When golfers hit the links this morning at the Champions Retreat course in Evans, their hands may be cold, but their hearts will be warm. They are playing in memory of Miller Grover and to support pediatric cancer patient families. The “All in for Miller” tournament was originally scheduled for October 21, but Hurricane Helene had other plans so today is the day.
Miller will be smiling down from heaven. He gained his angel wings on April 25, 2017, two weeks after his fourth birthday, following two bouts with a rare form of cancer. His mom and dad, Alanda and Joe, and his two sisters, Molly and Mary will be smiling with full hearts today as the golf tournament serves to raise money for families whose children are struggling with pediatric cancer.
“He was diagnosed at 17 months old with Primitive Neuro Ectodermal Tumor (PNET). After chemo, stem cell transplants, radiation, and trips from the Children’s Hospital in Atlanta and to treatments in Houston, TX, things seemed to be looking up. There was about a year when our family lived and celebrated Miller daily in between MRIs every three months,” said Alanda.
Friends, and even those in the community they didn’t know, embraced the Grover family. A few months after Miller passed away, the son of Miller’s physical therapist, Saxon Curry, created a Tribute to Miller concert as his high school Senior Project. The headliners were country singers Zac Brown and Kellie Pickler.
That outpouring of support prompted the Grovers to found the nonprofit organization “All in for Miller” in May 2019 to spread love, hope, and financial help for children with pediatric cancer and their families.
“I think there is a reason God gave us this story to tell. I couldn’t work and take care of my son. My husband and I also had to take turns being there for our girls. So many families face similar hardships with a pediatric cancer diagnosis including the loss of income, the cost of prescriptions, house payments, and gas to and from treatments and, sadly, for funeral services.”
The 5th Annual “All in for Miller” tournament kicks off at 10:30 am and features 160 golfers with a goal of raising $100,000. Before the golfers tee off, patients from the Children’s Hospital of Georgia will hit the first ball.
Area businesses have come through to support the tournament at levels ranging from $3,000 to $15,000.
All In Sponsors: Reliable Equipment Rentals and Gearig Civil Works
Miller Sponsors: BZ Electric, Ron and Karen Norton, Dr. Shannon, and Kerri Rainey
Hope Sponsors: The Honeymichael Group, Hardwood Floors & More, Taylor BMW, First Choice Home Builders, Banks Drugs, Anesthesia Consultants of Augusta, Logan Landscaping Solutions, and Katy D. Sullivan Photography, and Whiskey Run Band
Love Sponsors: Century 3, Kamo Solutions, Southern Smiles Dentistry
The Grovers will be announcing their continued donation to the Miller Fund at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia and plans for the Miller House in downtown Augusta.
“We have lots that have been donated on Miller Street. We are waiting for approval from Richmond County but hope to start construction in January 2025.”
The Grover family and “All in for Miller” plan to provide a place to stay for a few nights for families coming to Augusta for their children’s treatments.
Today and the future is all about love, hope, and support for children like Miller. It’s also about family. The Grovers and their daughters serve on the Board of the nonprofit, as do Miller’s therapist Susan Curry, and her son Saxon.
For more information on “All in for Miller” click here.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
