Dylan is an incredibly affectionate child, in tune with the emotions and feelings of others beyond what some other children would identify with. He especially loves animals and enjoys making others feel happy, comfortable and finding ways to make them smile. He is incredibly aware of cancer and his experiences with cancer and wants to learn about others who are fighting this battle (both patients and scientists alike). His loves are ice hockey, math, science and anything to do with meteorology!  
    
Suzette, Dylan’s mother, found a bump on the center back of Dylan’s neck while changing him.  It felt like the size of a pea, so she thought nothing of it and just figured it was a bump of his vertebrae. Over the following week Suzette noticed it again. Another week passed and it seemed bigger, so she took him to the pediatrician. The doctors thought it was probably harmless but arranged for CT scan a week later, which was inconclusive. They ordered an MRI. Suzette had a feeling so she advocated for the MRI sooner rather than later. Instead of 3 weeks, they scheduled for an MRI in half the time. The MRI showed the tumor was growing and beginning to impress on Dylan’s skull bone and brain. They were immediately sent to the Oncology floor at CHOP. He was diagnosed with undifferentiated sarcoma.
 
Dylan had tumor excision on September 16, 2006 and immediately started his course of chemotherapies – five in total. Then it ended with a month of consecutive IMRT (radiation) at UPenn. In all, about one year's worth of treatment. It all ended on Good Friday 2007, before his one year birthday. 
 
Dylan is Suzette’s hero because he taught her what is important in life and what is not. Suzette says, “He makes me pause, stop in my busy day and actually look, breathe and enjoy. He makes me faithful, spiritual and thankful. For this, he is my hero.”
 
She hopes for her son that he has pride in what he overcame and understands the complexity of cancer and the importance of life. She hope he has a long healthy life. One that is filled with joy and most importantly one that he knows he can accomplish anything and how amazing he will be for it. She hopes he matures to wanting to share his story, connect with others, and maybe even seek out a career or further interests in this space. Suzette says, “Honestly, if he is healthy and happy and appreciative for the life he is given, and the blessings that came his way, then my hopes are realized.” 
 
Dylan is amazingly cancer free. He was announced cancer free and free of all oncology follow up in December 2011. 
 
He often wants to tell people he is special because he had cancer.  Just recently Dylan said, "Mommy, should I tell them I had cancer? Maybe they will think it is awesome."
 
Information provided by Suzette Miller, Dylan’s Mother
Updated April 2016