Watertown teen, CM student raises $17K for cancer research

(Courtesy: Catholic Memorial)

Mike Slonina (far left) presents a check Monday to support the work at MGH's Curry Research Lab, where doctors treated his mother last year for a tumor.

By Cindy Cantrell, Globe Correspondent

Eighteen-year-old Mike Slonina of Watertown presented a check Monday for $17,000 for brain cancer research at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Curry Research Lab, where his mother, Betsy Cullen, was treated last year for a tumor.

Mike, a senior at Catholic Memorial School in West Roxbury, raised the money by shooting a basketball for 24 consecutive hours last month.

During the event, ‘‘A Shot for Life,’’ Mike made 5,930 of 8,101 baskets, shooting with 72 percent accuracy. He rested for 10 minutes each hour and was cheered on by hundreds of supporters, including Boston Mayor Thomas Menino.

Basketball has always been an escape for Mike, as when he took shots for four hours after learning of his mother’s diagnosis in April 2010.

But it is also a passion for the teen, who has been the school’s basketball team manager for four years. Nerve damage in his left ankle ended his playing days at age 13.

While Mike says his teammates and coaches have ‘‘never made me feel less,’’ the shoot-a-thon served as redemption for the frustration of watching his teammates from the sidelines.

‘‘It took every ounce of willpower, but I’m very competitive and stubborn, so not for one second did it cross my mind that I wouldn’t finish,’’ said Mike, who broke down in tears amid a standing ovation after sinking the final basket.

‘‘I put my whole heart and soul into it, and words cannot express how much I appreciate everyone’s support. Because even though my mom’s prognosis is good now, the money I raised could save someone else’s mother.’’