The Northstate lost a hero Friday, Miles Isbell

Friday the Northstate lost an amazing person, they called him "Miles the Brave" because that is what he was. At 11 years old, Miles Isbell was battling cancer, but still living life to it's fullest.

This has been a difficult loss for many people in the Northstate community, and especially the for Isbell family. Miles was diagnosed with a type of brain cancer in September of 2020. Miles out of Scott Valley and Siskiyou county, had a strong community behind him in the Northstate, even when he was away receiving months of treatment in Washington and Oregon last May.

As well as support from the community, Miles also received encouragement from one of his hero's, Buster Posey,

I just want to pass along some encouragement man," Posey said in a video to Miles, "and just know that there's a lot of people out there that are pulling for you

Miles was clearly overjoyed hearing from Posey, telling him he was Buster's biggest fan.

Miles really did live his life to the fullest, and find joy in everything. Just two days ago, Miles was at Scott Valley Christian Academy, wearing gold in honor of childhood cancer awareness month in the month of September.

Miles was even the homecoming king!

Friday at Scott Valley School, it was meant to be "Rock Your School Day" dedicated to Miles Isbell. Everyone was to come dressed as a Rockstar and wear yellow and gold in honor of Miles, not knowing that this would be the same day of Miles' passing.

Scott Valley School District says we should still smile for Miles, they put out a video Friday saying: "Miles valiant fight to live and overcome the challenges he faced has taught us so many valuable life lessons. He showed us that life is a fragile precious gift. and we must cherish it in joy, as he did so everyday."

KRCR's Ana Montemor got to meet Miles at the Montague balloon festival just last month. When interviewing Miles' mom Joy Isbell, she told us that his cancer had come back for a third time. Anna said this day Miles' spirits were as high as the hot air balloons rode on that day.

Here is Anna's story, for a deeper look into Miles' time at the Festival.

According to the National Cancer Institute, "In the United States in 2022, an estimated 10,470 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed among children from birth to 14 years, and about 1,050 children are expected to die from the disease. Although cancer death rates for this age group have declined by 71 percent from 1970 through 2019, cancer remains the leading cause of death from disease among children.

When KRCR spoke to Miles' mother Joy back in May, she said funding for childhood cancer is something we need to see more of, if you would like to donate and help the cause you can visit National Pediatric Cancer Association orSt. Judeswebsite.