St. Bernadette Kids Rally Around First-Grader with Cancer

The entire and parish community is doing everything they can to show their support for first-grader Michael Orbany.

The 6-year-old from Rocky River was diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer in October, underwent a successfull surgery and is now undergoing chemotherapy. He comes to school at St. Bernadette when he can, and keeps up with his studies from home when he can't.

"He loves school," said his grandmother Judy McNea. "Once I asked him if he had any homework and he told me no because he was ahead of the class."

His classmates have been selling prayer cards and bracelets, and collecting donations for care packages to send to children in the hospital. Most recently, they gathered donations through a kickball tournament.

Michael's mother Georgianne Orbany organized the event with the school through Kick-It, a fundraising group founded by a 10-year-old boy with cancer. All proceeds will go to The Children's Oncology Group.

"The outpouring from the staff, the students and the whole parish for Michael has been overwhelming," Orbany said. "It's what the children want to do for Michael and this is just a perfect fit."