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

The event was to support the family of Kelly Miles, a teacher at the school who lost her husband, Matt, in November to cancer.

By Madison Bierl
| 3:59 p.m. January 31, 2026

Dillon Desiderato and daughter Nora Desiderato share a smile during the Miles for the Miles Family Cozy Cocoa Dash fundraiser at All God's Children Preschool on Jan. 31.

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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."

All God's Children Preschool director Erin Bonifate, teacher Kelly Miles and assistant director Heather Amato's "hearts are happy" during the Miles for the Miles Family Cozy Cocoa Dash.

Madison Desiderato, a past student of Kelly Miles, runs as part of the Miles for the Miles Family Cozy Cocoa Dash on Jan. 31.

Liam Reedy was one of Kelly Miles' students last year. He is eager to cuddle with a baby goat brought by Katy and Caelan Alonge after the run.

Cary and Sarah Verasco, along with baby Charlie, walk during the Miles for the Miles Family Cozy Cocoa Dash. They have had three kids graduate from All God's Children Preschool.

The Miles family includes 11-year-old Mason, Kelly Miles, Matt Miles, Makayla Miles, 19, and Madalyn Miles, 15. Matt died in November from cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer in the bile ducts, at age 46.

Sarah Reedy runs with her 2-year-old son Warren during the Miles for the Miles Family Cozy Cocoa Dash.

Kelly Miles was joined by current and past students she has taught during her 8 years as a teacher at All God's Children Preschool for the Miles for the Miles Family Cozy Cocoa Dash.

Kelly Miles receives a sign from 5-year-old Jack Verasco thanking her for being his teacher two years after their year of learning and growing together.

Amelia Morgan, 5, and Vivien Blevins, 6, cuddle baby goats that were brought to the Miles for the Miles Family Cozy Cocoa Dash by Katy and Caelan Alonge.

Mackenzie Shinn and Janel Shinn enjoy refreshments from the Sip n Brew coffee trailer after the race. Janel says that although her children graduated from All God's Children Preschool, she was eager to return to support the Miles family.

Dawn Dinger, Kathy Schimmoller, Karen Symos and Susan Chan run the hot cocoa bar at the Miles for the Miles Family Cozy Cocoa Dash.

Gage and Alexis Sosso, parents of 2-year-old Aria who attends All God's Children Preschool, walk during the Miles for the Miles Family Cozy Cocoa Dash.

author

Madison Bierl

Madison Bierl is the education and community reporter for the East County Observer. She grew up in Iowa and studied at the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University.