Help Theresa Miller Fight Multiple Myeloma

Today, I am asking for your prayers and support for my sister-in-law, Theresa Miller, and my brother James. They are not just my family; they are also part of the GodZone Ministry family. They have been supporters of our ministry through donations, food, and meals, labor, in addition to acting and crew roles.

At 58 years old, anyone fortunate enough to know Theresa knows she is the most loving and upbeat wife, mother, and grandmother that a person can ask for. She is unconditionally devoted to loving her family and friends and has always had a lively spark to her. Theresa has also served as an EMT/paramedic for over 25 years and has made both a life and career out of giving her help and aid to others. She is intrinsically selfless, never once questioning needing to be there as a foundational support or pillar for those around her who need it.

At this time, Theresa and her family need that same support from us. In the days succeeding, Theresa, having performed life-saving CPR on one of her patients, began to experience tight chest pains. After some preliminary tests in June of 2023, Theresa was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive strain of multiple myeloma cancer. This strain of Multiple myeloma is a rare form of cancer within the bone marrow that can quickly multiply, spreading to and damaging the bones, immune system, kidneys, red blood cells, and other parts of the body. Since June, Theresa has undergone a slew of different biopsies and tests spanning several months in order to get a better understanding and action plan in place. With her husband James by her side the entire time, she has visited multiple hospitals and has spoken to many different doctors in order and has received a plethora of Biopsies of her bone marrow, countless X-rays, CT scans, blood draws, and blood transfusions to ensure her recovery and well-being.

With the cancer continuing to spread throughout her body, including her spine and around her eye, Theresa began chemotherapy radiation in early September to try and get the myeloma under control. She experienced some slight progress, but after an upper respiratory infection, the medical staff were forced to hold off on any more treatment until they first were able to rid of the URI, as chemotherapy weakens the immune system even more. Theresa has undergone multiple blood transfusions in this time as well, one of them having been rejected by her body after having formed antibodies against the treatment.

Since mid-October, Theresa has developed several more tumors along her cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, as well as on the left side of her pelvis. In addition to continued chemotherapy, the team of doctors surrounding Theresa have formed a plan for both a stem cell transplant surgery as well as starting a couple of different trial drugs as she approaches the New Year. After the treatments, Theresa will also need to stay in Houston for several months to be near MD Anderson once these treatments begin.

Ever the fighter, Theresa has kept a positive attitude and a steadfast ability to push through the mountainous challenges she has faced over these months. She has retained the same jovial spirit she has carried with her throughout her life, making jokes and being the light in any room. She is a fighter in the truest sense and will continue to fight as that is who she is. Theresa gives all glory to Jesus Christ for strength, comfort, and healing.

At this time, we ask for your gracious support and donations for Theresa’s treatment and recovery. The stem cell transplant surgery alone is over $300,000, in addition to the other trial drugs, the countless tests, as well as travel and lodging expenses, and rounds of chemotherapy radiation. Theresa’s FMLA will be up in late November, and her insurance can only cover so much. After giving her life to helping others, it means the world that others now help her however they can. We ask and thank you for whatever you can provide during these turbulent and trying times for Theresa and her family.

However, the most important thing you can do for her is to pray. Your kind thoughts and prayers will help her stay strong and overcome this difficult time.

I would like to add that Theresa and James, though fighting their own battle, have asked that you also pray for those they have met, cried with, loved on, and witnessed with who are also suffering from cancer.

Thank you again for all your support.