My name is Jim Miller, and after a lifetime of hard work—including serving during the 2020 pandemic as a specialist evaluating Payroll Protection Program applications for the SBA—I now find myself facing the most difficult year of my life. I am battling Hepatocellular Carcinoma (liver cancer) while also recovering from a severe spinal injury. These combined medical challenges have left me unable to work, and I am humbly asking for support as I fight for my health and stability.

How Everything Started

In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was contacted by a government employment specialist and hired to work with the Small Business Administration (SBA) evaluating Payroll Protection Program (PPP) applications. What was originally a one-year appointment was repeatedly extended, and I continued serving until April 2024. From April through December 2024, I remained actively engaged, filing three to five government applications each week.

In December 2024, I was hired for a new government position that was nearly identical to the role I had successfully performed for four years. I completed all onboarding requirements and was scheduled to begin work—only to be informed on my expected start date that a federal hiring freeze had abruptly eliminated my position before I could even report to duty. At the same time, the USAJobs.gov website was essentially stripped of openings, with opportunities nearly nonexistent unless you were a doctor, lawyer, or IT specialist.

That sudden loss of employment marked the beginning of a year that would unravel in ways I could never have imagined.

In January 2025, While walking my dog, I slipped and fell on an icy surface. At first, I thought I was shaken but otherwise fine. Within hours, however, I could barely walk, stand, or rise from a seated position. Imaging later confirmed that I had suffered a fracture to my thoracic spine (T12).

Unfortunately, I was referred to the wrong specialist, which resulted in six months of delays, ineffective treatments, and more than 19 weeks of constant, severe pain before the correct course of care was identified.

Eventually, an orthopedic surgeon ordered advanced imaging in preparation for a kyphoplasty procedure to repair the fractured vertebrae. That scan revealed something entirely unexpected—and life-changing.

A Devastating Diagnosis: Liver Cancer

The advanced imaging revealed two large malignant tumors in my liver. Within a day, a gastroenterologist confirmed the diagnosis and urgently referred me to specialists. Two independent oncologists concurred that receiving treatment at Johns Hopkins would offer the most favorable prognosis for my condition, and I was subsequently accepted by their multidisciplinary team, which included:

• Two Oncological surgeons

• Medical oncologists

• A hepatologist

• A vascular interventional radiologist

Their message was direct and unfiltered:

“You have options. The first is to do nothing. In that case, you would likely have about 10 months to live.”

Due to the size and aggressive nature of the tumors, surgical removal or a liver transplant was not an option unless the tumors could first be reduced by at least 60%.

The Only Viable Path Forward

The recommended treatment plan is Trans-Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE)—a highly targeted form of chemotherapy in which a catheter is inserted through the femoral artery and guided directly to the liver tumors. The chemotherapy drugs are delivered straight into the tumors, cutting off their blood supply while maximizing their effectiveness.

Each TACE procedure carries a cost of approximately $113,000, which includes the chemotherapy drugs, hospitalization, and physician services. The TACE procedures will be repeated as necessary.

In addition to TACE, I must undergo 27 monthly infusions of Imfinzi, an immunotherapy medication. Each infusion is billed at $34,000. Although essential in managing the cancer, the treatment has caused major side effects such as extreme fatigue and severe skin issues that need continuous care with UVB light therapy and corticosteroid creams. As if this were not enough, in December 2025 my life changed yet again when I was hospitalized with a dangerous and unexpected heart condition called Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). My heart was beating abnormally fast and out of rhythm, leaving me frightened, physically drained, and uncertain about what the future holds as this is very likely a side effect of the immunotherapy infusions. After extensive testing, my cardiologist explained that medications alone may be no longer sufficient to control my condition and blood pressure. I was advised to undergo a cardiac ablation, a minimally invasive but highly specialized procedure designed to correct the faulty electrical signals in my heart that cause these irregular—and potentially life-threatening—rhythms and a possible stroke. During this procedure, physicians guide tiny catheters into the heart and use either heat or extreme cold to create small, precise scars in targeted areas of heart tissue. These scars block abnormal electrical pathways and help restore a normal heart rhythm.

While this procedure has a strong success rate, approximately 85%—it is complex and, in some cases like mine, may need to be repeated due to ongoing immunotherapy. The emotional stress, additional medical bills, and extended time away from work have only added to an already overwhelming burden. During this treatment period I was also diagnosis with skin cancer.

The Financial Reality

My insurance has been incredibly supportive, but even with coverage I am still responsible for up to $12,600 each year in out-of-pocket expenses. This does not include travel to specialists, follow-up imaging, physical therapy, uncovered medical costs, or basic living expenses and aging home maintenance.

Because of both my spinal injury and the debilitating side effects of immunotherapy—including profound exhaustion, pain, and fatigue, I have been unable to work at all during 2025. After a year marked by medical crises, unemployment, and mounting bills, my retirement savings are being depleted at an alarming rate.

I am asking for help because this procedure represents more than another medical treatment—it represents my chance to reclaim my health, my independence, and my ability to move forward. Your support will help cover medical expenses and relieve some of the accumulated financial strain, allowing me to focus on healing rather than survival and to maintain the financial responsibility of maintaining my aging home.

Why I’m Asking for Help

I never imagined I would need to create something like this. I have spent my life working hard, helping others, and answering the call to serve, especially during the pandemic, when so many people were struggling.

Today, I am humbly asking for help so that I can:

• Continuing life-saving cancer and cardiac treatments

• Cover insurance out-of-pocket costs

• Manage ongoing medical and related expenses of maintaining my home

• Stay financially afloat while unable to work

• Preserve what remains of my retirement savings so I can keep my home

Any amount, no matter how small, truly makes a difference. Your generosity helps ease the financial burden and gives me the ability to focus on healing instead of constant worry.

Your kindness gives me something just as important as treatment, it gives me hope.

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Thank You

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Thank you for your compassion, your prayers, and your support.

If you are able, please consider donating and sharing this campaign with others. Your help means more than words can express and allows me to continue this fight with strength and hope.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Jim Miller