Mission Moment Monday: Misty's Story

Strong, athletic and beautiful, it's impossible to know by looking at her that Misty Hughes has ever had anything but perfect health. Health and fitness are a priority of hers, but 32 years ago, at the age of 8, her health was stolen when she was struck with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).

For anyone, a cancer diagnosis is scary and it can mean major changes in the way you live, but for a child, it is exceedingly difficult. "It was scary and lonely at times due to missing a lot of school," Misty said, "and it was tough at school because kids made fun of my fat cheeks."

Misty endured three years of treatments. Her mom was by her side through it all, never missing an appointment, holding her hand through bone marrow procedures and spinal taps. Her dad was also there every step of the long way. In fact, Misty had a lot of family around, including her step dad and siblings. "We had five girls in the house at that time, so it was challenging," she said, "I'm sure I had more of the attention at that time too which made it hard for them as well."

Because she was missing so much school, friendships with children her age were difficult. Healthy kids just did not understand her disease, but Misty was blessed to be able to attend Camp Periwinkle, a camp just for kids with cancer. "It was the best place to go during treatment because all the kids there could relate and understand."

Misty finished her treatments around the age of 12. She has never relapsed! Since childhood leukemia, she has achieved great health once again, spending time at the gym and eating a healthy diet. She and her husband Tom have two adorable sons, Dawson and Brady. They are all very active and enjoy spending time traveling and camping.

For Misty, leukemia is history. But, she has continued to wage war against it on behalf of others. Misty is the Senior Campaign Manager for the Light the Night Campaign at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society here in Houston. She has been on staff with the LLS since 2008.

"Working at LLS is my way of giving back and giving hope to those who are battling blood cancers," she said, "I feel that being here will hopefully one day save me the stress as a mom if we can find that cure! Without LLS and the people who participate and give of their time and resources, I would not be here today. Research dollars create survivors and one day a cure. The fact that no one is exempt from a blood cancer is a scary thing. I hope that one day I will be without a job at LLS, but until then I will continue to support and participate in funding research!"

Thank you Misty for dedicating your life to this purpose!

May we all continue to fight for people like Misty until someday there is no more blood cancer. Remember, someday is TODAY!

Misty's mom dressed her in a Prednisone costume
for an LLS fundraiser called Jello Jump.