Mother of 11-Year-Old Who Attempted Suicide After Being Bullied for 'My Little Pony' Speaks Out
The mother of 11-year-old Michael Morones, who attempted suicide in February after months of being bullied for his love of "My Little Pony," is finally speaking out about her son's condition and her views on bullying in general. Sadly, the boy may suffer from "locked-in syndrome," which prevents him from communicating with loved ones.
"Sometimes our kids think they're strong and they're tough and they can handle everything, but as a parent it's our job to say, 'You know what, this is something I get to handle for you.' It's not fighting their battles for them, but it's showing them how to do it when they get older and they're equipped better to do that," Tiffany Morones-Suttle told HuffPost Live.
Morones was passionate about all things "My Little Pony" and had a collection of the toy ponies at his home in North Carolina. However, he reportedly suffered a great deal of bullying for his passion and in February, hung himself off a bunk bed railing. By the time his parents found him, he was unconscious. They rushed him to a hospital, where he was declared in a comatose state and put on life support. The young boy has become an inspiration to other young men and older men who enjoy "My Little Pony" and refer to themselves as "Bronies."
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Tiffany previously said that punishing the bullies would not do a bit of good towards ending the environment of bullying.
"I would rather teach people how to do the right thing than turn around and punish, because punishment doesn't always work," she told WTVD.
"Michael is deeply religious," his stepfather Shannon told Chicago Now. "He asked to start taking confirmation classes, and he carried a little Bible with him everywhere. He told us that he would sit at a table at lunchtime and recite Bible verses to himself, and it brought him great joy."
Morones' suicide attempt led to a special concert held in his honor. Broadway Battles Bullying starring Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Mary-Louise Parker and other celebrities committed to the cause of standing against bullying. Tiffany spoke before the performance began.
Sadly, she may have to start planning Michael's funeral given that he may be suffering from "locked-in" syndrome." That means he cannot speak or produce any movement, possibly other than eye movement or blinking, to communicate. If Michael's condition does not improve, the family may have to make a decision regarding whether to remove his life support.
