Mary lovingly interacts with her young son, Malichi, in this image. The seven-year-old with the captivating smile is the youngest of Mary’s three sons. He looks up to his two older brothers. Sadly, his sister passed away five years ago from a serious health condition.
Even with his bright personality, Malichi has significant health challenges. The photo partially shows the casts on both of his legs. They are the second set he’s worn at home since a surgery in October. He especially likes the Christmas colors of his red and green casts. “He loves bright colors,” his mother says.
The surgery helped to straighten his legs. The hope is that, with continued physical therapy, Malichi may eventually rise up from his bed to walk. “I’m hopeful,” says Mary, who says she would like her son to be active like any other kid.
Malichi has a good sense of humor and enjoys watching cartoons and listening to music. He loves spending time with his brothers and mother. And they do, too. “Anything to put a smile on his face,” his mother says.
Due to the many surgeries and hospitalizations he’s endured, a teacher visits Malichi at home in Elmont. Mary hopes that one day her son may be able to attend a BOCES program.
It is a lot of obstacles for a little boy to overcome. They began when Malichi was just a baby. He has a rare hereditary metabolic disorder. Along with physical therapy, he receives occupational and speech therapies.
This family is very thankful for the services and support they’ve received from Catholic Charities of Long Island. They benefit from Project Independence, a program marking its 20th anniversary that provides housing and supportive services for individuals and families formerly without a home.
Summing up the help Catholic Charities provides, Mary says, “It means everything. Words can’t say the help I get from them. Pretty much everything.”
“The goal is to always put my family in a better place,” she says. “And to keep them safe and provide for them. My goal is to be completely on my own.”
As Christmas nears, we pray with hope and confidence that Malichi continues to persevere so that one day he receives the gift of being able to rise from his bed. We ask you to join us in prayer and support, as your circumstances allow.