UP Boy, Family Make Enduring Memories
Last Friday, I covered a story about a young University Park boy named Michael Malone.
Michael is now in his final stages with Stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma, a malignant tumor that develops from nerve tissue. Although the 6-year-old has been given a few months to live, his family has made it a mission to try and make his last days memorable.
Every Friday, the Malone’s have planned events so that he can forget about the cancer and the pain it causes and enjoy being a kid again. The week I met them, they were having a block party of sorts with Police and Special Agents giving Michael demonstrations on their vehicles and equipment — Dallas Police even gave Michael his own personal flyover in a helicopter.
But to me, the most amazing thing about that day was the community and neighborhood who have rallied around the Malone’s.
Preston Hollow resident Tracy Rathbun met the Malone’s through the Meadowbrook School where both Michael and her children attend. Rathbun said she remembers two years ago when the community found out he was diagnosed, the support for the Malone’s wasn’t just through a fundraiser that brought in more than $100,000 for Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer, but in emotional and daily support as well.
“Everything from their care calendar, where people bring food to them in the hospital — knowing that he’s had to be in isolation part of this time — to his teachers going up to the school and reading to him on a daily basis. It’s been overwhelming,” Rathbun said. “He’s a special kid, and they’re a special family.”
Pick up this week’s Park Cities People to read more about the pure community taking place with the Malone’s in the Park Cities.
Good story, Andrew! I really liked knowing about Michael Malone and his neighbors. Thanks for making us more aware of children suffering with cancer and the things we as a neighbor can do to help. Glad to hear about the bounce house, too!
It’s painful to hear about adult’s battling cancer. But, kids should never have to endure that kind of pain and suffering.
Looking forward to the print edition info.; good work Andrew.