Sibling Hero: Haley Miller
By: Chelsey Klenke, Vice-President. Edited by: Helen Kirch, Editor-in-Chief
Haley Miller is an average college student. In addition to finding time to socialize with friends, Haley has a full schedule of classes, work, and homework. However, one aspect of her life that sets her apart from her peers is her effort to raise awareness of Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS).
Haley’s brother, Dan, has Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type II or Hunter syndrome. Haley has made taking care of Dan and raising awareness of MPS a priority in her life. Growing up with Dan has changed her perspective on how she views individuals with special needs. She said, “Having a brother with special needs has absolutely changed my outlook on others.” Dan has shown her that no matter what type of disability an individual has or how severe, they “still deserve the same treatment as anyone else and have amazing potential if they are given the right opportunity.” When it comes to others looking at or treating Dan differently, Haley has learned how to stick up for Dan and educate others about him and MPS.
Dan has also taught Haley important life lessons. Haley says Dan has “taught her patience, kindness, and true love.” He has also lead her to her current career path in the special education field. Haley says Dan has been her “number one supporter and encouragement.” Without him, Haley would not be heading down this path.
Growing up with Dan has allowed Haley to meet other siblings who are going through the same experiences that she is. Haley says some of her best friends are siblings and she “feels blessed to have them in her life.” When she meets other siblings, her goal is to help them understand that they are not alone. She wants to assure them that other siblings are “going through similar things” and they “don’t have to face it head on” by themselves. She always offers her contact information so other siblings can contact her if they need someone to talk or vent to.
Haley ended with her life motto of, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain.” She states, “MPS is a constantly changing storm that can go from rainbows to tornados in the blink of an eye. You can’t perseverate on the bad, but rather learn to appreciate and cherish the great times as memories to never be forgotten.” Haley will continue to be inspired by her brother and to help others with and affected by special needs.
By: Chelsey Klenke, Vice-President. Edited by: Helen Kirch, Editor-in-Chief
Haley Miller is an average college student. In addition to finding time to socialize with friends, Haley has a full schedule of classes, work, and homework. However, one aspect of her life that sets her apart from her peers is her effort to raise awareness of Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS).
Haley’s brother, Dan, has Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type II or Hunter syndrome. Haley has made taking care of Dan and raising awareness of MPS a priority in her life. Growing up with Dan has changed her perspective on how she views individuals with special needs. She said, “Having a brother with special needs has absolutely changed my outlook on others.” Dan has shown her that no matter what type of disability an individual has or how severe, they “still deserve the same treatment as anyone else and have amazing potential if they are given the right opportunity.” When it comes to others looking at or treating Dan differently, Haley has learned how to stick up for Dan and educate others about him and MPS.
Dan has also taught Haley important life lessons. Haley says Dan has “taught her patience, kindness, and true love.” He has also lead her to her current career path in the special education field. Haley says Dan has been her “number one supporter and encouragement.” Without him, Haley would not be heading down this path.
Growing up with Dan has allowed Haley to meet other siblings who are going through the same experiences that she is. Haley says some of her best friends are siblings and she “feels blessed to have them in her life.” When she meets other siblings, her goal is to help them understand that they are not alone. She wants to assure them that other siblings are “going through similar things” and they “don’t have to face it head on” by themselves. She always offers her contact information so other siblings can contact her if they need someone to talk or vent to.
Haley ended with her life motto of, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain.” She states, “MPS is a constantly changing storm that can go from rainbows to tornados in the blink of an eye. You can’t perseverate on the bad, but rather learn to appreciate and cherish the great times as memories to never be forgotten.” Haley will continue to be inspired by her brother and to help others with and affected by special needs.
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Siblings with a Mission is an international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. All images are found on Google images and are solely used for education purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an additional source of support.
