Community rallies behind South Buffalo Elementary student after brain tumor diagnosis

South Buffalo Elementary School fourth grader Mya Wienskovich can’t wait to get back to cheerleading.

It was among the 10-year-old’s top concerns leading up to her surgery Friday morning at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Surgeons spent five hours removing a brain tumor.

One thing is for certain: The Freeport Area School District community has her back.

Since Mya’s visit to an emergency room Wednesday for a nagging headache led to the discovery of a sizable tumor, a GoFundMe to support the family has raked in hundreds of donations ranging from a few bucks to $1,000.

As of 5 p.m. Friday, more than $17,000 will go toward the Wienskovich’s medical, travel and other expenses arising from the ordeal.

Family friend Rebecca Allen put together the fundraiser, and has been by the family’s side through every step of these whirlwind few days.

“Last week at this time, we weren’t thinking about this at all,” she said Friday from the hospital, as the family spoke with medical staff.

Instead, Mya and everyone around her last weekend were focused the cheerleading competition they were performing at in Chicago.

As a member of the FCA Gems, a competitive cheerleading squad out of Buffalo Township, she regularly criss-crosses the country to perform painstakingly rehearsed routines. During the warmer months, she’s often cheerleading for Freeport Youth Football and Cheer.

Mya started complaining of discomfort at some point during her time in Chicago, but still went on the stage and gave it her all.

“Mya is a team player,” said Flo Iman, owner of FCA Gems. “She’s a hard worker, and she’s a fighter.”

When she returned home, one scan turned to another, and soon, the surgery was scheduled for Friday morning.

Allen relayed that Mya tolerated the operation well and surgeons were able to remove part of the tumor. Pending tests will reveal what’s next.

In the meantime, Mya will probably be laid up, rooting her squad on from afar.

Community members can join her in voting for her team, FCA Gems Amethyst, in the Revolution Championships “fan favorite” poll.

The winning group, to be announced at the Texas event, will get a paid trip to the 2025 Allstar World Championship in Orlando — the Super Bowl of the competitive cheerleading world.

Mya’s team has already secured a slot in that competition, which runs from April 15 to 18, but a “fan favorite” designation would cover all associated costs.

“They award a gold buzzer and there’s all these gold streamers,” Iman said, “and to be able to take that home and take that to her … would be so special.”

How to support Mya and her family

• Donate at gofundme.com/f/myas-strength-join-her-fight-today

• Vote for FCA Gems Amethyst as fan favorite at revolutionchampionships.com/goldrushfanfavorite. Voters can participate once a day through Feb. 28.

• FCA Gems, located at 732 Ekastown Road in Buffalo Township, is holding a public prayer circle at 6:30 p.m. Friday.