Just weeks after turning 9, Miles was diagnosed with pilocytic astrocytoma, a low-grade glioma. Though the discovery of the tumor was sudden and medical procedures moved quickly, Miles was calm under pressure and kept a smile, cheering up his family, friends, nurses and doctors. His ability to adapt to life’s curveballs and maintain a joyful and hopeful attitude is remarkable, and his courage is off the charts. His challenges haven’t stopped him from dreaming big dreams, working hard, having fun, and being a good friend.

A few days after being in the hospital, a family friend sent Miles a video of an old Chicago baseball player – Ozzie Guillen – telling Miles to “keep da faith.” And every so often, Miles will, out of nowhere, mutter that phrase exactly as Ozzie said it… “Keepa da Faith.” We’re so proud of this young kid who is teaching us all how to handle hard stuff and love life at the same time.