An 11-year-old fan of “My Little Pony” is in the hospital after attempting suicide because he was being bullied for liking the iconic cartoon and toys.
The mother of Michael Morones walked in just in time, but oxygen to his brain had been cut off after his attempt at hanging himself, leaving the boy in North Carolina’s WakeMed with a tube down his throat and potentially life-long brain damage.
“He’s the kid that never walks. He dances everywhere,” said Michael’s mother, Tiffany Morones-Suttle. “He’s so full of energy. He’s always on the move.”
According to his parents, Michael was that way even after being tormented by bullies for being a fan of “My Little Pony.” Turns out, the cartoon has a growing fan club — men and boys known as “Bronies.”
But the teasing got the best of the happy boy.
“He hung himself off the side of the bunk bed, off the railing,” said Tiffany.
“We won’t know for months how much is going to heal,” said Tiffany. “It could even be years before we find out what potential for healing he has.”
Michael’s parents, however, aren’t upset with the kids who were bullying their son. Instead, they are trying to take a lesson from the cartoon their son adored.
“It teaches the most basic moral values to a lot of complex thoughts,” said Michael’s step-father, Shannon Suttle.
Fans of the show, like Michael, try to live the motto that friendship is magic.
“I’ve heard a lot of people say you need to go after bullies and hold them responsible,” said Tiffany. “But you know, I don’t think that’s what Mike would want. I would rather teach people how to do right than turn around than punish, because punishment doesn’t always work.”
That hasn’t stopped the bullying from kids and adults.
Incredibly, the bullying hasn’t stopped. Michael’s parents say just Sunday night on a generally supportive website, a few people left very hurtful comments.
But as of now, they are focused on Michael’s recovery and showering him with the things he loved most — those ponies.
Money can be donated at any State Employees Credit Union under the Michael Morones Recovery Fund, Checks can also be mailed to: The Michael Morones Recovery Fund, c/o Team Trivia Inc., 1380 Woodvine Way, Alpharetta GA 30005, or through PayPal at csuttle3@gmail.com.
SOURCE: ABC Local | PHOTO CREDIT: Screengrab
