Stephen Miller ’93 is looking forward to his 10th high school reunion in November, which he says will “feel like coming home.”
After attending Savannah Christian Preparatory School from kindergarten through 12th grade, Miller received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Georgia Southern University and a master’s degree in prosthetic engineering. He is a certified prosthetist/orthotist with Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics, Inc. in Savannah.
Stephen’s middle school years were shadowed by his diagnosis of osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, at the tender age of 11. Yet, the amputation of a leg didn’t stop Stephen from continuing in school sports at SCPS.
“I was a very active child,” said Stephen, “and my family is very sports-oriented. They inspired me to get back into playing sports.”
Surgeons utilized a procedure known as rotation plasty, which involved replacing Miller’s knee with his ankle bone. He wears a prosthesis, but he never sat on the sidelines. Six months following surgery, he was on the middle school basketball court and played on the football team throughout upper school.
“I also did the shot put in track,” said Miller. “I compensated for my reduced speed by working out and doing pushups while everyone else ran.” In the 10th grade, the prosthesis he received required constant readjustments. The prosthetist was not very good, but the experience turned out to be the first steps on the path to a successful career.
“We had to go back and forth to Gainesville every week for adjustments,” Miller said. After repeated trips to Florida to correct his original poorly-fitted artificial limb, Miller began working with Hanger as a summer employee. “That showed me how a really good prosthetist can get you back going and moving again,” said Miller. “It was always in the back of my mind to do this kind of work.”
Miller was one of the first patients in the United States to receive a rotation plasty, now one of the most preferred types of operation for those facing amputation. He is the primary contact in his company for persons receiving this type of prosthesis. He enjoys helping other children cope with the prospect of surgery, and will soon provide a prosthesis for a Russian child traveling to America to undergo the operation.
“I have videos of myself playing sports to share with children who are candidates for this popular surgery,” said Miller. “It shows them what they can expect in their future.”
The children can also see that Miller walks without a limp and that his appearance belies the fact that his leg is not his own. Miller is still a strong, physically fit and muscular young man and continues to be an inspiration to his patients.
He is also very grateful for his years at SCPS. “I love Savannah Christian,” said Miller. “I made a lot of good friends there and it’s a great place where you can come back and always feel welcome.”
Stephen Miller ’93 is looking forward to his 10th high school reunion in November, which he says will “feel like coming home.”
