Dave Miller
Stacy is learning to be a caregiver after 24 years of marriage, since the couple has no family here and their kids are in college.“ It’ ll just pretty much be the two of us,” Stacy says.“ I’ m just learning how to take care of him, and trying to stay as upbeat for him and keep him thinking positively.”
Stacy works for the Prosser Career Education Institute, and the students there are building a ramp for Dave’ s home. Some doors in the family home need to be replaced to accommodate his wheelchair, and representatives from Frazier toured the home a few weeks before his return to look for any potential hazards or obstructions.
“ My biggest complaint is that I was so independent,” Dave says.“ And now I’ m completely dependent on everyone.”
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“ Don’ t let your ego get the best of you. Put a helmet on. That thing saved my life.” – Dave Miller
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As friends, neighbors and even strangers are wont to do, the rally around the Miller family has been phenomenal. Through a GoFundMe campaign, the family has raised more than $ 3,700 by selling green t-shirts and bracelets in support of Dave’ s recovery – more than the initial $ 3,500 campaign goal.
The swag proclaims # Davewillrideagain and # Helmetssavelives, a solid reminder that life is fleeting.
In the weeks that followed the accident, Dave found himself surrounded by support. Just talking about it brings tears to him and Stacy.
“ It’ s wonderful. I had no idea that we knew as many people as we know,” Dave says.“ I had no idea that we have such a positive influence. It’ s just wonderful. Everybody’ s been above and beyond from work to Stacy, friends, my sister-in-law from northern Indiana – it’ s just amazing.”
He’ s found support from the Louisville Landsharks, a local triathalon club that held a fundraiser for his recovery.
“ We get so many cards, like from all over the United States and it’ s like‘ wow’,” Stacy says.
Still, Dave takes comfort in his plan to run a marathon before the accident. Instead, he ran four. He also completed half an Ironman,“ and if I just stick to their plan, I’ m going to walk again,” he says with a slight stitch in his voice.“ That’ s my goal. I just want to hold Stacy’ s hand and walk down the street.”
His biggest piece of advice to fellow athletes?“ Don’ t let your ego get the best of you,” Dave says.“ Put a helmet on. That thing saved my life.”
28 EXTOL SPORTS / SEPTEMBER 2017