Michael’s Story

Michael Malone was diagnosed with Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma on December 21st, 2009. Neuroblastoma is an aggressive pediatric cancer that strikes approximately 650 children a year in the U.S., with nearly all cases being reported before the age of 5. Michael was 4 when his cancer was discovered. He loved playing baseball, basketball, soccer, word games, drawing, swimming, and going to school. He loved to win, he loved to laugh and he never gave up on anything.

Michael courageously completed over 20 rounds of chemotherapy, a bone marrow stem cell transplant, and 52 radiation treatments.  Michael also participated in a six month Phase 3 Clinical Trial called ch14.18 beginning in September 2010.  During the trial he was in the hospital one to two weeks every month receiving antibody infusions. In February 2012, Michael endured two major surgeries to remove two rapidly growing tumors from his spine and his left eye orbit.

Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of his team of dedicated doctors at hospitals across the country, Michael’s disease progressed beyond any further treatment options. Michael spent his last days as comfortably as possible, at home with hospice, and surrounded by his loving family. He was granted his angel wings on Saturday, June 23, 2012.