13-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Shoots Hoops with Baylor Bears

When Baylor's basketball players walked into Friday's practice, they expected another routine workout. Instead, they met someone who reminded them what real toughness looks like.

Michael Montague, a 13-year-old leukemia survivor from Midway ISD, spent the afternoon shooting hoops with the Bears at Foster Pavilion. The seventh-grader from River Valley Middle School participated through the American Cancer Society's Coaches vs. Cancer initiative, which connects young cancer fighters with college basketball teams.

"It's incredible," said Michael's father, Walter Montague. "It's so nice that the American Cancer Society can come together with Baylor and with Coach Scott Drew and continue this wonderful program."

Michael's journey began in August 2023 when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Walter described the first 30 days after diagnosis as "a blur" while they navigated treatment plans and a new normal of constant hospital visits.

For more than two years, Michael endured chemotherapy and missed his entire fifth-grade year. But two weeks ago, he rang the bell at McLane Children's Hospital in Temple, signaling his victory over cancer. "It means I'm finished. No more chemo," Michael said, describing the moment as "happy, loud, fun."

At practice, the Baylor players cracked jokes with Michael, posed for photos, and signed a basketball for him. During a three-point drill, Michael happily scooped up rebounds and fired passes back to the shooters. He and his mother Gretchen also decorated a pair of Nike shoes that Coach Scott Drew wore for Saturday's game against TCU.

Why This Inspires

Drew, whose mother Janet died of cancer in 2024, said meeting young survivors like Michael gives his team perspective. "I think it's a reality check that each and every day you're alive is a blessing," Drew said. "Losing is no fun, but being alive and having a chance to play a fun game, that's a blessing."

Center Caden Powell, who grew up in Waco and attended the same elementary school Michael completed, asked about his favorite restaurant (Masa Sushi) and favorite teacher. The easy connection showed how these moments create bridges between athletes and the communities they represent.

The Coaches vs. Cancer project began in 1993 and has raised more than $169 million for cancer research, education, and awareness. Baylor has participated for years, welcoming area children who have beaten or are battling cancer for basketball bonanzas with the team.

For Michael, who plays basketball at River Valley and Little League baseball, the experience topped any typical weekend activity. When friends ask what he did, he'll have a better answer than video games or TV: he shot hoops with the Baylor Bears.