Meet Malik! This 17-year-old dreamer has been a fighter since the day he was born. Diagnosed at age two with second-stage brain cancer, Malik went through many rounds of radiation in order to overcome his battle. Due to the repercussions of the chemotherapy, Malik had to relearn how to walk and talk, however, he achieved every milestone with a positive attitude. Years went by and Malik was growing stronger every day!
That was until November of 2022 when he started experiencing constant headaches, which triggered multiple seizures. Malik was taken to the hospital and put on a medication that seemed to treat his condition, until March 8, 2023. Malik’s mom received a phone call from the school nurse explaining that Malik had lost control of the right side of his face and was having trouble walking. He was rushed to the hospital, and after many tests, it was revealed that Malik had suffered two strokes due to a blood vessel in his brain being damaged by radiation when he was younger.
One would think that his spirit would show the hardships he has lived through, but that could not be further from the truth. With his big smile and an even bigger heart, Malik is working hard to overcome these new challenges, just as he did many years ago.
Malik has always had a passion for football. Whether it be playing the game with his friends or watching it on TV, football is what he looks forward to on his most difficult days.
Malik’s favorite player is Tyreek Hill. He has always had admiration for his heart, hard work, and his talent on the field. Malik’s ultimate sports dream is to live out a VIP experience with the Miami Dolphins!
