“By choosing not to internalize the negative opinions of others I have learned hurtful comments stem from ignorance and the best way to combat ignorance is education.”

- Audrey Miller

Audrey Miller

• College: Arizona State University - Fall, 2024

• Her CDH Story: As a survivor of CDH, I have encountered and overcome numerous instances of adversity. From enduring illnesses that threatened to send me to the hospital, to facing surgeries, doctors' appointments, and coping with comorbid disabilities, I have navigated a challenging path. However, these obstacles never felt like major adversity to me because it is all I have ever known. For me learning to not succumb to my peers’ comments about me, particularly my body has felt far more significant. I discovered that the less self-conscious I was and the less negatively I thought about my body, the fewer comments I received from others. My approach shifted further in eighth grade when I had to wear a back brace for scoliosis. I adopted an approach of responding to every question and comment, regardless of the tone, with education. I would explain about CDH and scoliosis, often causing a shift in the other person's attitude. Overall, my journey as a CDH survivor has been marked by overcoming adversity, both physical and emotional. Although the medical challenges were significant, it was the negative comments about my body from my peers that has truly tested my strength. By choosing not to internalize the negative opinions of others I have learned hurtful comments stem from ignorance and the best way to combat ignorance is education.

• Hobbies and Interests: I am passionate about the healthcare field and have been a member of my school’s HOSA chapter since freshman year. Through HOSA I have done volunteer work such as writing cards to breast cancer patients and making public service announcements for my school on health-related topics, like vaping. In the 2022 HOSA state leadership conference, I placed eighth in Washington State for the CPR/first aid competitive team event.

• Professional Aspirations: I am going to college to get a Bachelor of Science in nursing and then I hope to pursue a career as a pediatric registered nurse. Working in the healthcare field would be a meaningful way for me to give back to the medical professionals who have played a crucial role in my own care as a CDH survivor. By providing quality care, advocating for my patients, and ensuring their wellbeing, I aim to honor the dedicated healthcare providers who have made a difference in my life. Additionally, when I encounter CDH patients I hope I can be an inspiration. By sharing my own experiences and insights, I hope to provide a sense of reassurance, understanding, and hope to families and survivors who may feel overwhelmed or isolated.

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