A young mother, Malissa Hall, along with her family is mourning the death of her 5-year-old son, whom she says taught her the meaning of a quality life.

Garett Christopher Hall of Magnolia lost his battle with pontine glioma, or a tumor on the brain stem, on June 23. His death came 13 months after he was diagnosed, Malissa said.

In May 2010, Garett was diagnosed and doctors informed Malissa that there was no cure and no surgery available for her son. Garett’s doctors said children diagnosed with brain stem cancer usually live between 6 months to 2 years. She said initially she was shocked.

Malissa chose not to tell Garett of his ailment because he was never in pain and he felt like a normal child.

“I didn’t think he needed to know,” she said. “I wanted him to live like the average child.”

However, in the last 13 months, Malissa, a paralegal, took leave from work and made Garett’s life as meaningful as she could, letting him get the chance at things some adults are only able to put on a “bucket list.”

“He had a great life,” Malissa said.

In May 2010, Garett became a Boy Scout. Later, Troop 113 voted to make Garett an honorary Eagle Scout.

The Harris County Pct. 4 Constable’s Office chose to make Garett an honorary deputy.

Malissa said her favorite memory was when he received his badge and became an honorary deputy.

Pictured, Garett visited Ellington Field where he spent the day with Army Reserves and received a medal.

“He didn’t want to leave,” Malissa said.

He became an honorary fire chief through the Needham Fire Department and received a flight suit from the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Garett also had the opportunity to visit the Harris and Montgomery County’s SWAT teams and visit the Tomball Police Department’s GyroPlane.

In addition, Garett got to have breakfast with the Tomball Fire Department. Malissa said he became good friends with the firefighters.

“He liked adults,” Malissa said. “Most of his friends were adults.”

Malissa said his room is decorated with all of his awards. Garett was very excited and proud to receive the recognition, she added.

Garett told his mother he wanted to be a police officer, a firefighter and a solider.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation also granted Garett his wish. He chose to have a $1,000 shopping spree and ride around in a limo.

Garett joined the Superstars, a special needs baseball team. Garett couldn’t do as much physically as other children his age, Malissa said.

“He never felt he wasn’t normal,” she explained. “Physically he couldn’t do as much, but he never realized it.”

Malissa took Garett to Moody Gardens in Galveston, South Padre Island, Sea World and Natural Bridge Caverns.

Garett became more like a best friend to Malissa.

“It was like having a best friend all the time,” she said.

However, Malissa said sometimes it was hard to hold herself together in front of him, knowing his future.

Throughout all the adventures, Garett received 45 rounds of radiation. Malissa said he liked the treatments because it meant it was time for a nap.

His personality was big, happy and caring, Malissa said.

At Garett’s service, a full Honor Guard was present along with the Boy Scouts. In addition, the fire department performed a “ringing of the bell.”

Malissa said the most important thing she will take away from this experience is “fulfilling dreams.”

Comments (6)

Subscribe to this comment's feed