Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller’s introduction to the cancer cause hit close to home. His cousin, Matt, lost his battle with leukemia in 2007. Seeing Matt and his family during their fight in their native Michigan, Miller was inspired to do what he could to help other families in the same position. He established The Steadfast Foundation to help fund support programs for pediatric cancer patients and their families. 

Since he first partnered with RPCI’s Carly’s Club in 2007, Miller has become a champion for young cancer patients and their loved ones. Through events like Catwalk for Charity and Saves for Cancer, Miller has raised more than $250,000 in support of the psychosocial programs provided by Carly’s Club. 

Aimed at improving the emotional and social well-being of pediatric cancer patients, Carly’s Club programming includes special events and group outings to help children and their families cope with the challenges of their cancer experiences and regain a sense of “normalcy.” These activities also help families to connect with other families facing cancer. Additional programs benefiting from The Steadfast Foundation’s support include: social work and school intervention assistance to help children succeed in classes; the bi-annual Cancer in the Classroom program that teaches educators and school administrators the unique challenges a pediatric cancer patient faces when returning to school; and programs run in the Pediatric Center at Roswell Park for inpatients, including mentoring, patient milestone parties and the provision of laptops to help children communicate with loved ones and friends.

Miller’s demanding hockey schedule has never prevented him from being a comforting presence to patients and their families. He frequently donates his suite at HSBC Arena so patients and loved ones can watch the game in comfort and find some respite from the stress of cancer treatment. Miller often attends Carly’s Club events and, quietly and with no fanfare, will show up to spend time with patients in the hospital. 

Locally, nationally and – thanks to his role as starting goalie for Team USA in the 2010 Winter Olympics – now globally, Miller is revered for his goaltending skills. But to families of Carly’s Club, hockey isn’t what makes Miller great.  His quiet dedication to making life better for young people facing cancer has made an impact that reaches far beyond the rink.