Carl Miller

Carl and Caytie on his first day home from the hospital

Carl holding the gingerbread house he made with the children at Mott’s Hospital during his stay at University of Michigan

Carl was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) on April 9, 2009. It all began when he had a blood clot in his leg. A couple of months later, he had another in his leg and one in his arm. Carl was sent for testing which revealed the ALL diagnosis and required immediate treatment. The following day Carl went to the University of Michigan Medical Center and was told he would need to remain there for a month.
This was a devastating time for Carl and his family, which includes his wife Cathy and their daughter Caytie, who was just 7 years old at the time. Due to a genetic occurrence, it was concluded that Carl would need a bone marrow transplant as soon as possible. Cathy believes that through “the Glory of God” one of Carl’s two sisters turned out to be a perfect match and he was able to receive his transplant on May 28, 2009.
In order for Carl to undergo treatment, he and Cathy had to relocate to Ann Arbor because the University of Michigan is located almost two hours from their home. They were away from their daughter, family, and friends for months. Carl was discharged in late June 2009, but needed to stay near the hospital and was not able to move back home until October. Although he is now at home, the trips to and from Ann Arbor have been consistent, as Carl has developed chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD) which requires weekly ECP treatments.
Carl has also had many additional hospital stays for pneumonia, C-DIFF, infections, and breathing and lung issues. He is unable to work, as he becomes severely fatigued and weak from the transplant, steroids, and IV chemotherapy treatment that he is currently receiving for his GVHD. Carl had to retire with disability in January 2010, which was truly hard for him both mentally and financially. Prior to his illness, Carl was an avid softball player, hockey player, and coach, as well as a very successful hunter.
The stress of this illness, travel, and the financial burden is quite taxing on Carl and his family. In order to receive financial assistance with travel and medical expenses that are not covered by their insurance, Carl and his family have turned to the Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation to set up this special One-to-One Fund. They would feel truly blessed with any help that can be provided.
Click here to contribute to Carl’s One-to-One Fund
Or you can send a check, payable to the Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation.
Be sure to include Carl’s name on the front of the check.
Send check to:
the Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation
515 Madison Avenue, Suite 1130
New York, New York 10022