One-Year Anniversary of Son’s Death Honored by Family at Seahawks Game

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On October 12, 2007, BJ Miller was in an automobile accident that took his life—and made him a hero to six people who received his organs and corneas. BJ’s favorite pastime was watching football with his Dad and cheering for his two beloved teams—the Green Bay Packers from his Dad’s hometown and his team to which he had season tickets, the Seattle Seahawks. The pallbearers at BJ’s funeral wore Seahawks attire on one side of the casket while the other side sported Packers outfits.

Exactly one year later—October 12—the Seahawks host the Packers at Qwest Field—where his family will be on hand to remember their son exactly one year after his passing.

“I would say it was an amazing coincidence that the anniversary of BJ’s death is when the Seahawks play the Packers, but I know it is BJ at work—giving all of us a place to remember him in the way he would have wanted us to,” says Daria Miller, BJ’s mom.

BJ was just beginning college. He was an avid athlete who was captain of the Sunnyside High School football team throughout high school. He excelled at baseball, actually pitching a no-hitter game and loved playing golf with his dad, John. He worked hard in school and played hard. Over 2,000 people attended his memorial service in the small town of Sunnyside, Washington. Prior to his death, BJ spoke to his family about his wish to become an organ donor. In his passing, BJ gave the gift of life to 4 people and restored sight for 2 people through cornea donation.

“Organ donation has made this incredibly difficult time easier in knowing that BJ lives on and is doing in death what he did in life—helping whoever he can,” says John Miller.

John and Daria Miller will be present for the game as they are for every Seahawks game as season ticket holders. But this game is unlike any other. They will be marking this day as a celebration of BJ’s life, and the gifts of life he gave to others upon his death. Joined by family and friends, the Millers will remember BJ, his amazing smile, curly hair, magnetic personality, his love for life, the lives he saved through donations and his passion for the game of football.

For more information on organ, eye and tissue donation or to register to be a donor, go to www.donatelifetoday.com.

Media Welcome; call for arrangements by WEDS, OCT 8: Julie Monica, 206-595-4183 or JulieM@lcnw.org