(Photo courtesy of FundaFighter’s Facebook page.)
On June 22nd, 2012, Dan Miller returned to the octagon for the first time in nearly a year against Ricardo Funch at UFC on FX 4. Winless since 2010, it looked like Miller’s UFC future could possibly be hanging in the balance if he did not turn in a successful performance in front of his hometown crowd. But as is the typical attitude of the Miller family when approaching any fight, Dan left it all in the octagon, battering and blistering Funch en route to a third round guillotine choke win.
As it turns out, the victory was more than just a step in the right direction for Dan’s MMA career, it was an indication of where things were headed in his personal life as well.
As you all know, the reason for Miller’s prolonged absence from the octagon last year was that of his infant son, Danny Jr., who had been diagnosed with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease, a condition that would require a $100,000 surgery and $10,000 a month in medication for at least the first year in order for Danny to stand any chance at recovery. The response from the MMA community was almost immediate, with everyone from the Firas Zahabi-founded FundaFighter program to former CP Sergeant-at-Arms Mike Russell establishing avenues for MMA fans around the world to contribute to Danny Jr.’s cause. Unsurprisingly, the most significant donations to the Daniel James Miller Foundation came from UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta and president Dana White.
Well, Potato Nation, we are proud to report that not only was Danny Jr.’s surgery a success, but he is recovering smoothly as well, and has regained kidney function for the first time in over two years.
Danny’s mother, Kristen Miller, broke the great news over her Facebook account:
In March of 2010, he lost all kidney function. Today, September 6, 2012, Danny is now peeing again! Words can’t describe the emotion that we are feeling right now.
He’s still in the OR (operating room) but will be headed to his PICU (pediatric intensive care unit) room shortly. His new kidney function will be monitored extremely closely.
Kristin was sure to thank Kathy Miller, who donated her kidney to Danny Jr. to make the entire operation possible:
Kathy is recovering in her room. We love you so much Kathy and can never thank you enough. Xoxo Daniel James..we love you so much!
The Miller brothers were more succint with their celebrations, sending out the following tweets:
Dan: Surgery went well today, never thought I’d be so happy to see some pee!
Jim: The word is that everything has gone well with my nephew’s transplant. Both Danny and my Aunt came out strong. TY everyone for the support. Pee! My 2 1/2 yr old nephew has kidney function for the first time in over 2 years. 1 hurdle cleared, many more ahead.
I haven’t seen such a celebration over urine since the time Olivia Wilde was attacked by a school of jellyfish in Jamaica.
Words can simply not express how elated we are here at CagePotato to hear this news, and wish the Miller family the best of luck in the future. But like Jim said, there are still many hurdles to clear for Danny Jr., so if you’re feeling particularly generous today, head over to Dan Miller’s FundaFighter page and make a donation. In the meantime, send a picture of you, your girlfriend/wife, or your smokin’ hot mom donning the Chocolate Al shirts you received to our Facebook page to show your support!