About The Mia Ware Foundation
Mia's Story
On August 21, 2004, the world lost one of its brightest and most spirited souls after a five year battle with breast cancer. Mia Michelle Ware is remembered for her radiant smile, her unshakable courage, and the joy she shared so freely with everyone around her. She lit up every room she entered and lifted the spirits of friends, family, and even complete strangers with her positivity and strength.
Mia’s determination to overcome her illness was nothing short of inspiring. She believed deeply in the power of a hopeful heart and showed that attitude and love can carry a person farther than any treatment alone. Her ability to bring comfort, laughter, and encouragement to others facing the same difficult journey remains a powerful reminder of the strength found in compassion and hope.
We miss her warm smile, her generous heart, and her natural way of making others feel cared for. Mia always put the happiness of others first and lived her life in a way that continues to inspire everyone who knew her.
The Mia Ware Foundation for Cancer Research and Education was created to honor her life and her legacy. Our commitment is to support and uplift those facing the challenges of cancer with the same spirit of love, resilience, and hope that Mia shared so graciously.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a supportive network for those diagnosed with cancer, for families and friends who have lost loved ones, and for individuals seeking education about early detection. By increasing awareness, encouraging preventive care, and offering meaningful assistance, we strive to give every person the opportunity to live a full, positive, and productive life.
Prevention
Understanding your health and knowing recommended screening guidelines is essential to cancer prevention. Those at average risk should follow age appropriate screening schedules. Individuals with increased risk or specific symptoms should consult with their doctor to develop a personalized plan for earlier or more frequent screening.
Detection
Regular health checkups can greatly improve the chances of detecting cancer early. These exams may include screenings of the thyroid, oral cavity, skin, lymph nodes, reproductive organs, and more depending on age and gender. Early detection offers individuals a stronger opportunity for successful treatment and long term well being.
Treatment
Treatment options have advanced significantly, offering more effective and personalized care. With your doctor’s guidance, you can explore therapies that best fit your diagnosis and needs. Knowledge and support during this process help individuals and families face treatment with clarity, confidence, and hope.
Behind Our Shield
Behind our shield, we have strength; fighting for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Behind our shield, we have devotion; purposefully striding down a path of perseverance and determination.
Behind our shield, we stand firm; believing and knowing that making a difference is to embody the symbols emblazoned on our crest.
Behind our shield, we have character; forbidding our cancer to define our being but through our being we define our cancer.
Behind our shield, we have numbers; supporting one another because we're in this fight together.
Behind our shield, we have faith; faith in ourselves, our friends, and our family.
Behind our shield, we have sadness; accepting life for its natural progression.
Behind our shield, we have hope; allowing ourselves to look past the present and into the future.
Behind our shield, we have love; upon our shield, we fight cancer.
Get Involved
Your support helps bring hope, comfort, and essential resources to families facing cancer in Jacksonville Illinois and beyond. Whether you choose to volunteer, make a donation, or connect with us to explore partnership opportunities, every action makes a meaningful difference. Join us in continuing Mia’s legacy of compassion and community support.