Dave Miller and his family: From left, Jaya, Brooke, Brynna, Baylie and Cason (not pictured: Kado).
Brooke and Dave
recently adopted
their second
son, Kado, from
the Democratic
Republic of Congo.
KNOW WHERE TO GO
For more information
about Kootenai’s
emergency services, visit
kootenaihealth.org
.
Every Moment a Gift
DAV E M I L L ER CAME C LOSE TO L I V I NG
A V ERY D I F F ERENT L I F E
Dave credits his recovery to the
early care he received.
“Without the excellent emer-
gency care I received at Kootenai,
I wouldn’t even be here to talk
about it,” he said. “The doctors
and nurses were so supportive and
friendly to both me and my family.”
Since being spokespeople for
the Festival of Trees, the Millers
have gotten back into their hobbies
and daily life with their kids. The
Miller family enjoys spending time
together and being active—hiking,
playing sports and biking are some
of their favorite pastimes. Dave
has even completed two Ironman
triathlons since recovering from his
injury.
Brooke and Dave also adopted
their second son, Kado, from the
Democratic Republic of Congo this
year.
“I was always a grateful person
before,” he said. “But I appreciate
moments a lot more and find
myself thinking, ‘This may not have
been happening.’ I think life is a
By Andrea Nagel
When we
last spoke with
Dave and Brooke Miller back
in 2010, the Festival of Trees
was raising support to enhance
emergency services at Kootenai
Health.
It was hard to tell that Dave
had been injured in a soccer
accident just a year or so before.
The accident fractured his skull
in 21 places and left him in a
coma for 12 days.
“When the accident first hap-
pened and we got to the hospital,
we were very aware that he could
die,” Brooke said. “Dr. Ganz was
very open and honest and told
us he wasn’t sure if Dave would
make it.”
Thankfully, Dave progressed
better than expected and soon
started physical therapy, relearn-
ing how to walk, talk and master
basic living skills. Little by little
he grew stronger and became
more capable and independent.
little sweeter now—I really appreci-
ate every little moment.”
Both Brooke and Dave hoped
that by participating in the Fes-
tival of Trees, they could help
other families enjoy more moments
together as well.
“It was good to be able to give
back in a different way and learn
about what the Festival of Trees does
for our community,” Brooke said.
Since the Millers and the
Kootenai Health Foundation
worked to raise support for
emergency services, the Kootenai
Health emergency department
has begun working toward level 3
trauma designation through the
American College of Surgeons.
KOO T ENA I HE A LT H . ORG
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EMERGENCY SERVICES
