Dear Friends,
UPDATE: May was a full month for Michael and his family filled with some wonderful moments. Michael received visits from such famous athletes as Troy Aikman and Michael Young. They each visited the Malone home and spent time with Michael, signing items and visiting with the family.
Last week, Michael graduated from Meadowbrook Kindergarten in a beautiful ceremony. What an accomplishment and special moment for the family.
Michael also had three Friday afternoon parties in his front yard with friends and family. These events included pizza, hamburgers, a Marble Slab ice cream bar, bounce houses and water slides. Not a bad way to spend May! The most exciting Friday party was on May 11th when Michael was visited by the local FBI, Homeland Security, and Dallas/University Park/Highland Park police officers. The visit included a helicopter fly-by and was covered by all of the major local news stations. Please see the following link from the home page of the Diplomatic Security Service: state.gov/m/ds/.
Thank you to all of the friends who graciously donated and supported the May Friday parties. And thank you to all of you who set up special events for Michael, like the visit from the Highland Park cheerleaders, the picture with the Dallas Mavericks trophy and going to the Rangers batting practice. The Malones are extremely grateful for your generosity and your thoughtfulness, and they will treasure these memories with Michael.
Michael finished up radiation on his left eye orbit last week. He began radiation on his spine this week and will complete this round on June 4th. Radiation is being done to treat the pain and symptoms he is experiencing from the three tumors. Michael will be scanned on June 8th and 18th, at which time the family and Michael’s doctors will determine the next steps in treating his pain.
Michael turns 7 on June 7th!! The family will be spending it together, allowing Michael to plan his special day.
Michael is on several medications for pain, including three heavy/class two narcotics. These medications can sometimes cause extreme agitation and mood swings, so Michael has good days and bad days. Therefore, the family is limiting Michael’s play dates at this time. It is very difficult to predict whether he can have visitors until one or two hours before the play date. Thank you for understanding.
Thank you to all of you who have signed up to bring meals. There are truly no words to express how thankful the family is for the support. These meals have been a big help – relieving them of one more thing to think about. Thank you. If you were unable to sign up in time, please send me an email for our back up list. There may be some days not listed that the family needs dinner delivered.
The Malones find great strength in the notes, cards, and emails sent. Please continue to send your thoughts. They may not be able to reply, but please know your support is giving them strength to move forward each day. Visitors from both in and out of town are welcome, with the understanding that plans may have to be rescheduled at the last minute.
Please keep the following in your prayers: prayers for pain management, for the decisions about the next treatment plan in order to keep him comfortable, for the family unit as they work to support Michael and one another this summer.
Blessings,
Evelyn Costolo
214.683.8511