Lakeville 10-Year-Old Raises Money for Pediatric Cancer

Most 10-year-olds spend their birthdays thinking about cake, presents and celebrating with friends. For Lakeville's Miller Jones, his 10th birthday included a trip to Fun 107's MGM Show, where he was recognized as a First Citizens' Federal Credit Union Unsung Hero for something far bigger than himself.

The Nemasket Riverhawks lacrosse player has spent the past several weeks raising money for pediatric cancer research through the Lacrosse Out Cancer program, all while overcoming a serious injury that could have sidelined his season and his spirit.

Instead of focusing on what he couldn't do, Miller found a way to make a difference.

Turning a Setback Into Something Bigger

Just before the season began, Miller suffered a broken elbow and torn UCL after a go-kart accident. While many young athletes would have been discouraged, Miller chose a different path.

Lakeville 10-Year-Old Turns Injury Into Mission to Help Kids With Cancer — Courtesy Taylor Jones

After discovering Lacrosse Out Cancer through a fundraising page he and his mother found online, he committed to completing 41 lacrosse reps each day. The number 41 represents the average number of children diagnosed with cancer every day.

Even with his injured arm, Miller adapted and performed the reps one-handed, never missing an opportunity to support the cause. "I broke my elbow and I couldn't do it out on the field, but I knew I could do it," Miller told The MGM Show. His commitment never wavered.

Nearly 2,000 Reps and Counting

According to his mother Taylor Jones, Miller has spent 47 consecutive days dedicated to the cause. "As of last night he has done 1,927 reps, and each rep represented a child being diagnosed with cancer," she said. "Each rep allowed him to realize that his own injury was just a tiny piece of this season's journey."

Taylor said the experience has helped her son understand the importance of looking beyond himself and recognizing the challenges others face every day. "These kids deserve more, and if we can teach him one thing, it's that he can be a person that makes sure the world doesn't forget that," she said.

Scrap Metal, Teamwork and a Big Goal

Miller didn't stop with the daily reps. He and his father had already been collecting scrap metal in hopes of earning enough money to buy a dirt bike. Once the fundraiser gained momentum, Miller decided to put those efforts toward helping children with cancer.

The family has already collected approximately $1,400 worth of scrap metal, and Middleboro Recycling has stepped up with an incredible offer, matching every dollar Miller raises through the scrap metal collection. His ultimate goal is ambitious for anyone, let alone a 10-year-old. "$10,000," Miller said when asked how much he hopes to raise. As of Monday, June 1, Taylor said the $10,000 goal is just within reach and should be met by week's end.

One Last Chance to Cheer Him On

Miller and the Nemasket Riverhawks will wrap up their season Sunday, June 7, at Pierce Playground in Middleboro. The event doubles as a Lacrosse Out Cancer fundraiser featuring raffles, food sales and opportunities to donate.

The game begins at 10:15 a.m., with a raffle drawing scheduled after the 1 p.m. game. All proceeds benefit the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. For many, it will be another youth lacrosse game, but for Miller Jones, it's the culmination of weeks of determination and selflessness.

Not bad for a kid who just turned 10.

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Gallery Credit: Heidi Kaye