ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WKBW) — Eight-year-old Mia DeCamilla crossed off going to an NFL game from her bucket list this weekend.
She attended Sunday's Buffalo Bills game against the San Francisco 49ers at Highmark Stadium with her mother, father, and older brother. But her experience didn't have a very happy ending.
I spoke to Mia and her father on Monday, they recounted the events that led to them leaving by halftime.
"We got there a little early," Mia's father Mikey DeCamilla said. "I knew it was snowing, we're from Rochester, it takes about an hour and a half. From the beginning, these folks behind us — I don't know if it was the same guy or not, I didn't pay attention — but they were, on purpose, throwing snowballs at Niner fans. They even said it out loud, 'We're going to be hitting Niner fans in the head all game."
It got to a point where one man, who they described as belligerently drunk, was antagonizing nearby 49ers fans.
"He goes 'Well, I'm going to barrel through these Niner fans anyways,'" according to Mikey. "So, he's coming up and he just starts to barrel through and push people out of the way. He kind of tried to bump into me and got past me, when he got past me, it was Mia and he pushed her in the side, which she slipped down the stairs because of the snow...and ended up hitting her rib cage on the seat."
She happened to fall in the lap of another 49er fan, which broke her fall, he said.
Her family created a Facebook which has captured the attention of Buffalo community advocates, notable football players and even the Buffalo Bills staff.
I asked Mia if she planned on ever returning to complete her full game experience, but she shook her head no.
However, according to her dad, the Buffalo Bills staff is looking to make things right by inviting them back to a game.
Mia was in high spirits during her interview Monday night.
"I am feeling great," she said with a smile. "I hope that the Bills realize that there's an issue and you need to have security and make it more a family atmosphere and family event rather than a party house."
Mia is an advocate for childhood cancer. She has overcome it not once, but twice.
"Having people understand the different types of cancer," DeCamilla said.
"Kids are really impacted these days with cancer. All the things that Mia got during this difficult time, it meant a lot to us so I really just want to give back and do the same thing," the father shared.
In July of 2023, Mia spoke with Derek Heid about her 18-month-long fight with cancer.
