At less than two weeks old, Malakai was found on a walking bridge just outside of Pingdingshan, China. A last effort of love by Malakai’s birth parents to save Malakai’s life as he was slipping fast. He was rushed to a hospital in Shanghai, China. There, Malakai was diagnosed with many very serious and complex issues. He was battling pneumonia and had a widespread infection that was causing organ failure. While in the hospital, doctors determined that Malakai would need specialized care for his complex conditions. He was stabilized and transferred to an orphan care center for medically complex orphans. Almost three years later, Malakai was adopted and brought to his new home in Littleton, Colorado, greeted eagerly by his older siblings. He was also taken to his new medical home - Children’s Hospital Colorado where he was diagnosed him with Opitz G/BBB syndrome. The syndrome causes abnormalities along the entire midline of the body. Close to all organs and functions down Malakai’s midline were affected from the top of his skull down; like a zipper.  Malakai has endured constructive or correction surgeries throughout all systems to ensure system function, survival and longevity of health and life.

But Malakai’s journey didn’t end with his diagnosis. He has also undergone numerous surgeries, therapies, complex clinics, genetic testing and has been involved in research studies. Malakai has beat the odds since birth and continues to do so. Malakai will need to undergo more surgeries, but his family feels that he’s in the exact place he needs to be to grow and develop.