Kids with Cancer

Remembering Michael Orbany on His 10th Birthday

by Rebecca Bernot, St. Baldrick's Foundation
June 10, 2014

Today is Michael Orbany’s 10th birthday, and the first one his family will celebrate without him. You can honor Michael’s memory by supporting childhood cancer research with a donation to his Hero Fund.

Michael Orbany collage
Michael Orbany loved building with LEGOS, reading books, and playing outside whenever he could. He loved going to the zoo, although his favorite animal was his own dog, Rigby.

But more than anything, Michael loved going to school. And when he was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer, at age 6, he wanted nothing more than to be in the classroom surrounded by his friends instead of in the hospital, at the doctor’s, or at home recovering from treatment.

Orbany family

Michael with his family.

Michael’s school, St. Bernadette Catholic School in Westlake, Ohio, supported him throughout his childhood cancer journey. Last year, they threw him a surprise early birthday party. The football team sported his initials on the back of their helmets. They found countless ways to encourage him to “NEGU” — never, ever give up — a slogan Michael fully embraced after he learned his cancer had relapsed.
St. Bernadette football helmets with Michael Orbany's initials

The St. Bernadette football team sports Michael’s initials on the back of their helmets.

Watch the video Michael’s school made for him in February.

On February 28, Michael’s school held a St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event in his honor, raising over $63,000 for childhood cancer research. Michael’s art teacher, Kristen Fox, led the fundraising charge, promising to shave her head if her team could raise $10,000.

Her team eventually raised over $27,000, and Kristen shaved a special message for Michael on the side of her head.

Marianne-Mangan.JPG

Photo by Marianne Mangan.

Michael never, ever gave up. For three and a half years, he endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries. His faith never wavered — even when he learned his cancer had spread to his spine, and even when he learned the treatment wasn’t working.

When he was too tired to go to school, he took pleasure in the company of friends who came to visit. When he was unable to walk, he would go for strolls in his wheelchair, or he would ask his mom and dad to drive him around the neighborhood.

And he was always smiling.

“People young and old were drawn to him because of his genuine smile,” Michael’s mom, Georgianne, said. “It was also a true reflection of his shining spirit from the inside and out. Michael was a truly happy, faith-filled child and wanted to share that with others.”

Michael Orbany smile collage

Michael passed away on May 1, the first day of Brain Cancer Awareness Month. He was 9.

“Michael was a truly happy, faith-filled child and wanted to share that with others,” his mom said.

“Today, Michael is claiming victory,” Georgianne said as she addressed the crowd at Michael’s funeral. “Please always remember and spread the word for me — Michael did not lose his battle.

“Our world has much work to do in curing childhood cancer. That’s where we lost the battle for him.”

Today, Michael’s friends, family, and supporters are carrying on his fight against childhood cancer through his Hero Fund, Miracles for Michael.

“From the time Michael was diagnosed with cancer, he did not spend one day letting his illness define his life,” Georgianne said. “This Hero Fund was created for our son so that we may use his legacy, his many lessons that he taught us throughout his short life, to find a cure for medulloblastoma. Michael would want it that way.”

On the day Michael passed away, his school decorated the hallways for him. Messages of love and inspiration brightened the school’s windows, a reminder that Michael’s spirit is always present.

St. Bernadette window collage

As Michael’s friends and family struggle to adapt to a new life without him, they draw comfort and strength from Michael’s resilient, unwavering spirit with their new motto: “NEGU Is For Us Now.”

Michael’s family, friends, and supporters are raising money for childhood cancer research through his St. Baldrick’s Hero Fund, Miracles for Michael. Honor his memory with a donation.

Donate to Miracles for Michael

Watch the video Michael’s school made for him in February:

Read more kids’ cancer stories:


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