Logan Reid
Abby Lee Miller is a famous dance coach and reality TV star, best known for her appearance on the hit show 'Dance Moms'. In 2018, Miller was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which was discovered during an emergency back surgery. After her battle with cancer, Miller was left needing a wheelchair after becoming paraplegic. In 2025, Miller sued a Los Angeles hospital for nearly $1.5 million, alleging that doctors left a catheter inside her abdomen after spinal surgery in 2020.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of diagnosis | 2018 |
| Diagnosis | Burkitt lymphoma |
| Type of lymphoma | Rare and aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma |
| Location of cancer | Spine |
| Surgery | Spinal surgery |
| Remission | September 2018 |
| Side effects | Paraplegic |
| Chemo side effects | Brittle bones |
| Hospital | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center |
| Year of suing | 2025 |
| Damages | $1.5 million |
| Prison sentence | 2016 |
| Prison sentence duration | One year and one day |
| Prison sentence reason | Bankruptcy fraud |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Abby Lee Miller was diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma in 2018
Abby Lee Miller, the famous dance coach known for her appearance on the hit show "Dance Moms", was diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma in 2018. Miller had been experiencing neck pain and was rushed to the hospital for a sedated MRI. The cancer was in her spine, and she underwent spinal surgery, followed by chemotherapy. The disease left her paraplegic, and she has been wheelchair-bound since her surgery. Burkitt Lymphoma is a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that can affect the jaw, bones of the face, bowel, kidneys, ovaries, and sometimes spreads to the central nervous system.
Miller's health struggles began before her cancer diagnosis. In 2016, she was sentenced to a year in prison for bankruptcy fraud. She claims that her time in prison negatively impacted her health, as she was taken off her thyroid and diabetes medication abruptly. She alleges that this led to her becoming paralyzed. Miller was released from prison in 2018 due to her ongoing health issues.
In 2020, Miller underwent spinal surgery again, and she sued the hospital in 2025, alleging that doctors left a catheter inside her abdomen. She experienced persistent abdominal pain, and a CT scan revealed a foreign object, which was surgically removed. Miller continues to deal with health issues and has had multiple surgeries and broken bones due to the side effects of chemotherapy. In 2021, she underwent another surgery on her spine and shared her ongoing struggles with her health.
Miller has been open about her health journey and reflected on the challenges she has faced. In April 2022, she posted on Instagram about the anniversary of the last time she walked, expressing the horrific pain she endured. Despite her challenges, Miller continues to teach young dancers and has become an Instagram star and podcaster.
Pneumonia Never Events: Hospital-Acquired Infections and Patient Safety
You may want to see also
Explore related products
She was left paraplegic after spinal surgery
In 2018, Abby Lee Miller, the famous dance instructor and reality television personality, found herself in a life-altering situation. She was admitted to the hospital and subsequently left paraplegic following spinal surgery. The events leading up to this involved Miller experiencing severe neck pain and receiving a diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Miller's hospitalization and subsequent paralysis came as a shock to many of her fans and students. She had been experiencing persistent neck pain for some time and, upon seeking medical attention, was initially misdiagnosed. It was only after her condition rapidly deteriorated that the correct diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma was made. This aggressive cancer required immediate treatment, and Miller underwent several spinal surgeries as a result.
The surgeries aimed to alleviate the pressure on her spine and address the issues caused by the cancer. Unfortunately, one of the procedures resulted in Miller suffering paraplegia, which is a form of paralysis that affects the lower half of the body. This left her unable to move or feel sensations in her legs and significantly impacted her mobility and independence.
Being left paraplegic was a devastating outcome for Miller, both physically and emotionally. She had to undergo intensive physical rehabilitation to learn how to adapt to her new condition and manage daily tasks. It also meant that she had to step back from her passionate and intense involvement in dance, which had been a central part of her life and career.
The road to recovery was challenging for Miller, as she had to come to terms with her new physical limitations and the impact they had on her life. She persevered through it all, showing remarkable resilience and determination. Miller's experience also brought attention to the potential risks and complications of spinal surgery, highlighting the importance of comprehensive patient care and accurate diagnoses.
This situation brought about a new phase in Miller's life, one that involved adapting to physical challenges and embracing a different pace. Her journey serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of health issues and how they can drastically alter one's life path.
Amanda Riley's Elaborate Hoax: Faking Hospital Stays
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Miller sued a hospital for leaving a catheter in her abdomen
In 2018, Abby Lee Miller, the former star of the reality television show *Dance Moms*, sued a hospital for alleged negligence during her spinal surgery the previous year. Miller claimed that the surgeons left a one-inch sponge in her spine, causing her to endure two additional corrective surgeries and requiring her to use a walker or wheelchair for mobility.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleged that the surgeons and medical staff at the hospital were negligent in their care and caused her permanent damage. According to the lawsuit, Miller suffered from a rare spinal infection that required emergency surgery in April 2017. During the procedure, a sponge was allegedly left in her spine, causing ongoing pain and requiring further treatment.
