Meet ASK kid Maiyah

​“Tiny leader,” “miracle,” and “dynamo” are just a few of the words friends and family use to describe Maiyah Tanner.  Small in stature, but big in personality, Maiyah doesn’t let Diamond Blackfan Anemia get in the way of anything she’d like to accomplish.  Diagnosed at 18 months, Maiyah is no stranger to clinic or treatment, and is proof that big things come in small packages.

Maiyah was born with a hole in her heart, an indicator of Diamond Blackfan Amenmia, and wasn’t expected to live past six months.  Ladies at her church called her “miracle” and now at 16 years old, the name is still her hallmark. “Maiyah means ‘God’s creative power’ and anyone who meets her immediately loves her,” explains LaVerne Tanner, Maiyah’s mom.  “She’s lived with this her whole life, but thrives in spite of it.”
 
The youngest of six girls, Maiyah loves hanging with her sisters, but finds comfort in the friendships she's built with other ASK kids who understand what it’s like to live with a serious illness.  ASK is a family that has taught Maiyah how to advocate for herself, as well as have a deep compassion for others.  She loves being surrounded by other kids who share the same struggles and know what it’s like to be a hematology patient.
 
“We are so grateful to ASK for providing so many opportunities for Maiyah,” continues LaVerne.  “ASK not only deals with the kids, but with the whole family.  ASK is a huge part of our story.”

Maiyah's 2018 Kouragoues Kids Portrait

Maiyah is an active swimmer, cheerleading coach for the Chester Cheerleading Squad, and is looking forward to making friends as a new junior at Thomas Dale High School.  She can be seen at ASK events and as a camp counselor at ASK’s Summer Camp.

Maiyah spending time with other ASK kids during Summer Enrichment Camp, 2018