It has been three years since Riley Miller was diagnosed with cancer.
“After you go through the grievance process, it was more a quick step to acceptance and taking it for what it is,” he said.
In 2012, after being told he was in remission, Miller decided it was important to share his story. He heard of a movement called the F**K Cancer campaign that was gaining popularity in Montreal.
He decided to bring the campaign to Lethbridge. “We all have strong feelings and I mean putting those feelings on the table is what we really want to do,” he explained.
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Miller started the campaign last year, selling F**K Cancer t-shirts. He raised $8,000 for the Jack Ady Cancer Centre at Chinook Regional Hospital.
This year he hopes to increase that number to $10,000. “When you set something in motion you are always looking to beat a mile stone,” he added.
“It’s thanks to charities like this and other creative approaches to raising funds to support cancer research initiatives and cancer support chains that’s helped me get to where I am today.”
Keri Griffith met Miller through various cancer events on campus and they became instant friends. She says she’s proud of how far he’s come.
“When I met Riley he was newly out of treatment and I really have seen his strength and his command just grow over the last three years. He’s really become a voice. I’m humbled to be associated with him at times.”
Miller hopes movements like this change the negativity surrounding the word cancer. “I’m a very optimistic individual and I think that’s what helps me make the most out of a bad situation. That’s what really gets me through my day,” he explained.
There is a F**K Cancer event being held at The Zoo on the University of Lethbridge campus on October 16.
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