Sophia Strong

SophiaStrong

At just 2.5 years old, Sophia was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. To prepare for the 2-3 year treatment plan, we launched an online fundraiser to help the Millers cover medical expenses along with other costs, so they can focus on Sophia’s treatment & recovery.

On June 15, 2023, our little Sophia was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer that is more common in young children. Just having celebrated her 2nd birthday this was an earth-shattering diagnosis. Unfortunately, ALL has no conclusive genetic factors and there are no known causes that play a role in forming the lymphocytic cancer cells. Before her diagnosis, Sophia enjoyed endless hours playing outside with her bike, cooking in her play kitchen, being silly with her cousins and all the things a two-year-old should love. Yet now with her daily medicines, treatment and overall risk level, most of these activities are much more limited.

Back in May, Sophia’s parents noticed some abnormal swollen lymph nodes. This was something they were monitoring early on and sought a medical opinion on quickly. While at the doctor, they examined Sophia and ended up taking blood work. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary at this time and the blood work came back fully normal. A few weeks later they had a follow-up appointment and the swollen lymph nodes were starting to shrink in size. As a precaution, they ran new blood work just to be safe and reconfirm that everything was okay. However, this time her numbers were way off and their worst fear came true. Leukemia cells were identified by the doctor. This all took place in just a matter of weeks while Sophia was acting and feeling completely normal and the MIller’s life changed instantly.

Diagnosed on a Thursday yet still feeling fine, the Millers spent that weekend with some of Sophia’s immediate family and she enjoyed being a kid before her cancer treatment and journey to recovery began on that very next Monday.

She started her treatment at Children’s Hospital with some of the best doctors in the world. Sophia had surgery performed on her first full day at the hospital and has had many more already. The procedures done that day were the placement of a port, a bone marrow biopsy, and a lumbar puncture. Chemotherapy also began for her that first day. The treatment will be a two or three-year process, the doctors are confident they have a good treatment plan for her.

Life for the Millers will change drastically over the next 2-3 years during Sophia’s cancer journey. Several unknowns are facing the family with hospital bills, work-life, childcare, pet care, and much more. The Millers will also have to be very cautious about how they conduct their day-to-day going forward with Sophia’s compromised immune system. They may find they have to forgo future family functions, holidays, gatherings, and vacations to keep Sophia safe and healthy.

All monies raised for this incredible family will go directly towards supporting Sophia and the Millers during this most challenging time. It is estimated that every year of Leukemia treatment is $100,000+ and places a financial hardship on most all families. While insurance is incredibly helpful, it still only covers so much. Sophia will have several clinic visits and hospital visits each week for the next 3 years. While Christie and Nick miss work, run Sophia to multiple appointments every week, balance household things and more.

Thank you to all of the family and friends who have already reached out to show support and love for the Millers. Let’s continue to support this selfless family as they have always looked out for others. They need us more than ever and it’s our opportunity to step up for them as they have done for many of us time and time again!

Please continue to keep Sophia and our family in your prayers. Thank you for any show of support big or small, it matters!

#SophiaStrong

Caringbridge - Sophia Miller