Disabled Boy Befriended by Gore in 2000 Race Dies
Ian Malone, a brain-damaged boy who caught Al Gore’s attention during the 2000 presidential campaign because an HMO threatened to cut his coverage, has died at age 4 1/2.
Ian died in his sleep Saturday, his parents said.
“Ian’s short life was a constant battle to improve the system for those who will come after him,” Dylan and Christine Malone said. “We will sorely miss his beautiful smile and ready laugh, and are sorry his journey had to end so soon.”
The Malones contacted Gore’s campaign for help after Aetna U.S. Healthcare, the nation’s largest medical insurer, said Ian did not qualify for in-home nursing, although a pediatrician recommended 16 hours a day of nursing care.
Gore seized on the issue, and Aetna decided to reinstate Ian’s nursing care.
Gore called the family Saturday to offer condolences.
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