All God's Children Preschool raises $7,000 to support family after loss to cancer

Lakewood Ranch's Kelly Miles, a teacher at All God's Children Preschool, looked around the parking lot of her workplace with a "happy heart." 

Current and past students, along with their families, gathered to honor and support Kelly's late husband, Matt, and the family he left behind. Matt died in November from cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer of the bile ducts. 

"Matt would always say, 'Look for the good,'" Kelly Miles said. "Even on our really sick days, he would always say, 'Look for the good.' This is the good."

On Jan. 31, the "Miles for the Miles Family Cozy Cocoa Dash" included a 1-mile race, a baby goat petting zoo, a hot cocoa bar, coffee from Sip n Brew and a Girl Scout cookie sale. It was organized by the All God's Children parent group and led by director Erin Bonifate and assistant director Heather Amato. 

The event raised $7,000 for Kelly and her three children — 19-year-old Makayla, 15-year-old Madalyn and 11-year-old Mason.

"The most important priority for me is maintaining a sense of normalcy and routine for my children," Kelly Miles said. "This financial support will help ease the burden of stress, allowing me to focus on what truly matters. Through this experience, both my children and I have been reminded of how deeply loved we are, and of the many people whose lives Matt touched." 

Lori Morgan's daughter Amelia, 5, is one of Kelly's previous students.

"She was always kind, warm and welcoming even when she was dealing with the stresses of her husband's cancer treatments," Lori Morgan said. "She always came to school with a smile and made the children feel loved."

Five-year-old Jack Verasco, a previous student of Kelly's, gave her a sign, thanking her for being his teacher. His mom, Sarah Verasco, said they had the best year growing and learning together.

"We were so glad to be able to come together as a community to support Kelly today and to show her how much we love and care for her and her family," Verasco said. "She has suffered an unimaginable loss and showing up today to bring some smiles and love was the least we could do."