A week after his 6th birthday, Michael Mosier was diagnosed with a brain tumor called DIPG, and doctors told his family that he had less than a year to live. DIPG quickly ravaged Michael’s body, stealing his ability to walk, paralyzing his right side, and even interfering with his speech and ability to smile.

As an avid athlete, Michael was heartbreakingly unable to do his favorite activities, but one thing Michael could still do was watch movies. During this time, Disney released Big Hero 6, and Michael’s parents took him to see it in the theater anytime he asked. Toward the end of Michael’s journey, Michael created a race team to raise funds for childhood brain cancer research, and he chose the name Team Big Hero Michael.

For all that DIPG took from Michael, it could not shake his spirit and bravery. Michael faced the challenges of DIPG with determination to make the best of each day, creating a “to-do list” that he would finish before going to sleep each night. After an 8.5-month battle, Michael passed away in the arms of his parents on May 17, 2015. Michael will forever be our Big Hero and inspire our fight to Defeat DIPG.