Why He’s Interesting: The Cleveland Heights resident’s startup, Abeona Therapeutics, develops therapies for rare genetic disorders such as Sanfilippo syndrome, which causes seizures, dementia, severe intellectual impairment and more in children. In September, the scientist-turned-entrepreneur joined 18 climbers representing the Team Sanfilippo Foundation and scaled Washington state’s Mount Rainier to raise money for research.
What’s In A Name: Miller named his company after the Roman goddess Abeona, protector of children as they leave home. “Since many of our therapies are being used to treat kids [who] have a rare disease, it seemed like an appropriate name.”
Camp Compassion: Miller became interested in medical research as a high schooler working at a Four-H camp. Every year, a group of children stricken with cystic fibrosis spent a week at the facility. “They [had] a rare genetic condition. But they [had] a daily appreciation for life.”
Black Belt: Miller began studying karate at 14. “It was something about the Zen nature. It teaches you self-control, certainly the ability to keep in shape and defend yourself and the people you care about.”
Armor Coat: The biology and medieval Renaissance studies double major belongs to the Society for Creative Anachronism, which researches and re-creates the arts and skills of pre-17th-century Europe. Miller often portrays a 14th-century French knight in foot combat re-enactments. “I’ve always been drawn to the age of chivalry.”
Peak Performance: Miller had never climbed a mountain before he ascended the 14,400-foot Mount Rainier. “I wanted to push myself to see how far I could go.” He prepared with four months of hiking, weightlifting and running.
Mother Ship: Miller’s love of How I Met Your Mother inspired him to buy the sitcom’s iconic yellow umbrella, which he totes around in a similar fashion as Ted Mosby, his favorite character. “Ted Mosby’s initials are TM, and they’re actually on the umbrella. So TM, Tim Miller, you know, it struck me as kind of funny.”
Most Interesting People 2017: Timothy Miller
The health care entrepreneur saves kids, climbs mountains and has a black belt in karate.
