping to spur advancements in treatment options. The foundation believes in the power of research because no parent should hear "there are no more options."
Millie's story inspired efforts to educate and support communities. Partnering with Marietta, GA, schools, the foundation set up tents at football games, handing out popsicles and spreading awareness. During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, they collaborated with volunteers and fundraisers, earning proclamations at city council meetings in Cobb and local counties.
Through the Mighty Millie Foundation, the Mraceks honor Millie's life and bring small moments of big joy to others, finding profound meaning in their work with the support of their community.
If you would like to donate to or volunteer at the Mighty Millie Foundation, please visit mightymillie.org.
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