Steelers’ Polamalu gives local girl with rare cancer strength, hope
By Wendy McCardle, wmccardle@altoonamirror.comArticle Photos
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A closer look
A kid-friendly Web site has been set up by Heather Miller's family to give updates on her condition as well as photographs of her journey at www.commercial webbing.com/heather .html.
PITTSBURGH - Wendy Miller speaks quietly on the phone from just outside her daughter's room on the hematology and oncology floor at Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh, where the Osterburg family has been camped out on and off for about four months.
''Our whole world was rocked in October,'' she says.
That's when Miller and her husband, Don, learned their 10-year-old daughter, Heather, was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma after tumors were found in her second rib and tissue on her lung. The couple also has an 11-year-old daughter, Hannah.
Ewing's Sarcoma is a cancer of bone and soft tissue.
More than their unwavering faith and constant support system, the one thing that seems to help tomboy Heather through the rounds of radiation, chemotherapy, chest tubes and surgery comes in the form of a long-haired safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Troy Polamalu, who frequently visits Children's Hospital in his down time, met Heather when she was in the hospital for her second round of chemotherapy.
Wendy Miller said Polamalu refuses to talk about his football prowess. Instead, he plays "Rock Band" for hours at a time with the Chestnut Ridge fifth-grader and sends her text messages to let her know he's thinking about her.
''He could be so self-absorbed, but he's not,'' she said. ''He is all about Heather, talking about how strong she is.''
On their first meeting, the two exchanged bracelets: a Greek Orthodox yarn bracelet made up of 43 knots with 7 crosses each from him and a green rubber bracelet from Heather with her motto on it - F.R.O.G., or Fully Rely on God.
On Jan. 26, as Polamalu geared up for the Super Bowl in Florida, Heather was facing surgery. Polamalu sent her a text message a couple of days before and then again twice the day of her surgery - his Media Day in Florida.
One message read, ''I am so proud of you. You're so tough.'' Another simply said, ''I miss you.''
''It meant the world to me that I could see her smile before surgery,'' her mother said.
The day after Pittsburgh's Super Bowl victory came another message: ''How about that, Heather? I hope that makes you happy.''
Before a Super Bowl practice in Pittsburgh a couple of weeks ago, Polamalu called Heather ''awesome.''
''Heather is very special,'' he said. ''She, I can definitely say, is my No. 1 fan, without a doubt, since I first met her.''
Polamalu is more than a football player to the Miller family.
''When we have a down moment, it never fails that he's there for us. He is a true angel for us,'' she says.
Heather was planning an extended visit back home this week when she leaves the hospital Wednesday, but the results of recent tests mean she likely will return to the hospital Monday to begin six weeks of radiation five days a week and then 12 weeks of chemotherapy.
''There is no remission with this type of cancer,'' Wendy Miller said. ''Instead, there's what's called a five-year plan. If there's no reoccurrence in five years after visits and scans, she'll be labeled 'disease-free.' It's definitely a marathon, not a sprint.''
Mirror Staff Writer Wendy McCardle is at 946-7520.
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weezy1957
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01-31-10 10:44 PM
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i am so sorry for the loss of your little angel. god be with you and all your loved ones. There are no words to describe how heartbroken we are. we do know one thing for sure she is in the arms of Jesus and no more pain.god be with you and I pray you keep strong even in the midst of your sorrow. God Bless you all, and Mr. Troy Polmalu thank you for giving this young child a reason to smile god bless you. Thank you for being such a kind and compassionate man. may other athletes follow in your footsteps. Again God bless each and everyone. Lois J. Donaldson
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Peggy49
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02-20-09 12:57 PM
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I want Heather and her family to know that my heart goes out to her and her family.And that God is with them all.You all are in my prayers and in my heart.And Steelers'Polamalu is such a wonderful man and such a great Angel to Heather and the family.Hang in there Angel Girl things will get much better for you and your family.I cryed when I read this article and I had to write and give you all my love and prayers and to tell you all God Bless each and everyone of you.Take Care Little Angel Girl and God Love Ya.
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RobFan530
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02-10-09 5:10 PM
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Now, this is the kind of story that deserves to be on the front page, not Don Juan Demarko. Troy is an outstanding person on and off the field. I am *so* happy he's a Steeler!!
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localgirl
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02-10-09 4:58 PM
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This is such a touching story and I think that the Steelers organization is very lucky to have such a tremendous MAN as well as player on their roster! You dont hear of all the good that some of these big players do and it is nice to hear about these stories rather than the bad that is being done. I am sure Troy P is too modest do talk about what he is doing but I hope he always continues to do such wonderful things. Sometimes its not how much money you dontate.
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doogie
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02-10-09 4:15 PM
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Heather is a great girl and on my daughter's softball team. It is awesome to see what Troy has given Heather through all of this. He has truly become my personal Hero, mostly off the field. He is a very faithful, trusting guy who is truly a Christian. It is so good to know that he is such as stand up guy both on the field and off. Heather-keep up the good work--you are truly an amazing gal as well. We love you!
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ingodwetrust
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02-10-09 3:42 PM
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Wow Heather you are a very coragious young lady. Your will be in our prayers. Keep the faith, it will get you thru anything. As for Troy, I cannot say enough about him. I had heard he was a remarkable man off the field, and this only proves it. Troy you are Heathers angel from God, thank you. My prayers to your family Heather, god bless my dear.
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fordman
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02-10-09 12:07 PM
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heather you will be in my prayers. i wish you the best in the future. god bless. As for troy this is truly a class act as ferndawg has said. with all the bad news in pro sports these days its nice to see someone step up and be a true role model, after all these guys will be remembered for what they do off the field as much or more than what they do on the field
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LessGov
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02-10-09 11:10 AM
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What a great smile! Nice photo... God bless her.
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ferndawg
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02-10-09 10:17 AM
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Although not a big Steeler fan this guy is the top of the list. This world needs more Troy Polamalu's in it. Class act to take the time and do the things some of these athletes do. God bless!!
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homegrownaltoid
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02-10-09 9:43 AM
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wow, talk about putting things into perspective. god bless you child, F.R.O.G., and, a day after the a-rod fiasco, troy also deserves praise for putting a glimmer of hope and trust in professional sports players. gotta luv him.
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coffeebreak
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02-10-09 9:05 AM
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What a wonderful article. It did bring tears to my eyes to know that a man of such greatness has taken his time to be such mentor to her. Heather, keep your spirits high. We are all praying for you!
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1966254
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02-10-09 8:35 AM
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May the Lord be with you and heal you Heather. You will also be in my prayers.
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mammamia
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02-10-09 7:53 AM
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Wow,what a wonderful little girl...and such a compassionate man.
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Bservello
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02-10-09 7:30 AM
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I very rarely write on articles but this one I just had to comment on. Heather you have been on the prayer list at the three churches I serve as Pastor and I want you to know that it did my heart good to see this article. Nice also to hear that there are still "good people" out there that do care. You continue to be in our prayers and your family also!!!!!!!!!!! We are prayer for that "disease free" status for you. God Bless you and keep FROGing :)
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Tuna83
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02-10-09 5:53 AM
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I dont know about anyone else .... But it brought a few tears to my eyes.... God Speed Young Angel. Fight the good fight.
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Tink924
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02-10-09 4:57 AM
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Bless her heart...
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CrimeStopper
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02-10-09 1:44 AM
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God Bless and Best Wishes to a full recovery...
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