Fire Captain Nate Miller has spent 17 years running toward danger to protect others. Now he is facing the fight of his life — Stage III colon cancer likely linked to his service as a firefighter.

On New Year’s Eve 2025, Nathan Miller received the life-changing news that he had colon cancer. At just 40 years old, the diagnosis came as a shock to everyone who knows him.

Nate is known for his strength, determination, and discipline. A dedicated athlete, he has competed in numerous CrossFit competitions, completed half and full marathons, and even finished a half Ironman. Prior to his diagnosis, he was training for his first full Ironman.

For the past 17 years, Nate has also dedicated his life to serving others as a firefighter, including the last three years as a Fire Captain, for the City of Eagan. He is also a Rescue Specialist with the Dakota County Special Operations Team and Minnesota Task Force 1, responding to some of the region’s most complex emergencies.

In September 2025, Nate began experiencing concerning symptoms. His energy dropped dramatically, his breathing became strained, and blood tests revealed dangerously low hemoglobin levels. After months of searching for answers, a colonoscopy on December 30, 2025 revealed a mass in his colon, which turned out to be a malignant tumor (adenocarcinoma).

On January 9, 2026, Nate underwent major surgery to remove 12 inches of his colon, surrounding tissue, and multiple lymph nodes. The pathology results confirmed Stage IIIB colon cancer. The tumor had grown through the wall of the colon and just beyond it, and at least one lymph node tested positive for cancer.

What makes this diagnosis even more difficult is that colon cancer is one of the cancers recognized as being linked to firefighting. Firefighters are routinely exposed to carcinogens released when modern materials burn, often while working long hours in hazardous environments. Because of this known risk, Minnesota law includes a firefighter cancer presumption. This law recognizes that certain cancers are likely caused by the job and allows firefighters to receive workers’ compensation coverage without having to prove exactly which exposure caused the illness.

Unfortunately, even with this law in place, Nate must still go through a long and complicated legal process to secure the coverage he is entitled to for his medical care and lost time from work. So, while Nate focuses on recovering from surgery and undergoing chemotherapy, he and his wife, Krista, are also navigating this difficult process.

During this time, we can come together as a community to help ease some of the burden. Donations will help bridge the financial gap while Nate focuses on what matters most — healing, fighting cancer, and returning to the life and career he loves.

Nate has spent nearly two decades running toward danger to protect others. Now it’s our turn to stand beside him. With the strength of this community behind him, we can remind Nate of something firefighters know well: no one fights alone.

Thank you for supporting Nate and the Miller family during this fight. Your kindness, encouragement, and support mean more than words can express.