This archive report was first published on 28 August 2019.
Abby Lee Miller, a dance instructor and star of Dance Moms, has been open about her struggles with mobility after being diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma in 2018. The cancer treatment, which included 10 rounds of chemotherapy, left her with limited mobility and reliance on an electric wheelchair.
Miller's mobility declined significantly after she stopped receiving physical therapy during her chemotherapy treatment. She was unable to move her right foot or left arm, and her muscles atrophied. By the time she received physical therapy, she was unable to walk or even put on a bra properly.
Now, Miller faces new challenges, including the loss of flexibility and weight gain due to prolonged sitting. She also has to use a catheter because it takes too long to move from her chair to a regular toilet.
Miller's experiences with accessibility issues have been disappointing. She has encountered difficulties in hotels, public pools, and showers, where lift chairs are often dead or too low, making it hard for her to get back into her chair when she's wet.
Despite these challenges, Miller remains hopeful about regaining her mobility. She has undergone knee surgery and is working with physical therapists to stretch and do resistance training in the pool. Her goal is to walk again, even if it's just for short distances.
Miller's determination to overcome her physical limitations has not stopped her from instructing. She has raised and trained her dancers to know their terminology, allowing her to continue teaching despite her mobility issues.
—As told to Kristin Canning
