Thank you for supporting me—and the more than 300,000 children worldwide who will be diagnosed with cancer this year. By giving your time, talent, or financial support to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, you are helping fund critical research to give every child a better chance at a cure.
My son, Michael Manteris, was the kindest, most loving boy you could ever meet. He was deeply compassionate, and his smile had a way of lighting up every room he entered. Michael had a unique gift for making others feel seen and special—he formed meaningful connections with everyone he met.
Michael had always been healthy, but during the summer of 2016, he began experiencing what we believed were frequent colds and viruses. We took him to the doctor multiple times and were told he likely had allergies along with minor illnesses. Other symptoms—fatigue, headaches, and nausea—seemed consistent with typical preteen changes, so we did not initially suspect anything serious.
Everything changed when Michael became extremely pale and lost nearly all of his energy. We returned to the doctor and requested blood work. Within an hour of leaving the appointment, we received a call instructing us to take him to the emergency room immediately—his blood counts were dangerously low.
On October 3, 2016, Michael was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) with secondary MDS and FLT3-ITD. On his 12th birthday, he was admitted to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to begin treatment. He left behind his home in Boulder City, Nevada, along with his 9-year-old sister, Bella, his friends, and his school.
Through it all, Michael never once asked, “Why me?” He never complained. Instead, he faced every challenge with remarkable strength, courage, and positivity during what was the most terrifying time of his life.
After two rounds of chemotherapy, Michael achieved remission. To reduce the risk of relapse, he underwent a bone marrow transplant. Prior to the transplant, he received an additional round of chemotherapy to eliminate his remaining cells and allow for successful engraftment.
One week after his transplant, Michael developed severe complications and was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. He was diagnosed with VOD (veno-occlusive disease) affecting his liver and required continuous dialysis as his kidneys began to fail. After six weeks in the ICU, he showed signs of improvement and was transferred back to the Bone Marrow Transplant floor to continue his recovery.
Tragically, just five days later, Michael began struggling to breathe and was readmitted to the ICU. The chemotherapy had caused severe damage to his lungs, leading to multiple infections. He was placed on ECMO, a form of life support.
After 21 days on ECMO, we were told there were no remaining treatment options—his lungs were too damaged to recover.
Michael passed away on March 30, 2017, after a courageous five-month battle. He took his final breaths in our arms, with his little sister Bella by his side.
Childhood cancer took the life of a truly beautiful, innocent soul.
Michael loved life. His joy was contagious, and his smile unforgettable. Today, we find comfort in knowing he is healed, at peace, and free from pain. He remains our guardian angel, watching over us always.
We lovingly called him “Michael Bear,” and we are committed to keeping his legacy alive.
You can learn more about Michael at teammichaelbear.com or by searching #teammichaelbear.
Michael Nicholas Manteris
October 18, 2004 – March 30, 2017
Age 12
AML Leukemia with secondary MDS and FLT3-ITD
Today, I continue to honor Michael by volunteering and fundraising with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to help children battling cancer.
Every two minutes, a child is diagnosed with cancer worldwide—and in the United States, 1 in 5 will not survive. This is not a reality I am willing to accept.
I am asking for your support. Your donation helps fund lifesaving research so children not only survive, but thrive.
Please join me in this fight. Together, we can make a difference.
#DFYchildhoodCancers
