9-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Milana Price Honored by Birmingham’s StrongHer Initiative
Girl’s Inspiring Tale of Survival Showcased as Part of Celebratory Event
The city of Birmingham continues to honor women who make significant contributions to the community through the StrongHer initiative. Among this year’s honorees is none other than 9-year-old Milana Price, with her inspirational story of surviving cancer.
Unveiling of the StrongHer Art Exhibit
Last Friday, an art exhibition kicked off on the second-floor lobby of Birmingham City Hall, marking the International Women’s Day. Among the most inspirational figures featured was Milana “LaLa” Price, who battled a rare form of lung cancer at the tender age of four. Today, the Birmingham native stands strong, with two of her inspirational drawings brightening up the first-ever StrongHer exhibit.
Milana’s Journey
Battling with a rare form of lung cancer at an early age, Milana’s extraordinary journey was anything but ordinary. Yet, Milana’s resilience and indomitable spirit stood out even during the most challenging times. Despite being hospitalized for a week at Children’s of Alabama, she managed to maintain a positive outlook, thereby catching the eye of many, including Titusville Library Branch Manager Reba Williams.
Notably, Milana figures as the youngest speaker in the library’s breast cancer awareness event conduct in October 2023, where she discussed her journey of resilience. Moreover, this inspiring 9-year-old wants to be an artist and a pilot. One of her drawings featured in the StrongHer art exhibition comes with a heading of her own handwriting, “One day I’m gonna be a star,” epitomizing her ambition and undying spirit.
Other Honorees and Exhibits
Milana wasn’t the only shining figure in the StrongHer exhibit. Christina Johnson, another StrongHer honoree, had also battled non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in her childhood. Despite her past struggles, Johnson, a self-taught artist and the Artist in Residence for Railroad Park, curated around 20 pieces for the exhibit, some of which align with the StrongHer campaign.
Inspiring Many
Mayor Randall Woodfin and the residents of the city have taken note of these exceptional stories. In the honor’s speech, Mayor Woodfin declared that “Their artwork isn’t just on canvas or paper. Their works are masterpieces that showcase vibrant dreams full of courage and hope.” The strength and resilience shown by both Milana and Christina serve as an example to all.
Birmingham’s StrongHer initiative puts daily spotlight on city’s inspiring women throughout March, celebrating their strength, resilience, and the significant contributions they make to the city. To date, more than 150 stories have been written, some of which were collected into a book called “StrongHer: Women Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges in Birmingham”.
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
