During Myles’ junior year, he was leading his football team to victory after victory. But after his last playoff game of the season, he started to feel ill, and his nose bled for an hour before he could get it to stop. His parents knew something was wrong, so they took him to an emergency room in his hometown of Fountain, Colo. – about 20 minutes south of Colorado Springs. A blood test immediately revealed that he had cancer, and he was sent to Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora. There, Myles and his parents received a devasting diagnosis: he had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a cancer that threatened to sideline not only his dreams of playing football in college, but also his life.
After receiving initial treatment in Aurora, doctors moved his care closer to Children’s Colorado, Colorado Springs, so he could recuperate closer to home. Faced with the challenge of a lifetime, Myles knew he had to fight not just for himself, but for all those who believed in him. “It takes a lot of internal strength and that comes from the community. I have the best possible support system I could ask for,” said Myles. “I get texts and stacks of letters from people I don’t even know sending me encouragement.” He approached his treatment with the same vigor and dedication he’d shown on the football field, determined to conquer this formidable opponent.
Myles’ cancer journey hasn’t been easy. Chemo, and countless doctor’s appointments have become a part of his life. He lost his hair, his energy, and much of his senior year of high school, but he never lost his optimism. His family, friends, teammates and community rallied behind him.
In the fall of 2022, Myles decided to delay his graduation until December 2023, so he could focus on healing and then play football for one more season to make a lasting impression on college recruiters. With the support of his care team, his family and his coaches, Myles worked diligently to regain his strength and stamina, so he could return to the football field. In the fall of 2023, he helped lead his team to a 7-3 record.
Myles has become a symbol of courage and resilience for his teammates and community. His remarkable journey has continued to inspire those around him. And while Myles felt good enough to be back on the field with his team, his cancer journey is ongoing. He’ll continue to receive daily chemotherapy treatment until he is considered in remission in 2025.
Ultimately Myles’ hope for the future is that scientists will find a cure not only for ALL, but for all childhood cancers. He also hopes to raise awareness about the impact of cancer on the entire family. “My hope would be that people could really see and get better insight of what kids and families are going through during this kind of experience,” said Myles. “My situation is a lot different than the majority. I’ve been blessed with news stories, events, support, but I feel like a lot of people don’t get that much support. I want every kid to have that type of support.”
Myles’ mom, Faith, is grateful that her son persevered. “I’m impressed with how he’s handled everything so gracefully,” she said. “He’s always thinking of other people first.”
Myles, now 19, and his family feel very lucky that he’s able to receive care so close to home. “Both Children’s Colorado in Aurora, and Children’s Colorado, Colorado Springs have such a special place in our hearts,” said Faith.
Myles’ remarkable journey has taught everyone around him that with determination, a strong support system, and a never-give-up attitude, the human spirit can overcome even the most daunting of challenges. He has shown his doctors, his coaches, his family, his friends, and his community that in the game of life, there are no limits to what one can achieve.