“I’ve Always Loved…” – 16-Year-Old Kidney Transplant Recipient Fulfills Her Dream of Becoming a Cheerleader for the Vikings

Monday Night Football was recently etched with an unforgettable moment. And it wasn’t even anything related to the gameplay! For this story, we switch our focus to the Minnesota Vikings cheerleading space. On October 23, the football universe was adorned with a heartwarming story that aggravated the essence of the game. 

It was Sylvia Miller, a sixteen-year-old kidney transplant recipient who got an opportunity to live her dreams as a Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader. This article explores Miller’s remarkable journey from her health struggles to securing a spot on the sidelines of an NFL game. 

That moment when the cheerleading dream of Sylvia Miller came true

The Apple Valley resident grabbed the spotlight during the prime-time football game at the US Bank Stadium. The real star of the night was lucky enough to live her dream and shared her experience with CBS News, “I’ve always loved the Vikings Cheerleaders. Every time I got to a game, I love watching them.” 

Having admired the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders, little did Sylvia Miller know that one day she would make it to being a cheerleader for a day. Apart from participating during the Monday night game, she basked in a full cheerleader experience that included receiving professional hair, and makeup and getting a cubby of her own in the locker room to team headshots. 

Miller received the treatment like an actual MVC team member that apart from fulfilling her aspiration provided her with a distraction from her medical challenges. 

A memory of a lifetime surpassing all challenges

Sylvia Miller was born with only one kidney and that under formed and damaged, riddled with cysts aggravated her physical complications. In order to bring her health under control, last summer she underwent a complicated kidney transplant at the renowned Mayo Clinic. However, no matter how much impact her illness had on her health, Miller refused to allow it to come in her way of living her aspirations.

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Jaclyn Miller, Sylvia’s mother shared insights about her daughter’s passion for making her way as a cheerleader for MVC, “She could spell ‘Vikings’ before she could spell her own name.” In this journey, the Mayo Clinic has played a crucial role in recognizing Miller’s strength that she exhibited throughout her medical journey, nominating her for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

For a change, Miller was an integral part of the cheerleading action instead of being just a spectator. One of the unforgettable moments for her was to be greeted by the star player of the Vikings, Harrison Smith.  

In this way, a one-night event turned into an experience that Sylvia Miller is going to cherish forever. Her journey field with highs and lows highlights her indomitable spirit that encouraged her to face the challenges that life posed at her with a smile making her a hero on and off the field. 

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