Thank you for visiting our lemonade stand page! Our children LOVE hosting the lemonade stand each year to raise money for childhood cancer research. This year, we are excited to host our stand in honor of one of our own summer campers, Masie Miller!
Masie Miller was born on December 11, 2007. It was first discovered in March of 2008 that Masie had an abnormal bone deformity in her left leg. It was then decided after many doctor visits that her leg would need an amputation in order to avoid future pain with the growth of her leg and an amputation later in life. In August 2008 the amputation was performed and Masie’s left leg was amputated just below the knee.
In February of 2009, at 14 months old, Masie began learning to walk with a prosthetic leg! This was a terrific milestone as it would allow her mobility that she was unable to achieve with just the amputation.
In January of 2011, Masie was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1. She had many symptoms and signs of “NF” including the bone deformity in her leg. In January of 2011, Masie was diagnosed with an Optic Glioma (brain tumor) and began chemotherapy. The Chemo treatments lasted for 14 months and the tumor shrunk to nothing. This was great news as these tumors occur often with someone having “NF” and was not likely to return. Doctors would continue to monitor Masie closely for the next four years with annual MRI’s. She also had two metal rod revision correction surgeries for her leg in 2012 and 2014.
After and annual MRI in December of 2014, another Optic Glioma (brain tumor) had returned and is larger than the first ever was. This new tumor is also accompanied by a fluid filled cyst that is new and being closely monitored. The plan is for Masie to begin Chemotherapy treatments for one year and continue to consult with a neurosurgeon in case a surgery is necessary.
Masie began her treatments in January and so far, is responding beautifully. She will continue to go to school as much as is allowed with treatments. Her family’s goal is to continue life as normally as possible and help Masie maintain a normal routine. The first time Masie had a tumor, she does not remember the treatments. This will be her first experience with Chemotherapy that will carry memories. She is aware, as any seven year old can understand, about what is going on in her body. If you have had the chance to meet Masie, you know she is a cheerful and carefree child. She has always had a very positive attitude regarding her situation and shares freely with those who ask questions about her leg or her illness. She is truly an amazing seven year old with a beautiful spirit that she often shares with others.