Young cancer survivor pushed down stands at Sunday’s Bills game

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — An 8-year-old 49ers fan, who is a cancer survivor, was shoved by a Bills fan at Sunday’s game, causing her to fall from her seat.

Mia DeCamilla’s family said she was not physically hurt during the altercation, but was emotionally shaken, causing them to leave her first-ever NFL game early.

Mia currently lives in Rochester, N.Y., however, she became a big 49ers fan because of her father.

“Me and my dad in the hospital, we’ll watch football together, and then when I come home, sometimes for breaks, like in the hospital, when I had cancer, I will sit down and just relax and watch football all day, that’s what I like and how I made my team,” Mia said.

Mia has battled and beat liver cancer twice after relapsing in May of last year.

She’s been featured on Buffalo’s Hope Rises and WIVB News 4’s Shine Gold, helping to raise money for other young cancer warriors.

She braved her first cold and snowy NFL game with a smile, holding an “I beat cancer” sign with pride.

“In the car, when we were driving there, I was saying like, ‘Are we there yet?’ I was too excited. I was full of energy,” Mia said.

The fun night was cut short after the family said a drunk Bills fan pushed Mia down the stairs in unshoveled section 312.

“He said, ‘I’m going to push through all these Niner fans,” said Mia’s father Mike DeCamilla. “So, he actually bumped me and my son a little bit and then got past me and pushed her, almost slid off the stairs and hit her like side on the chairs.”

The family was so uncomfortable, they left the game early.

“The guy purposely walked through and was pushing through people,” Mike said. “I get that it’s busy and hectic, but he had to be 6 foot and she is less than 100 pounds.”

The story caught the eye of former NFL player Antonio Brown, who is planning to FaceTime Mia tomorrow and raise awareness of her battle.

Many on social media called on Bills fans to “do better” while others said the incident isn’t a reflection of Bills Mafia. The Bills organization makes a point to ensure that any home game is welcoming to both Buffalo fans and fans of the opposing team.

Mia said she won’t be back at Highmark anytime soon.

“We don’t want to go back because I felt uncomfortable and I just don’t feel ready to go there anymore,” Mia said.

Mia and Mike said they hope what happened raises awareness to what some kids are going through — even though they are battling for their life, they still are out there trying to enjoy it.

“I know that there’s competitiveness and whatnot, but there’s a point where it’s a family event,” Mike said.

“I just want to help and not be rude,” Mia said. “I’m just there to be a nice girl and just have fun.”

As of Monday night, over $14,000 has been raised for a GoFundMe helping to support Mia’s battle.

Hope Rises is also accepting notes of encouragement for Mia. You can send cards to:

Mia DeCamilla

c/o Hope Rises

PO Box 24

E. Amherst, NY 14051

Latest Local News

Checks could be given out to New Yorkers: What to know

Bills fans enjoy watch party with Thurman Thomas

Allan Harris, longtime local radio anchor, dies

Skiers, snowboarders hit the slopes as Kissing Bridge opens for season

Community rallies around family in Barker who lost home in fire

Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.