He once needed help to get up off the floor. Six years later, Miles is pinning opponents to the mat as part of his school’s undefeated junior varsity wrestling team. Diagnosed with dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its own muscles, he went through two grueling years of intravenous drug treatments.
With the help of the pediatric rheumatology program at All Children’s Hospital, Inc., Miles regained his strength before the disorder was able to attack his heart or lungs. This healthy teenager no longer needs the intense treatments that kept him in the hospital, leaving him time to read and attend a local program on law enforcement, his career of choice.
Leave a comment to cheer on Miles as he travels to Washington, DC to champion children's health issues.
Hey, Miles-
Great gig for you to represent the needs of children & families. It should be an exciting, stressful adventure. It won't be as difficult as sewing a penguin costume, I'm sure. I do know you will "do us proud" as our advocate.
Take Care-
Gerry Poling
Posted by: Gerry Poling | June 17, 2008 at 08:06 PM
Miles & Deanna,
Thank you both for all you do for All Children's. I saw you at the telethon and they couldn't have picked two nicer people to represent the hospital. Much success in DC. as well as your future. Someday I hope to see you both as members of the All Children's Hospital Guild. You are both outstanding youngsters.
Posted by: Sandy Moss, Chairman All Children's Hospital Guild | June 17, 2008 at 07:50 PM
Deanna and Miles,
You are two amazing human beings!
The strength and confidence you show with such a short amount of life under your belts is awesome!
You show me that one person (or two wonderful kids :~) can make a difference.
I know your family will go to Washington and do just that. You guys truly ROCK!!!!
Carol Conrad (& Family :~)
Posted by: Kevin, Carol, Meghan and Keegan Conrad | June 17, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Hi Deanna,
Although its been at least 5 years since I've seen you, I can never forget you or Miles. Love you as much as I love your mom and dad. Have a wonderful and fun trip and wow them in DC.
Love,
Sue (Kluck)
Posted by: Sue Kluck | June 16, 2008 at 06:05 PM
Hi Miles,
This is so cool..your trip and representation in Wash. DC. Have a wonderful time. Can't think of a better man for the job!
Love,
Sue (Kluck)
Posted by: Sue Kluck | June 16, 2008 at 06:03 PM
You, my friend, are an inspiration. I wish I was half as strong as you. If you can bring but a smwll portion of that strength to bear on the mission before you, you will experience success. But, of course, you're used to that by now, aren't you? Love, Skip. (You know, that other uncle.)
Posted by: Skip Herrmann | June 16, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Deanna:
Although I haven't seen you and Miles for a number of years now, your mother has kept me posted via e-mail on your amazing progress. You are both an inspiration to us all. I wish you the best of luck in Washington.
Love Donna
Posted by: Donna Chrimes | June 16, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Hello Miles and Deanna,
You both should feel so very proud of yourselves in your efforts to help others. I wish you a safe and fruitful trip to Washington. Know that many will be praying for you both.
Regards,
Scott Rehm (aka - the Angel Mint guy!!)
Posted by: Scott Rehm | June 16, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Give 'em what for Dude!! We want to be just like you when we grow up. ACH couldn't have picked better representatives. Love you and miss you. Uncle Jim & Aunt Jamie
Posted by: Uncle Jim & Aunt Jamie | June 14, 2008 at 02:57 PM
Miles & Deanna,
You both looked so very grown up, I have'nt seen you in so long, Mom (that wonderful Mom !)Has kept me posted thru it all. God bless you, you have been thru so much and with stood it all, you are such a trooper and we are so proud of you and Deanna!!!Have a safe trip....you'll do awesome! Love you bunches!
Miss Debbie &family
Posted by: The Ostraco Family | June 14, 2008 at 07:49 AM
Deanna and Miles
Have a safe and productive trip. Thanks to both of you for helping me on the telethon this year. And thanks for representing ACH in DC ... what a dynamic family.
You both rock. (so do your mom and dad)
Joel
Posted by: Joel Momberg | June 12, 2008 at 09:27 AM
So glad to be making this journey with your family! You are ALL awesome representatives of the people All Children's serves. Thank you so much for all you do to further the cause of quality healthcare for children.
Posted by: Ann Miller | June 11, 2008 at 05:16 PM
Miles ~ I am so proud of you and Deanna and your mission to help others! Your enthusiasm and determination are an inspiration. I can't imagine anyone more perfect than you two ambassadors ~ meeting with members of Congress to share your health care experiences, and the health issues of all children. I wish you a successful and exciting trip! Love, Norma Liburd
Posted by: Norma Liburd | June 10, 2008 at 10:17 PM
MILES & DEANNA,
THE TWO OF YOU, ALONG WITH ALL OF THE OTHER CHILDREN THAT ARE GOING TO D.C. ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ALL. THERE ARE THOSE WHO SIT BACK AND WATCH THINGS HAPPEN, AND THOSE WHO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN. SINCE BOTH OF YOU ARE DOING WELL IT WOULD BE EASY TO SIT BACK AND WATCH THINGS HAPPEN.OBVIOUSLY THAT IS NOT WHO YOU ARE. MY KIDS,NEPHEWS AND NIECES HAVE HAD MANY EXPERIENCES WITH ACH OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS AND HAVE ALL BEEN GIVEN EXCELLENT TREATMENT. WE ARE ALL PROUD OF YOUR EFFORT.GOOD LUCK AND HAVE A GREAT TIME IN D.C.
