MIGGY’S GIFT
Miggy’s Gift is a non-profit organization 501 (c) (3) committed to the awareness and education of Melanoma skin cancer. At Miggy’s Gift, we bring hope, encouragement, and bravery to pediatric cancer patients and their families. Helping children is at the forefront of what we do through our Mighty Miggy Project, Education and Awareness Program, and College School Grants. Learn more about the impact we have and join us in bringing a smile and positive change to others by visiting miggysgift.org
STEPHEN’S STORY
Stephen Daniel Chavez (April 18, 1988 – November 14, 2017) was a creative, compassionate, and passionate young man whose love for people and video games shaped both his career and the lives of those around him. A graduate in Video Game Development and Design, Stephen combined his technical talent with a deep commitment to helping others. He organized Florida Lan (FLAN), a major gaming tournament in Miami that attracted participants from across the country and raised funds to provide video game consoles and games to pediatric hospitals and homeless shelters. Known for his infectious laugh, kind heart, and generous spirit, Stephen was thriving in 2015, enjoying a career he loved, traveling to meet friends in the gaming community, and pursuing his many passions.
That same year, Stephen was diagnosed with melanoma after discovering a mole on his back. Although the cancer was surgically removed and subsequent monitoring suggested a positive outlook, tragedy struck in 2017 when he was diagnosed with Metastatic Stage IV Melanoma. Despite intensive treatment, Stephen passed away peacefully at home just 106 days later, surrounded by loved ones. Yet his legacy endures through Miggy’s Gift, an organization inspired by an idea he conceived while undergoing treatment. After observing the discomfort and impracticality of hospital gowns for infusion patients, Stephen began designing a superhero-inspired gown for children battling cancer. What started as a simple act of empathy became a lasting mission to bring comfort, dignity, and hope to pediatric patients and their families.
VIDEO GAME SCHOLARSHIP GRANT
Stephen’s passion for the Video Game industry is the inspiration behind this initiative. An annual grant will be donated to a student from Miami Dade College (Magic) Miami Animation Gaming International Complex. The applicant must be a full-time student in the video game program, have a 3.0 GPA, qualify for financial aid, and write a 100-word essay on anti-cheating in video games. The grant has been named the Stephen “Miggy” Chavez scholarship grant. For more information and host to apply.
The recipients of the 2026/27 Stephen “Miggy” Chavez Scholarship grant are Michael Hernandez and Ashley Leonard.
For more information about the MAGIC program, call (305) 237-3560
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