A Child’s Brain Tumor and An Act of Kindness

“Brain tumor” is not what we expected to hear on New Year’s Day 2026.

But Miller Grandchild #10 of 15—little Liam—has one. Or should I say, he had one. An outstanding team of medical pros removed it on January 7th. We’ve been told it was the size of a “healthy lemon.”

As expected, the pathology confirmed the tumor was malignant. Liam will undergo six weeks of radiation, but there are several strong reasons to expect excellent results. The surgeons were able to remove it completely; its location was as favorable as possible; the tumor type is considered treatable; and Liam is healthy and strong. His prognosis is good.

So yes—there is much to be thankful for, and also much that still weighs on our hearts.

I will never say it was a great start to the new year. Ugh. In reality, it was very painful. And yet, right in the midst of all the worry, there was a shining light. Actually, two of them: Richard and Tess.

An Outstanding Story

During that week, a friend set up a way for people to send gift cards to our daughter, Tara, and her husband, Justin. You know, DoorDash, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Starbucks, etc. And many did. People are so generous. Truly humbling.

But, guess what happened?

Because of a small typo in an email address, hundreds upon hundreds of dollars’ worth of gift cards were sent to a total stranger, never reaching the intended family.

Until …..

A woman named Tess, 1,686 miles to the east in Maryland, received them. Instead of just keeping them or ignoring the mistake, she did the digging. She did the work. And she found our Tara in Colorado.

And she returned every single gift card.

She then asked about Liam and his surgery. 

Some Outstanding People

Once Tara realized what had happened, she began corresponding with Tess and her husband, Richard. In response, Tara sent them a gift card to use themselves, expressing her immense gratitude for their honesty. 

I hear Tess and hubby were amazed at that gesture. Uh, well … I would say what THEY did was amazing. 

So, a bunch of amazing humans, doing remarkable things. 

Now, here’s something really interesting. See the attached image? I found it on Tess’ Facebook page. So … she proclaims a value and then LIVES that value.

That’s called integrity.

Richard affirmed who his wife, Tess, is with a comment he left on my Facebook post:

“John, I am incredibly happy to see this post. When the gift cards started coming, Tess knew something was wrong, so she took the time to figure it out. Then quietly made it right for people she’s never met. She did it because she has a kind heart, and because it mattered. That’s who she is, every day. I’m grateful to share my life with someone wired that way, and I’m really glad Liam’s family got a little good in the middle of a lot of bad.”

Outstanding people really are everywhere!

We talk a lot about “kindness” in the world today. “Be kind!” is a message we even see splashed on billboards. The Miller family has been overwhelmed by kindness since Liam’s diagnosis. Messages have poured in—on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, through texts, phone calls, and emails. Friends, friends of friends, and even friends of friends of friends have sent encouragement, prayer, positive thoughts, good vibes, tangible support, cash to Liam’s parents to offset expenses, along with those gift cards, and love—lots of love.

It’s been deeply humbling to watch so many people take ownership of Liam’s situation and contribute in such meaningful ways.

Maybe our world is a good place after all.

Oh, and, of course, we mailed Tess and Richard a QBQ! book, which, like them, is all about personal accountability!

Comments welcome.

Note: To keep up on Liam’s story, here’s the CaringBridge link.