Kansas City, KS- When Camaya Miller was diagnosed with brain cancer as a baby, her family faced an uncertain future. Thanks to a team of specialists and the latest in cancer-fighting technology, Camaya recently celebrated a major milestone—one year cancer-free.
Camaya’s treatment journey included multiple brain surgeries and five rounds of chemotherapy. She received proton beam therapy at The University of Kansas Cancer Center, one of the few centers in the region offering this state-of-the-art treatment.
Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation that delivers high doses of energy directly to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. This precision is especially critical for young children like Camaya, whose brains and bodies are still developing.
“Proton therapy is a form of radiation, but the physics of it is a little bit different than other types of radiation,” said Dr. Ronald Chen, Chair of Radiation Oncology.
“I think what's really important about proton therapy is that the beam that comes out of the machine is able to stop at a particular depth, and so in the when we're using it to treat a cancer patient, that beam can actually stop at the tumor and not go beyond it.”
Dr. Ronald Rotondo, a radiation oncologist specializing in pediatric cancers, emphasized the collaborative nature of Camaya’s care.
Camaya’s mother, Carney Meade, describes the emotional and logistical challenges of the past year but credits the care team and community for helping her family through it.
Now one year cancer-free, Camaya’s journey is a powerful reminder of how innovation, compassion, and teamwork can change lives.
