Missy Miller

Missy Miller was born and raised in Atlantic Beach, where she lives with her family today. She and her husband, Brandon, grew up together and were married 26 years ago. Together, they had three children – Melanie, Kate and Oliver. Melanie suffered from a very rare neurodegenerative disease and passed away at age seven. Kate is a beautiful young lady, very healthy and in college. Oliver suffered a stroke in utero and has multiple complex medical issues, but has a fierce determination to overcome the obstacles he continuously encounters.

Ms. Miller’s children have inspired her to live life no matter what the challenge. She believes that just because something is not what you thought or expected, it does not mean that it is not as beautiful or fulfilling – in fact, it may be even more so. Ms. Miller is a believer in never saying something cannot be done and she never gives up.

Ms. Miller has been a volunteer in a pediatric residency-training program through NS/LIJ Healthcare Systems for over 20 years. In doing so, she helps to train residents in how to deal with caring for and treating children with chronic special health care needs. This training helps doctors guide families to provide their children the best care, and allows them to see the worth these children have and just how special they truly are.

Last year, Ms. Miller had the opportunity to help enhance the Life Skills program at Atlantic Beach High School where her son Oliver attends school. With her help, the school district was able to introduce a music program and an adaptive physical education program. The children who participate in this incredible program even had an opportunity to go to Disney World with their music department peers, where they performed at Epcot.

In the full spirit of helping her children and others, Ms. Miller became very involved in the fight to get legal access to medical marijuana here in New York State. She visited Senators, lobbied in Albany, educated many communities, participated in press conferences and media events to spread awareness, and helped get a law passed that would provide legal access to medical marijuana. Ms. Miller’s advocacy efforts were instrumental in gaining the support of key legislators.

Due to the challenges she has faced with her own children, Ms. Miller has worked tirelessly with programs to help children with special needs and their families. It is important to recognize Ms. Miller’s love, hard work and dedication to her family – and her tenacious support of others struggling with the same issues.