BEN,JAYNE,JOEY AND AUSTIN HACHEY
Posted by: BEN HACHEY | June 10, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Hey Miles:
Keep up the good work! We know you wil "WOW" them with your quick wit and dazzling smile. ACH has the chosen the best to represent them. We love you bunches!
Love; Uncle Cal and Aunt Lisa
Posted by: Uncle Cal and Aunt Lisa | June 10, 2008 at 08:25 PM
Dear Miles and Deanna,
My name is Marshall Smith and I used to be your father's roommate at FSU. Have a good time on your trip to D.C. and wow those politicians with your stories and the benefit of All Children's Hospital. Please tell your mom and dad hello and to come visit if you all get back down to Miami anytime soon.
Posted by: Marshall Smith | June 10, 2008 at 05:47 PM
Hi and Congratulations on your efforts! Don't forget that you are speaking for those who may not be able to speak for themselves- Your voice is important! Keep up the good work and the best of luck!
Dep. Goodley
Posted by: Dep. Goodley | June 10, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Miles and Deanna:
It was good to see you this past Christmas and to spend some time with you and your family on "The Party Bus". I want to let you both know that we are very proud of your contributions to the hospital and to all fo the god things that it does for others. Your mother does a very good job keeping every one up to date. Good luck in Washington, D.C. Love, The Herrmann Family (Eric, Cara, Ava, and Hannah).
Posted by: Eric Herrmann | June 10, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Miles & Deanna, I received this e-mail from your Dad who I know from college. I haven't seen either of you since a trip to FSU for a football game many years ago. I had no idea that either of you had health problems since I hadn't seen you in so long. I'm so happy that both of you are doing so well. I do hope that you are successfull in helping out All Childrens Hospital. 2 years ago we had a granddaughter who had a brain tumor and she spent time at All Childrens and the staff, doctors, surgeons and everyone was absolutely wonderful and today, she is well and growing up just like you two to be a great person. We support all that you are going there to do and will pray that you have a safe and successful trip. Love you Scott & Susan Wegscheid
Posted by: Scott Wegscheid | June 10, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Miles & Deanna, I received this e-mail from your Dad who I know from college. I haven't seen either of you since a trip to FSU for a football game many years ago. I had no idea that either of you had health problems since I hadn't seen you in so long. I'm so happy that both of you are doing so well. I do hope that you are successfull in helping out All Childrens Hospital. 2 years ago we had a granddaughter who had a brain tumor and she spent time at All Childrens and the staff, doctors, surgeons and everyone was absolutely wonderful and today, she is well and growing up just like you two to be a great person. We support all that you are going there to do and will pray that you have a safe and successful trip. Love you Scott & Susan Wegscheid
Posted by: Scott Wegscheid | June 10, 2008 at 10:01 AM
I'm so proud to be associated with your family! You are all true and shining examples of what we all should strive to be everyday, not just individually, but collectively as a family... A BIG FAMILY. God bless all of you-
Pick up a few trinkets on the trip. Tell us all about it when you get back.
Tina Redmond
Health Education Teacher
Pinellas County Schools
Posted by: Tina Redmond | June 09, 2008 at 10:30 PM
Hey Miles,
I have enjoyed getting to know you some these past few months. I have prayed for you for years and am thrilled with the recovery you have been graced with. Keep pinning, scoring, reading, and making your parents proud! You are an awesome kid! Love you, Uncle Bill
Posted by: Uncle Bill | June 09, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Miles and Deanna,
It has been a ridiculous amount of time since I saw you last. I always enjoy the updates and milestones you reached. It is inspiring to see that you are on your way to advocate for what you believe in. I'm sure you parents are very proud of you. I would say "Do your best" but you always do. I will wish you the best of luck and a safe trip.
Chuck Billard
Posted by: Charles Billard | June 09, 2008 at 09:59 PM
Miles! What a long long way you have come. There aren't any words to describe how wonderful your recovery is and has been.
We know you will make the best effort you can to help All Childrens. I know I am indebted to them, to have a grandson I can hug and love; and he can hug and love back! It is glorious. Go get em sweetie!
Love Grandma Fran and Grandpa Alfonso
Posted by: Fran Sellet | June 09, 2008 at 09:48 PM
Deanna - you make this loving Grandma fill with pride and joy over your accomplishments, and the work you are planning in Washington DC. You're looking good!
Love always, Grandma Fran and Grandpa Alfonso
Posted by: Fran Sellet | June 09, 2008 at 09:41 PM