Ryan Miller, a leading NHL goaltender for Buffalo Sabres, along with his father, Dean Miller, established the Steadfast Foundation in 2006. Born out of his own family's experience battling cancer, Miller explains what the Steadfast Foundation is all about:

"Each year cancer strikes too many people, including thousands of children and young adults. Last year my 17 year-old cousin, Matt, was diagnosed with leukemia bringing a terrifying reality to the forefront of my family’s life.

Through his experiences I have gained a new perspective and understanding of what a young person goes through while fighting a disease. In response I felt compelled to help raise awareness and resources that would help mitigate the “Battle” that so many face. This is why I have created The Steadfast Foundation, a non-profit corporation, with a mission to provide benefit to those in need in and around the communities of Lansing, Michigan and Buffalo, New York.

Through the Steadfast Foundation I am reaching out to make the public aware of our efforts to provide much needed support and resources to those suffering the ill-effects and life-altering consequences of cancer, especially all forms of childhood leukemia. The Steadfast Foundation’s philosophy is that communities can mobilize to generate those resources.

Our goal is to provide patients and their families support to help develop and maintain positive attitudes and help nurture an environment conducive to effectively battling the disease and dealing with challenging circumstances with as little pain as possible."