June Mykka M. Estorninos was a special, sweet, kindhearted, and courageous young lady who at the age of 10 migrated to the United States from the Philippines with her family. She was a consistent honor student at Bates Elementary and Ramay Jr. High School in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Her success continued through the first part of her sophomore year in Fayetteville High School and became a member of the National Honor Society of America. She was known for her contagious, warm, and friendly smile among her teachers, classmates, and friends. Mykka had just turned 15 years old (August 11) when she was diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer called Osteosarcoma on November 1, 2001. Upon learning about Mykka’s condition, teachers, classmates, friends, and their parents did every possible way to support her and her family. They formed several fundraising activities to help her family financially while she was undergoing pre-and post-surgery chemotherapy treatment.
Mykka’s self-determination, spiritual strength, and emotional maturity touched a lot of people – young and old – from many places. She became a focal point,and an inspiration, to a lot of people in strengthening their relationships with their family, friends, and God. Prayers for her were offered in homes and different churches for a miracle. But God, the Author of Life, decided that Mykka had fulfilled her purpose here on earth and had her join Him in His Kingdom – that her life was itself already a MIRACLE. She passed away on January 25, 2003 and was laid to rest at the Fayetteville Fairview Memorial Park.
Her family together with other parents and friends (collectively called FRIENDS OF MYKKA,) decided that her legacy will not end with her passing away. By assisting other children and young adults who are suffering from cancer and their immediate families, these FRIENDS resolved to continue what had been started when Mykka was still alive in order to make Mykka’s inspiring legacy to live on. Hence, the establishment of the Mykka Estorninos Foundation.
