Help Ayden Miller Annihilate AML for Good

Hello Village,

I am reaching out to you with a heavy, but hopeful heart. Our superhero Ayden has once again been called in to battle… he must defeat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) for good this time.

Ayden is already displaying the same unwavering strength, resilience and incredibly positive spirit. So many of you have reached out asking how to support, so this GoFundMe was created to delineate ways you can help now, and going forward.

Ayden’s Journey:

First diagnosed in August 2020, Ayden endured 6 months of grueling chemotherapy, bone marrow aspirations, blood product infusions, and countless tests, scans and side effects. He amazed us as he sailed into survivorship in February 2021. He completed his school year without skipping a beat and jumped back into football like nothing had happened. Sidelined by a broken arm during preseason, he continued to cheer his teammates on, never once asking, “Why Me?”

Ayden enjoyed eighteen months of reprieve from AML. He dazzled us on the football field last fall, and has continued being the sweetest, friendliest, most unassuming kid. Although we were all devastated to hear the AML returned, Ayden admitted to being disappointed that he would miss another season of football, but quickly stated, “I beat it before so I’ll just beat it again.” He then proceeded to comfort his sister Peyton and belt out country music songs while cleaning his room the rest of the day.

The Road Ahead:

Thanks to his mama, the AML relapse was detected quickly and Ayden started treatment almost immediately. This go-round has already proven to be a bit more rigorous, and will end with a bone marrow transplant. Although they feel fortunate Ayden was randomized into a clinical trial (a drug in addition to the standard treatment regimen), Jordyn and Dave are also feeling overwhelmed, as anyone would. Splitting their time between home and hospital while also trying to provide as much normalcy for Peyton is financially, mentally and physically taxing.

Where We Come In:

We have been beyond blessed with the kindest, most generous village. I wouldn’t even ask you to support us yet again, but you have insisted, so here goes!

The cost of treatment, hospital stays, and traveling back and forth between children is incredibly high. We don’t know how to anticipate the price of bone marrow transplant, fertility preservation options, or time off work to support both children as Peyton possibly gifts her brother with lifesaving stem cells at the risk of her own discomfort and side effects.

This GoFundMe and Ayden’s Venmo can be used to financially contribute directly to Ayden and his family.

As much as they enjoyed homecooked meals from The Meal Train last time, Jordyn and Dave realized it was not practical for them. As they shuffled back and forth between hospital, work, school, and family members, they often ate on the go, using Door Dash or the hospital cafeteria.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)’s Light the Night Fundraiser on Saturday, October 7th, 2023 at CSC Headquarters in Wilmington, DE is an incredible, family-oriented and fun-filled way to support the LLS at large. It may not be a direct financial contribution but will undoubtedly benefit Ayden and others like him in the future.

You may use either of the links below to donate to LLS:

If you would like to attend the Light the Night event, please use this link to register:

If you wish to donate locally, please keep in mind The Child Life Program at Nemours. The Child Life Specialists have provided endless support and comfort to the Millers and countless families like them.

A few of Ayden’s favorite things while hospitalized @ Alfred I. DuPont Children's Hospital:

From the depths of our hearts, thank you. We couldn’t have made it through these last three years without you. Your thoughts, prayers, well-wishes and support have strengthened us as cancer waged a war on our family. Anything helps and everything is appreciated.