"As a result of VACTERL association, Mills was born with
missing tibia and fibula bones in her right leg and underwent a below-the-knee
amputation at Shriners Children’s Chicago hospital when she was about 2. She
had her first VEPTR rod surgery for scoliosis at 4, continuing every six months
as she grew.
Mills’ positive attitude always remained intact.
After graduating from Wayne High School—where she defied the
odds and played on the golf team—Mills entered the pre-medical program at Saint
Francis in 2017. She spent about two years in the program before switching to
nursing because of her desire for more direct patient contact. Then, COVID-19
hit. At the same time, issues arose with rod pain, which led to her decision to
have spinal fusion surgery. That surgery then had to wait due to the pandemic.
After initially thinking she would come right back to Saint Francis after the
first of two surgeries, she decided to take about 18 months off.
When Mills finally returned to Saint Francis in the fall of 2022, she focused fully on her nursing degree.
Mills’ nature is to help others, too. Her dream job is to
work as a nurse at Shriners Children’s Chicago. She has been in touch with them
and remains hopeful that a spot will become available."
Cheers!
Donna
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