Butch Miller is an inspiration to some at Colorado Mesa University. For a few, this is because of his outstanding all-conference outfield records when he was a Maverick. Over three years ago, after Miller beat testicular cancer, he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and given 18 months to live. For most people, the inspiration has come from witnessing Miller through difficult times. He has chosen to not only overcome, but also help others deal with similar issues.

Miller has been active in Operation Tender Heart, an organization that helps local families dealing with cancer. Since 2007, the organization has been a support system for families referred to them by Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado.

“I just know cancer touches everybody, and I feel like getting through what I went through that I am here for a reason,” Miller said. “And I am going to do all that I can.”

The Operation Tender Heart Galleria takes photographs of those who are ill, in hopes of reaching those who are able to donate and help save lives. These pictures have been displayed at several CMU events, including Basketball games at Wayne Nelson Court.

Also tied in with Operation Tender Heart is the Butch Miller Family Fund. His fund could be as much a blessing for any student athlete at CMU as it was for Miller himself. When Operation Tender Heart started its annual golf tournament to help raise awareness for childhood cancer patients and their families, Miller never expected to receive so much support and assistance in dealing with his health. Operation Tender Heart started the Butch Miller Family Fund to help the once star athlete, and his family, cope with medical bills, emotional distress and other traumas associated with such illness.

From there, it has been Miller’s goal to continue paying it forward to others whose lives are being effected by disease and sickness. Miller has opted to begin a scholarship program for student athletes who have personally been effected by cancer, whether going through it themselves or having lost a parent to the devastating disease. Miller has shown great compassion not only for other cancer survivors, but for the students he has grown to love here at CMU.

Miller recently returned from a Lance Armstrong Foundation conference, and hopes to get more involved by incorporating that into Operation Tender Heart. Miller hopes the Butch Miller Family Fund will provide a student with a scholarship every summer.

For more information, www.operationtenderheart.com can provide ways to help donate or to get involved.