CLEVELAND — It was a busy day on Friday at Lion Heart Coffee on Euclid Avenue in downtown Cleveland.
Customers often come here for their midday boost, but on Friday, they walked away with much more than a cup of coffee: They're getting inspiration from 11-year-old Mya Markley, a coffee connoisseur and the bravest cancer warrior.
"When she was one and a half, she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma," said Mya's mom, Brieanna Belt. "Six rounds of chemotherapy. She had two bone marrow transplants. She had a tumor resection surgery, and then she had six rounds of immune therapy treatment after that."
It's much more than any little girl should have to endure. But Mya has managed to stay positive and find reasons to smile, like being at Lion Heart on Friday. You see, this job, has been a lifelong dream of hers.
"Well, ever since I started getting coffee from anywhere like Dunkin Donuts, I always loved it. I like making lattes a lot," Mya said.
"We've asked her what she wanted to be when she grows up and now she says for her first job, she wants to be a barista," Brieanna said.
Mya's coffee dreams were fulfilled thanks to A Special Wish Foundation Northeast Ohio.
"Being a part of A Special Wish means so much to me. Each and every wish we grant, just seeing the kids' face is payment enough. Honestly, it's so fulfilling," said Sara Mihalik from A Special Wish Foundation Northeast Ohio. "It gives so many amazing memories for the kids and also their families too. And it just means the world to them."
Today, Mya is doing better than ever.
"She is six years cancer free," Brieanna said.
When she's not whipping up a cup of Joe, she's giving it her all on her cheerleading squad and hanging out with friends.
You may think grabbing some coffee is an ordinary task. But the next time you're at the counter, pay attention to your barista. Serving you might mean more than you'll ever know.
Just ask, Mya: "Do what you love and love what you do."
Have a story idea for Heartstrings? Email to: Heartstrings@wkyc.com.