Miller inspires with story of beating breast cancer

VANDALIA – More important than the volleyball game last Thursday was recognizing those who have survived a bout with cancer and honoring the memory of those who weren’t fortunate enough to win their battles.

With 12 survivors on hand for the game, plus many, many more people in the hearts of those in attendance, Vandalia again hosted a successful Volley for the Cure match.

“It was a great honor to honor those people,” said Vandalia coach Allison Hall, who introduced attending survivors to the crowd. “Between the survivors and that table we had in the hallway with all of those who the kids knew, it was really great.”

Also included during the evening was a moving speech by cancer survivor Mindy Miller.

Miller – whose bout with breast cancer inspired the Team Mindy campaign, which included many members of the Vandalia Jr. Wrestling club shaving their heads alongside her – shared her story of survival with the large crowd.

“On Nov. 1, I became a statistic,” said said. “No amount of preparation prepares to hear those four little words, ‘You have breast cancer.’”

Diagnosed with a rare form of the disease called triple negative, Miller never felt sorry for herself, instead choosing to fend off cancer with support from her family and community.

The first two weeks after her diagnosis were a rapid blur, but on. Nov. 12, Miller started a 20-week chemotherapy process, which resulted in the loss of her hair.

“I prepared myself to be covered up for the next year, and I did for awhile, because it was winter and it was cold,” Miller said. “I soon realized that that wasn’t me. I felt like I was hiding behind it, so I decided not to wear anything.

“I wasn’t ashamed of what I was going through, I wasn’t fearful of what anyone was going to say to me and I wanted everyone to know that it was OK that I was fighting.”

Miller cited many reasons for her fight during her speech, saying she fought for simple things and big things – like being there for her children – while choosing at times to let small chores like laundry wait another day.

Her courageous battle ended on May 16, when doctors said to her, “You are cancer-free,” giving her a new outlook on life that she hopes everyone will take to.

“I have learned to say, ‘I love you,’ with more conviction than ever,” Miller said. “(For those who know someone who is fighting) I beg you to continue doing what you do to support them and love them.”

Other survivors who were also recognized during the evening were: Norma Younker, Don Swofford, Jennifer Knebel, Abbey Thompson, Anne Langham, Jackie Protz, Ruth Ann Beck, Dan Oberlink, Joe Richardson, Karen Willman and Payton Cline.

Photos of the survivors will appear in a photo gallery to be posted on Thursday morning.