Mia’s first fight against cancer began just a few days after birth when it was discovered that she had bilateral Retinoblastoma. She was quickly started on chemotherapy along with photocoagulation therapy. After five years of continuous check-ups and treatment; remission was achieved. This is Thanks to the wonderful team at Boston Children's Hospital along with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Unfortunately, the relief felt by Mia and her parents was short lived.
On November 2020, Mia was sent home from preschool due to a visible bump on her right leg. Mia was rushed to the hospital to have the bump checked. To Mia’s parents’ disbelief, Mia was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a now secondary cancer. Very quickly after Mia’s diagnosis it was determined that Rotationplasty would be the best option to remove the main tumor in her knee. The surgery was a success and Mia was up and walking with the help of a walker after just a couple days later. She was absolutely determined to move on from this and live life. Mia continued to battle Osteosarcoma with a strength and determination rarely seen at such a young age. She persevered through two lung surgeries and what seemed like endless doses of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the chemotherapy treatments were unsuccessful in stopping the disease.
Beautiful and Brave Mia Costa passed away peacefully on June 14, 2022; she was just 6 1/2 years old. To say that Mia was the happiest little girl in the world is an understatement. She cherished every single minute with her family. Her zest for life was infectious as was her laugh. She was always determined to live her best life. Mia touched so many lives during her time here on earth and her loving spirit will be remembered long after her passing. Mia's beautiful smile touched everyone who was lucky enough to see it and everyone that met her instantly fell in love. She was special in every way and truly one of a kind. Her family will forever strive to honor her memory by living life to the fullest, just as Mia did.
FACTOR brings together the leading researchers, clinicians, surgeons, together with patient families and OsteoWarriors to Make It Better for those battling this disease.
Each year a grant of $100,000 is awarded to a project that will focus on moving research forward for osteosarcoma patients.
Browse our extensive list of osteosarcoma resources from MIB Agents and our partner organizations.
OsteoBites is a weekly webinar and podcast where we invite Osteosarcoma Experts and OsteoWarriors to share their research, hope, and innovation.
Agent GAMERS game with their fellow OsteoWarriors and OsteoSiblings.
Ambassador Agents are certified peer visitors who provide hope, understanding, and resources.
OsteoWarriors receive monthly letters of hope and cheer from MIB Agent Writers around the world.
When an OsteoWarrior transitions to hospice care, MIB Agents provides an experience or an item of comfort and entertainment.
The OsteoWarriors HQ (headquarters) brings kids and young adults who have a connection to osteosarcoma together and It. Is. Awesome!
A world with less toxic, more effective treatments and a cure for osteosarcoma.
We are devoted to creating and instilling hope with and for our inclusive and collaborative osteosarcoma community. We do this through mutual trust, transparency and compassion.
