If you know her, you know she’s more than a name or a diagnosis. To us she’s Mom, Margaret, Peggy, Peg, or Ms. Miller. However you know her, you know her warmth, her humor, and the way she has touched lives with kindness.

On January 28th, 2025, our world changed when she was diagnosed with active Multiple Myeloma, a rare and aggressive blood cancer. While most people who develop this illness are over 70, she was diagnosed early — and with a very high-risk form of the disease. She has not one but two rare genetic mutations that make her treatment journey even harder and shorten the time each therapy will work.

Despite this, she has shown incredible courage. Since March she has endured rounds of treatment, and on September 10th she completed her first intensive chemotherapy and stem cell transplant. The strength and resilience she’s shown inspire us daily.

But the truth is: this fight is not only physical and emotional — it’s financial.

• Ongoing medical and dental bills required throughout treatment

• Room and board near the hospital during outpatient care

• Legal fees as she navigates a long SSDI appeal process, even though her illness should qualify for fast-track approval

All donations will go directly to covering her medical, legal, and living expenses as she continues treatment. If by some grace we raise more than we need, any remaining funds will be donated to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation so that others facing this battle may have hope.

A message from her son, Wes

My mother worked tirelessly to give my sister and me every opportunity to succeed. She has faced many obstacles, but ultimately succeeded in getting us on our feet. Last year, she was finally able to retire from teaching at Runnymede Elementary, but shortly thereafter faced something many of us will encounter in our own lives: cancer.

I never expected to see it affect someone so close to me so soon. I believe that no one should face it alone, and I am doing everything I can to support her now. Despite our efforts, we are falling a bit behind, and I could use some help. I’m asking you to please extend your love and support to help my mom through the hardest fight of her life.

A note from Joy, co-coordinator of this campaign

I first noticed something was different with Wes at a show when his body language seemed quietly sad compared to the year before. When I asked what was going on for him, he shared about what his mom was facing. Later, when he broke down during Knocking on Heaven’s Door and I watched so many women — mothers — embrace him, I felt the energy of his mom through him. I’ve never met her in person, but through her son’s compassion, leadership, and care for others, I know the kind of woman she is.

This is why we’re fighting for every extra day we can possibly give her. And of course, we’re all hoping for a miracle. With Multiple Myeloma, sometimes treatments unexpectedly unlock more time than anyone thought possible. The possibility of a miracle is real — and it is what we’re holding onto.

We never imagined we’d need to ask for this kind of help, but we can’t do it alone. Every contribution — large or small — is a gift of time, comfort, and relief for a mother who means the world to us.

Let us all be grateful — those of us who are healthy enough to keep attending the shows, dancing, and singing. And let us honor that gift by lifting up someone who needs our help to keep holding on, to keep healing, and maybe even to witness a miracle.

Thank you for standing with us in this fight. From our hearts to yours.