A 16-year-old kidney transplant recipient became a Vikings Cheerleader for Monday Night Football
MINNEAPOLIS — The Vikings were not the only ones who had a big win Monday night.
A teenager from Apple Valley had a night that she will never forget.
For this prime-time football game, 16-year-old Sylvia Miller got to be a Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader.
"I've always loved the Vikings Cheerleaders. Every time I go to a game, I love watching them," said Miller.
Miller got the full experience of being a cheerleader on game day. From professional hair and make-up, to her own cubby in the locker room and team headshots, to being treated like an actual MVC team member.
For Miller, this experience was a much-needed distraction.
"She was only born with one kidney that was damaged and never fully formed, and full of cysts," said Jaclynn Miller, Sylvia's mom.
Jaclynn Miller says her daughter underwent a kidney transplant this past summer. Her medical team at the Mayo Clinic nominated her daughter for Make-A-Wish, and her wish was to meet the Vikings and be a cheerleader for a game.
"She could spell 'Vikings' before she could spell her own name," said Jaclynn Miller.
"Harrison Smith said 'hi' to me, and that was crazy, I was flabbergasted," said Sylvia Miller.
Once ready to go, Sylvia Miller stood on the sideline for "Showtime," and was in awe of her heroes, the players, running past her. Then she was handed her pom poms and got to cheer the very first 'SKOL' chant of the game.
"This is something I'll remember forever," she said.
In that moment on the sideline, she was reminded how much she truly has to cheer for.
"It's been a lot over the last year. A lot of highs and lows, and I think it makes you really appreciate the good things in life," said Sylvia Miller.
Her kidney transplant was successful and she's currently on the road to recovery hoping this kidney lasts many decades.
