Never a “Good” Time
Dr. Bryan Jon Miller
There is never a “good” time to be diagnosed with cancer, but how about during a global pandemic? A time where speaking to a medical professional in person is near impossible. A time when the state of the globe is uncertain and, now, so is your prognosis. I have known so many people who have been affected by cancer and several who have lost their lives to the battle. It never gets easier, but, I have to say, it hits a lot harder when it is close to home.
Dr. Bryan Jon Miller, my brilliant, passionate, amazing father, a 15-year kidney transplant recipient, and incredible dentist and friend, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer amid the rising global COVID-19 pandemic. It is incomprehensible that my father, a man who has done nothing but take care of his health and the health of others, would have to endure this. However, if anyone can handle this horrible diagnosis, I know he can. It was only 18 days after his kidney transplant that he returned to work full-time to provide for our family and his patients. He is a true warrior and I know that he can battle this cancer like no one else can.
From Left to Right: Kristen Schwander, Nick Miller, Kristi Miller, Bryan Miller, Lynn Miller, Regan Miller, Ben Miller, Annie Miller, and Matt Ross
It is because of my father that I continue developing a love and passion for science, research, and the urge to selflessly help others. Even with his recent diagnosis, he is still working, continues to be the most supportive husband and father, and does the things he loves and enjoys. In honor of my father, my boyfriend and I have decided to take action by running. We plan on raising awareness, raising money, and most importantly fostering hope for those impacted by cancer. We will be asking friends, family, and complete strangers to join us in honoring our loved ones. The pandemic has kept us indoors and distanced from each other socially, but now, staying close to home will also be our call to action. We are pleased to announce the “Close to Home Virtual Race” to raise money for an organization that benefits a cause that is close to home and heart, the Colorado Cancer Foundation.
Because of COVID-19, this will be a virtual race, meaning anyone across the globe is able to participate between Saturday, September 12th and Sunday, September 27th, completing a distance of their choice (5k, 10k or half marathon) on their own time. Event registration and donations will be collected through Race Roster and given to the Colorado Cancer Foundation. T-shirts and swag bags, including items from our race partner, the Boulder Running Company, will be available for pick up for those local to Colorado or shipped to those out-of-state who successfully complete the race and/or those who donate to our cause.
Please visit coloradocancerfoundation.org/social-distancing-run for race information, donation options, and to share your stories with us. We would appreciate sharing this with all your friends, families, and loved ones to make the most out of this event. Feel free to send us an email at closetohomefundraising@gmail.com with your personal stories and pictures you took while completing your virtual race!
- Annie Miller
In Loving Memory
Jules Laurita, 12/1999 - 04/2019
Diagnosis: Brain Cancer
Age: 19 Years
The fall of 2017 was one of the happiest times in Jules Laruita's young life. She was on track to graduate high school a semester early, enjoying a budding career as a singer-songwriter, playing bass in a band, and working as a barista. She was accepted to college, and was radiating positive energy wherever she went.
On October 21, 2017, a series of seizures landed Jules in the Emergency Room, and a suspicious MRI moved her to Children’s Hospital in Aurora, where a brain tumor was discovered in her right frontal lobe. At first deemed inoperable, many second opinions, sent out across the country and even to Europe, suggested otherwise.
After visiting a specialist in New York City, where multiple tests were conducted, and numerous consultations were given, Denver-based Neurosurgeon Kevin Lillehei, removed most of the tumor on December 08, 2017, however, Jules's struggles continued.
She was a “rockstar” going in, during, and after the surgery with amazing courage and a sense of humor throughout. In fact, she performed so well that she was discharged after three days, and began recovering at home, where she celebrated her 18th birthday, graduation, and the winter holidays, her favorite time of the year.
Unfortunately, Jules's tumor remained in areas that could not be touched by surgery, and her treatment plan included radiation and chemotherapy stretching over 2018 and into 2019. Outside assistance with nutrition, and other supplemental therapies, including a procedure to protect her fertility, are were not covered by insurance, and had to be paid out of pocket.
While clinical trials are being explored across the country, such treatments cost hundreds of thousands, and again are not covered by insurance. If you are in a position to help people like Jules, who passed away on Monday, March 04 at 4:44PM (MST), please consider a donation to the Colorado Cancer Foundation, whose support for patients has made a difference in myriad lives over the course of four decades. Thank you.