Nobody expects to hear that their child, especially their baby, has cancer. But that is just what Chris and Carney Miller were faced with in 2023. The Miller family welcomed triplets in August 2022—but by February 2023, one of the triplets, Camaya, seemed sickly. She began to developmentally regress. Concerned, her family took Camaya to the hospital where they received terrifying news. As reported by The Kansas City Star, testing showed that Camaya had a rare, fast-growing cancer called an atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT).
Since receiving the diagnosis, the Miller family has seen their life turn upside down. Luckily, doctors acted quickly; Camaya has already had surgery to remove the tumor. She will require multiple rounds of chemotherapy as well. Unfortunately, this has placed a heavy financial burden on the family. Even after insurance, the medical costs will extend upwards of $400,000.
The Millers launched a fundraiser to assist with these medical expenses. If you would like to donate, you may do so here.
About Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT)
This aggressive and fast-growing tumor forms in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). In about 50% of cases, the tumor forms in the cerebellum or brain stem. Most cases of ATRT result from sporadic INI1 gene mutations; SMARCA4 and SMARCB1 mutations have also been implicated. ATRT is most common in children aged 3 or younger. Symptoms vary but may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- A headache in the morning or a headache that disappears after vomiting
- Difficulty walking
- Excessive sleepiness
- Abnormal or asymmetric eye or facial movements
- Poor balance and coordination
- Increasing head size
Surgery, chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and radiation therapy are all used to manage or treat atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors. However, given the need to improve patient outcomes, additional measures are being explored in clinical studies.
