Boca Raton Elementary School starts fund for former student with brain cancer

Published Tuesday, September 18, 2007 By Nicol Jenkins

Most would say Michael Malone is a fighter.

At 13, he’s had to deal with daily homework while struggling with brain cancer.

His teachers call him a hero.

“Michael was always a ray of sunshine in my fourth-grade classroom,” said his former Boca Raton Elementary School teacher Mary Jo Braisted.

The local teacher said Malone showed how much he was a fighter throughout the school year. He was diagnosed with brain cancer in July of 2003.

“All during the year, Michael had to undergo both chemotherapy and radiation treatments, yet he still attended school fulltime, barely ever missing a day,” she said. Braisted added that Michael was a star athlete and scholar.

“Michael was an excellent student who especially loved math and social studies. He loved to challenge other students to the states and capitals, and multiplication facts games. He always stayed on the honor roll,” she said, adding, “Michael was also a huge basketball fan, following the Miami Heat. He actually had the opportunity to meet with Eddie Jones of the Heat, during a special visit he made to Boca Elementary to meet Michael and brought him an autographed basketball and jersey.”

Braisted said other students have also learned life lessons from Malone.

“Michael was always very open and discussed his surgeries and treatments with his classmates freely. Many times during treatments he wore a cap, but other times he didn’t, but losing his hair never kept him down. Michael continued living the life of a young boy that loved sports and video games,” she said.

Malone would have been starting eighth-grade at Don Estridge High Tech Middle School in Boca Raton, but at this time he is in the final stages of brain cancer. He is spending the time with his family.

“I have known Michael now for over four years, and will always remember his valiant fight against cancer, while still living life to the fullest,” Braisted said. “He never felt sorry for himself, or asked why. He never gave up, and was a great friend and classmate to everyone.”

Boca Raton Elementary has started a fund for the Malone Family to help raise funds for medical and all other expenses that overwhelm a family at this difficult time.

“We believe that any student, that is either with us or after they have left us, will always be a part of the Boca Raton Elementary family,” said Boca Raton Elementary School principal Bradley Henry.

Anyone that would like to help the Malone Family can send a donation to Boca Raton Elementary, Michael Malone Fund at: 103 SW 1st Avenue Boca Raton, Florida 33432, Attn: Mary Jo Braisted.