Life sometimes has a way of throwing curveballs. We all experience them, whether it’s forgetting where you left the car keys, or bigger things like losing a job. Amie Miksta was thrown some curveballs that she never could have imagined.
Amie was a grade school teacher for over nine years. She taught many students from preschool to 3rd grade. She also tutored and taught special needs children. Amie loves spending time with her husband, Jeff and their four-year-old daughter, Ayla.
In 2017, Amie’s routine lifestyle changed drastically. It was Thanksgiving night and Amie was 11 weeks pregnant with their second child. Shortly after midnight, Amie had a seizure and was rushed to the hospital where she recieved many tests and scans. She was then taken to Barrow Neurological Institute. After five days, doctors finally discovered a cancerous tumor on the left side of her brain.
“I needed surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible,” Amie said, “but my faith in life helped me to remain comfortable.
“The one time I felt fear was when they said our unborn baby would not survive the treatments. That was the first time I cried.”
Amie’s baby was only 14 weeks old when she was delivered.
“I believe that Angel May saved my life,” Amie said of her baby girl. “She is now our family’s incredible angel forever.”
Throughout her time in the ICU, Amie remained positive. It helped her through the pain and inspired all others around her, including other patients, her family, nurses and doctors.
Amie experienced 33 days of radiation treatments and smiled through every one. She lost her ability to speak but persevered through many speech lessons.
“Sometimes my daughter will help me with simple vocabulary I forget. I’ll see a red bug and can’t think what it’s called. She’ll say, ‘That’s a ladybug, Mommy!’”
In March 2018, on her father’s birthday, Amie was declared tumor free. She still continues to monitor for any change in stability.
Amie trusts that her baby will always give her strength from above. She continues to share her journey and inspire others with hope and positivity.
By: Rebecca Kaye
Rebecca Kaye has written many stories throughout the valley and enjoys having the ability to share community news, journeys and achievements. Holding a Bachelor of Music, Rebecca’s favorite place to be is the stage. Having been a singer all her life, Rebecca is now in pursuit of a professional performing career, singing pop and musical theatre (rebeccakayemusic.com). Visit her on YouTube to see her latest music videos. She is also an avid photographer and enjoys taking pictures as a hobby. Check her out at Rebecca Kaye Photography (rebeccakayephoto.wix.com/rebeccakaye). Rebecca can be found spending her free time exploring and traveling with her family.