The legal complaint stated that "As a direct result of the defendants' negligence, [Miller] was forced to undergo subsequent surgeries, including a surgery to remove the sponge, and has been left with chronic pain and limited mobility." Miller sought unspecified damages for her injuries, emotional distress, and the ongoing medical treatment she required.
This was not the only legal issue Miller faced during this time. She was also indicted and pleaded guilty to bankruptcy fraud in 2016, for which she served time in federal prison. These health and legal issues caused her to leave *Dance Moms* before returning for its final season.
Miller's lawsuit against the hospital is a clear example of the potential consequences of medical negligence and the importance of ensuring patient safety during surgical procedures. It also highlights the legal options available to patients who suffer harm due to the negligence of medical professionals. It is a reminder that even celebrities are not immune to medical mistakes and the potential for life-altering consequences.
Hospital PBX Operators: Vital Communication Link
You may want to see also
Explore related products
She was released from prison in 2018 due to health issues
Abby Lee Miller, the founder of the Abby Lee Dance Company, is a well-known dance coach and choreographer. She is best recognised for her strict and eccentric antics on the popular reality TV show Dance Moms, which she led from 2011 until 2016. In 2017, she was sentenced to a year in prison for bankruptcy fraud.
In 2018, Abby Lee Miller was released from prison due to her ongoing health issues. That same year, she was diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The cancer was found in her spine, and she underwent spinal surgery, followed by chemotherapy and numerous other surgeries. Miller went into remission in September 2018 and was declared cancer-free in May 2019. However, the after-effects of the cancer treatment left her with brittle bones, prone to breakage.
Miller has been wheelchair-bound since her first spinal cord surgery in 2018. She claims that her time in prison contributed to her paralysis as she was taken off her thyroid and diabetes medication abruptly. In a podcast interview, she stated that she was "punished" and had to stop her medication "cold turkey" while incarcerated. Miller also expressed her belief that if her condition had been diagnosed earlier, she might have avoided becoming paralysed.
In addition to her health struggles, Miller has faced other challenges. In 2020, she issued an apology for racist remarks, resulting in Lifetime severing ties with her. Miller has also been sued multiple times by former cast members and their parents for assault, emotional distress, and creating a hostile environment.
Despite these difficulties, Miller continues to teach young dancers and has become an Instagram star and podcaster. She remains focused on her recovery and achieving her dreams for the future.
Dr. Robert West: Where He Practices Medicine
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Miller has been cancer-free since 2019
Abby Lee Miller, the famous dance coach known for her strict and over-the-top antics on the hit show "Dance Moms", has had a challenging journey with her health. In 2018, Miller underwent emergency back surgery, during which doctors discovered she had Burkitt lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The cancer affected her spine, and she subsequently underwent spinal surgery, entering remission in September of that year.
However, Miller's battle with cancer left her with paraplegia, and she has used a wheelchair ever since. In 2020, Miller underwent another spinal surgery, and it was during this procedure that a catheter was allegedly left inside her abdomen, according to a lawsuit she filed against Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and two doctors in 2025. Miller claimed that she suffered for years due to the object left inside her, and in June 2024, a CT scan revealed the bright blue catheter, which was then surgically removed.
Miller's health struggles also coincided with legal troubles. In 2017, she was sentenced to a year in prison for bankruptcy fraud and was released in 2018 due to her health issues. Miller has attributed her time in prison as another reason for her being in a wheelchair, claiming that she was "punished and taken off [her] blood pressure medication." Despite these challenges, Miller has been cancer-free since 2019. She has expressed her dreams and determination to continue her recovery, stating in 2019 that she was undergoing physical therapy and striving to "learn to sit up again, to crawl and maybe with a miracle someday I'll walk."
Miller's health journey has been well-documented on social media, particularly on Instagram, where she has shared updates and reflections on her condition. In April 2022, she posted about the anniversary of the last time she walked, detailing the horrific pain she experienced before her lymphoma diagnosis. Miller's transparency about her health has garnered support from her followers, with many praising her strength and resilience.
While Miller continues to face health challenges, her cancer-free status since 2019 is a testament to her perseverance and the effectiveness of her treatment. She remains an inspiration to many, showcasing her indomitable spirit and determination to reclaim her mobility and live a fulfilling life.
Maddie's Age: Southern Hospitality Star's Youth Explored
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Abby Lee Miller was hospitalised in 2018 after experiencing "horrific pain" and becoming paralysed from the neck down. She was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma called Burkitt Lymphoma.
Burkitt Lymphoma is a rare but highly aggressive (fast-growing) form of cancer. It can affect the jaw, face bones, bowel, kidneys, ovaries, and sometimes the central nervous system.
Yes, Miller sued Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai hospital in 2025 for medical malpractice, alleging that doctors left a catheter inside her abdomen after spinal surgery in 2020.
Yes, Miller served time in prison for bankruptcy fraud in 2016. She was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release.
Yes, Abby Lee Miller was a star of the Lifetime reality television show Dance Moms. She appeared on the show for eight seasons from 2011 until 2019.
