A local family is facing a challenging journey after their three-year-old son, Wes Miller, was diagnosed with a common childhood cancer just days following the successful removal of a brain tumor. The Miller family’s ordeal began when Wes underwent an MRI on September 30, 2023. The results revealed a tumor, and on October 1, doctors performed an extensive eight-hour surgery to remove it.
Although the surgery was successful, it left Wes temporarily unable to speak or move. Yet, within days of starting physical therapy, his spirit shone through. Known affectionately as “Wes the Tank,” he began to show remarkable progress. According to family friend Alex Aronson, Wes’s vibrant personality remained intact. “Through everything, Wes just never lost his personality,” Aronson stated. “He would intentionally throw things at people, not in a mean way, but just to make people laugh.”
The news of the tumor being cancerous came shortly after the operation. Dr. James Felker, a pediatric oncologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, explained the process for determining the tumor’s nature. “Four to five days is a common turnaround to tell us this is cancer. We rely on our pathologists to review it and tell us exactly what it is,” he said. The prognosis for Wes is cautiously optimistic, with Dr. Felker estimating that between 70 and 80 percent of children diagnosed with similar conditions will survive.
The Miller family is grappling with the reality of this diagnosis while also caring for their five-year-old daughter, Maggie, and newborn son, Sam. They are currently receiving treatment in Philadelphia, where they are grateful for the support from their community. A local establishment, Pour Man’s Brewery in Ephrata, has gone above and beyond to assist the family during this difficult time. The Millers also expressed their appreciation for the exceptional care provided by the staff at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Despite the challenges ahead, the Miller family remains focused on each day as it comes. They find strength in Wes’s resilience and the joy he continues to bring to those around him. “Wes is such a strong fighter,” Aronson remarked, highlighting the boy’s ability to uplift spirits even in the face of adversity. The community’s support has been instrumental in helping the family cope with this unexpected and challenging turn of events.