In 2008, when I was just six years old, my Mom, Dana Miller, was diagnosed with ALS. Doctors told her she had four months to live—but they clearly underestimated her strength, determination, and love for her family.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. As these nerve cells deteriorate, individuals experience muscle weakness, loss of movement, paralysis, and eventually respiratory failure. ALS is always fatal, and there is currently no cure. 

Despite the immense challenges of her illness, my mom never missed a Saturday morning soccer game, always said yes to a spontaneous shopping trip, and made sure we sat down together for family dinner every night. She was the heart of our home and the undeniable boss of the house. While she became restricted to a wheelchair and completely lost her ability to speak, she never let me nor my three siblings forget how deeply she loved us. Even on her hardest days, she held her head high with her radiant smile and unforgettable green eyes. 

My mom defied the odds and rewrote her own timeline, living eight incredible years beyond her prognosis. On February 4th, 2015, Dana Kelfer Miller passed away after a courageous battle with ALS.

Since her passing, life has brought many milestones—each one tinged with the ache of her absence. As many of you know, I recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison (Go Badgers!) and now stand at the edge of adulthood, a chapter that’s both exciting and overwhelming. In moments of uncertainty, I often wonder what my mom would say or do. I wish I could pick up the phone and hear her voice.

Over the years, I’ve discovered that honoring my Mom—through fundraising, storytelling, and service—guides me. Though she’s no longer here physically, her values and strength live within me. That’s why it feels only right to start my next life chapter with purpose, a bold goal, and “Dana” written on my back. I’m honored to be running the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon--my second full marathon--as part of Team ALS Therapy Development Institute. ALS TDI is the world’s first and largest nonprofit biotech focused solely on finding effective treatments and a cure for ALS. Their work is entirely mission-driven and relies on donations to keep pushing research forward.

On Sunday, November 2nd, I’ll be running 26.2 miles in her honor. If you’re able, please consider making a donation or sharing this page with your network. Raising awareness is half of the battle, and I urge you all to send this page to one friend or family member. Every contribution brings researchers closer to a cure.

Thank you for your support—it means so much!