The Johnstown Warriors would like to invite you to James Miller Benefit Night at the Johnstown Tomahawks game on Friday March 24th 2023. Please take a moment to read a note from the Miller family about James' ongoing battle against cancer.
James Norman Miller (14u Smiach) began having back problems in January 2022 and was diagnosed with scoliosis, dextroscoliosis, lordosis, scheuermann's disease and retrolisthesis. James had an MRI for pretesting for back surgery. When we got the results - we found out that James had a mass on his spine but they were not sure what it was and the orthopedic doctor wanted to order more tests. A few weeks later we went in for another MRI and CT scan followed by an appointment with the orthopedic doctor. The test was read immediately and the doctor directly admitted James to the hospital for a biopsy and after 2 days we were able to go home. The day before Thanksgiving we found out that James had cancer. He was diagnosed with NTRK1 rearranged spindle cell sarcoma which is a rare soft tissue cancer. The oncologist said that it was too dangerous for him to have surgery because the mass was on his spine.
After careful consideration and guidance from his doctors, friends, family and other local doctors we decided the best option for James was immunotherapy. On December 30th he started his treatment. He has had some side effects but nothing too serious and everything has been going well. He will continue his treatment until the end of march and at that time he will get another MRI and CT scan to see if it has shrunk. If it did and they feel that it is safe for him to have surgery then surgery will be scheduled. The doctors are hoping to do the removal of the mass and his back surgery all at once. If the mass has not shrunk enough then the doctors will discuss further treatment or different treatment.
We are taking one day at a time because things could change quickly. James has stayed positive through this from the love and support of family and friends and we just ask for continued prayers for James.
James has played with the Warriors since 2014 and Somerset hockey since 2019. James is also an 8th grade student at North Star Middle School. Proceeds from each ticket sold using the following link for the Tomahawks game on March 24th will benefit the Miller family.