Branch student 'strong' despite brittle bones Published May 12, 2015 By Rebecca Amber Staff writer EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Branch Elementary Student Mya, 10, was a ray of sunshine in her yellow shirt and accessories May 6 for Wishbone Day. Even her wheel chair brightened the halls decorated in yellow ribbons. She encouraged teachers and students to join her in wearing yellow and even handed out hand-made bracelets and ribbons with "Wishy" the Wishbone Day mascot. "We're wearing yellow because it's Wishbone Day and it spreads awareness for OI, which is the bone disease that I have," said Mya. Osteogenesis Imperfecta, also known as "brittle bone" disease, is caused by genetic defects that affect the body's ability to create strong bones. While there is a range of severity in each case, OI is characterized by fragile bones that break easily. Currently, there is no cure for the disease. Mya was only six weeks old when she experienced her first broken bone, her femur. Now she is 10 years old and has had more than 30 broken bones, 10 surgeries and a year in a full body cast. For many years, her family knew she had a bone disease, but it wasn't until 2013 that she was diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta at Shriner's Hospital for Children. In spite of her condition, Mya sees herself as strong. "I can make it through the day doing normal things that people do every day," said Mya, and to her that is strength. "Mya is the true definition of strong," added her mother, Megan Smith. "Even with multiple fractures and multiple surgeries she just keeps wheeling with a smile on her face. Her spirit is truly unbreakable." Last year, a Desert Wings article reported that Mya had done most of her schooling at home because of her full body cast. You can read about it here. This year, Mya has been able to attend school on a modified schedule. Nicole D'Amico, an instructional aide, stays nearby to make sure Mya is safe during her classes and on the playground. Mya stays at school for lunch, but then heads home for Social Studies and Science. She says her disease has not stopped her from excelling academically and she particularly enjoys Math, which she finds "really, really easy." "She gets to be a kid. It's so important. This is where she's happiest is at school with her friends," said her grandmother, Mary Bogart, 412th Force Support Squadron, Human Resources management analyst. Though Mya's bones break easily, her family and teachers do everything they can to reduce risk factors and constantly remind her to "be safe." Because of her condition, some activities are too dangerous for Mya, like sleepovers and some sports. But, if she can find a way to modify an activity, she is eager to participate. For example, if other children are jumping rope, she can use the rope to work-out her arms. Mya is continually encouraged by the understanding and support of her friends and family. "They help me with some stuff that I can't do and they just kind of treat me like everybody else - I like that," she said. Bogart says she has a love for her granddaughter that "you wouldn't be able to define." "You see her and it makes you not only proud, but admirable that she does what she does every day and she makes our life happier." Mya's family hopes that by participating in Wishbone day, they will inspire further research of OI and possible treatments. They also seek to comfort others with similar medical conditions by sharing their story. "I'm so unbelievably proud of her," said Smith. "Most people don't get to meet their hero... I gave birth to mine."