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PLEASANT GROVE — A community stepped up to help a mother grieving the loss of her daughter. Michalla Beardall, 19, lost her battle with leukemia earlier this summer.
“She had a love of life, had so much energy, artistic, talented,” said Terri Call, Michalla’s mother.
Michalla was diagnosed with leukemia the summer after she graduated from high school. She spent 18 months on and off at Primary Children’s Hospital where she underwent treatment. During her time at the hospital, she was a source of strength for other patients. Her mother told about a 5-year-old girl recently diagnosed with cancer.
“She started losing her hair, and Michalla was already bald, and showed her you can still be beautiful,” said Call.
Beardall drew a picture for the girl of Disney princesses without any hair. At night, Beardall would walk the halls and write notes to each of the children.
“I was just pleading with the Lord, 'How can you do this to all these little kids who need Michalla here?'” said Call.
Call prayed for a miracle, but the miracle she hoped for never came. On June 15, Beardall's year-and-a-half battle with leukemia ended.
“The whole week they just kept telling us she’s not going to get better, just say your goodbyes. But I don’t know how you ever say your goodbyes to a child until the minute she stops breathing, just to still think a miracle is going to happen,” said Call.
The family now has thousands of dollars in medical bills. Mary Lynn Boren, a neighbor, held a yard sale on Saturday to help cover the costs.
“When you really need something, people come,” said Boren.
She said three yards were full of donated items. In one day, she raised just over $6,000.
* Donations to help the Call family are being accepted at any Utah Community Credit Union under the name Michalla Beardall.
** Disclaimer: ksl.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does ksl.com assure that the monies deposited will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit or donation you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.*
