Meet the Stammer family: loving parents Zach and Peyton; almost-17-year-old Patrice, 15-year-old Tillie, 14-year-old-Madyson (Mady), and Mykah, who will be turning 10 soon. Life was pretty normal for the family until a few months ago. The family spent their time outside, fishing and camping, unless they were watching or attending Nebraska sports. Mykah is a big fan of the Nebraska women’s soccer team and is a soccer player himself. In fact, it was a soccer game that started it all, after Mykah couldn’t seem to recover from an accident on the field at school.

The day that changed everything

Despite consulting countless doctors, Peyton and Zach couldn't find any relief for their son’s pain. Then one day in November, tests at Children’s Hospital in Omaha revealed some answers. Mykah was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (BALL) and also had multiple compression fractures in his spine. A spinal tap revealed that while the cancer had taken root in his bone marrow, it fortunately had not entered his spinal fluid. With a port inserted and chemotherapy treatments underway, the race began. An incredible team of doctors and nurses rallied around Mykah, determined to help him cross the finish line victorious.

“He welcomes everyone with a smile and a huge hug that melts your soul.” — Mykah’s nominator

Mykah’s sisters are holding down the home front and are doing their part to support the family, though we hear that Mykah is usually the peacemaker between his teenaged sisters. For now, Mykah — the diplomat, the amazing soccer player, and talented breakdancer — is mostly confined to bed. The compression fractures are causing debilitating pain, but treatments are ongoing, and the family is hopeful. Though his spine and skull have been affected, his megawatt smile and stellar personality have not. Everybody says he lights up the room with his jokes and hugs that melt your heart. Three different nominators talked about the ease with which Mykah makes friends, and his mom shared how he knows the whole neighborhood by name.

A bright, sparkling season of hope

The consensus is that this engaging young man with the magical personality is deserving of some magic of his own this holiday season, and his wonderful family right along with him. The UBT Magic Moments team couldn’t agree more.

Sparkling Christmas lights, a beacon of hope, are a treasured holiday tradition, so the Stammer family will be treated to a Magical Lights of Lincoln tour. Since the family loves sports, Husker sporting gear was in order as were memberships, gift cards, and passes to all of their favorite togetherness activities and restaurants. New sweatshirts and PJs will keep them toasty and comfortable, and gas cards will help cover all those trips to Omaha. Hand-picked gifts for each family member ensure they know how special they are, including a Nintendo Switch and some special Nebraska sports items for Mykah.

We’re wishing Zach, Peyton, Patrice, Tillie, Mady, and Mykah the season’s very best, and for improved health for Mykah. Happy holidays, Stammer family!

Friends of the Stammer family have established a Go Fund Me page to help Mykah’s family with expenses. Please visit to learn more or contribute.