Teaching has always been more than just a job for Kelley Miller — it’s her passion. She thrives on the energy of her students and the joy of seeing them grasp new concepts. The connection she builds with each child, especially in an online environment in which her students often express themselves with more personal, focused ideas, is something she treasures.
In 2021, Kelley began experiencing troubling symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pressure, neck pain, and severe night sweats. Initially, she brushed off her symptoms as the result of teaching long hours, but the sudden onset of these symptoms was alarming as they threatened to take her away from the work she loves so much. Then things took a more concerning turn when flu-like symptoms, petechiae (small, flat, round spots that appear on the skin caused by bleeding) on her legs, and rashes appeared. After months of seeking answers from doctors and therapists, Kelley’s persistence finally led her to the emergency room (ER), where she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
“I was at my wits’ end,” Kelley recalled, “and when the ER doctor said leukemia, I felt like I was watching someone else’s life.” In disbelief but determined, she began an intensive treatment journey.
The Fight Begins
From the ER, Kelley was immediately transferred to WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, which is located three hours from her home in Charles Town, West Virginia. It was there that her battle against leukemia truly began.
Her treatment plan included 30 days of intensive chemotherapy. This was followed by outpatient chemotherapy for several months, and eventually, her first stem cell transplant, donated by her sister.
A stem cell transplant is a medical procedure used to replace damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy stem cells. (Bone marrow can be damaged by the cancer or its treatments, like chemotherapy.)
Though the transplant initially seemed successful, Kelley relapsed in early 2022. Despite the setback, she stayed hopeful. “I didn’t know if another transplant was possible, but WVU jumped into action and found a new donor.” The medical team’s proactive approach reminded Kelley of a simple life lesson: “when things don’t work the first time, try a different approach.”
Support and Strength
Throughout her journey, Kelley’s strength came from her family – her husband, daughters, and mother – who provided unwavering support. During her hospital stays, they were her constant companions. She drew inspiration from her late father, a fighter in his own health battles, and from her determination not to let her husband experience another loss to cancer, as he had lost his parents to esophageal cancer and multiple myeloma. Her friends and community stepped up as well, providing meals, emotional support, and even organizing a blood drive in her honor.
“I realized that people truly want to help, and I had to let go of the idea that I could do everything on my own,” Kelley said.
Prayer also played a significant role for Kelley. “I prayed a lot, and I knew others were praying for me. There’s no doubt that prayer is powerful.”
Additionally, the doctors and nurses at the WVU Cancer Institute were more than just caregivers; they became an essential part of Kelley’s support system.
“They took wonderful care of me and became like family,” Kelley said.
While she expected high-quality care, she was deeply moved by the compassion and dedication they showed her throughout her treatment. “I am in awe at how these people pour their hearts into what they do for perfect strangers,” she said.
Their tireless efforts, genuine concern, and constant encouragement made an immeasurable impact on Kelley’s healing process, reinforcing her belief in the power of human connection and kindness during the most difficult times.
Meeting Her Donor
One of the most memorable moments of Kelley’s journey was meeting her second stem cell donor, Lucas Hanson, at the WVU Cancer Institute’s 32nd Annual Transplant Patient Reunion, which was held on August 24, 2024, in Morgantown, West Virginia. After her relapse, Lucas was chosen from the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) registry, but due to protocols, she had to wait over a year to learn his identity. When Kelley finally met Lucas, the emotional reunion was overwhelming. “I had always dreamed of meeting him, and he was everything I hoped he would be – kind, gentle, and selfless. I’m so lucky to have him in my life.”
In June 2022, Kelley had received the life-saving bone marrow transplant from Lucas, who is now a 25-year-old professional firefighter from Manitou Springs, Colorado. Lucas, driven by a desire to live a life of service, began his journey as a donor after researching how to make an impact. At just 18, he joined the NMDP registry, formerly known as Be The Match, and four years later, his selflessness became a beacon of hope for Kelley.
Life After Cancer
Today, Kelley feels proud to say she is cured. After years of uncertainty, she has returned to her true passion – teaching. Despite her family’s concerns about the job’s demands, Kelley couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
At her daughter’s high school graduation, Kelley was brought to tears when her daughter hugged her and whispered, “I’m glad you’re here.” For Kelley, life after cancer is about cherishing her family and giving back to the community that supported her through the toughest times.
Kelley’s advice to others facing cancer is simple but profound: “There will be bumps in the road, but your doctors are ready for the curveballs. Don’t feel guilty about accepting help – it’s okay to take a break and focus on getting better. And when you do recover, pay it forward. Life is about relationships.”
Reflecting on her journey, Kelley says, “I don’t feel like a survivor because of my strength alone. It’s the people around me – my family, doctors, nurses, friends, and donors – who gave me the strength to keep fighting. I’m grateful for every day I have with them.”