You Can Help 14-Year Old Abigail Miller

Abigail Miller was once active in sports and cheerleading and, according to her mother Dawn Miller, loved socializing with her friends. 

Due to her diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) at age 11, and the severe pain associated with the disease, young Abigail cannot take part in the activities that once brought her joy. 

Patch spoke to Dawn Miller about her daughter and the debilitating effects of TN.

"In the last three years I've seen my daughter lose interest in sports and having friends over after school," said Dawn. "She is in pain every day. It's like an invisible person is beating her up."

Dawn, who grew up in East Haven, along with her husband and other family members, are holding a benefit Pasta Dinner for Abigail on Thursday, July 18 at the Foxon Fire House Hall.  

After being diagnosed with TN at the tender age of 11 and going into remission for several years, the TN and its severe pain "is back with a vengeance." 

Dawn said TN is most often found in adults ages 50-75, and is more common in females.  

"It is very rare in children," she said. 

Wikipedia's description of TN said "it has been described as among the most painful conditions known to mankind. It is estimated that 1 in 15,000 or 20,000 people suffer from TN, although the actual figure may be significantly higher due to frequent misdiagnosis." 

After a major insurance battle, Abigail will have surgery to hopefully permanently correct the TN and erase all pain. It takes place August 1 in Boston. Abigail will be in the hospital for a week, then resting nearby for another week. She won't be able to travel at all for two weeks, said her mother. 

To offset the costs of the travel and accommodation expenses, the family is holding the benefit dinner. 

Through the power of the Internet and Social Media, Abigail has made friends with two girls, one in Virginia and one in California, who also had TN and had successful surgeries. 

"She's dealing with all this pretty well," said Dawn. 

If you'd like to help out Abigail Miller and her family, please come to the Benefit Dinner July 18 at the Foxon Fire House Hall in East Haven.  The event takes place from 2pm to 10pm.  Adults - $15; children 12 and under $5.  Contact Dawn Miller at 203-903-5207 for tickets or purchase them at the door at the day of the event.