Malakai Carey

Type of Donation:       Liver Recipient

Age and Location:      Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Donation Date:           November 25, 2019

Sponsor:                      OneLegacy

MALAKAI’S STORY

Malakai was diagnosed at the age of 11 with a rare form of liver cancer. After many months of chemo and multiple surgeries at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, it was determined that he would need a liver transplant. His parents received a call that there was a donor with the perfect liver for Malakai's body. However, he was second in line! His family waited with anticipation by the phone in hopes of THE CALL! The night came and went, and the likelihood of Malakai being called continued to decrease. Well, around 10 am the next morning, his family received THE CALL! The perfect liver was his! Malakai was being fast-tracked into surgery, and his parents needed to hurry and get him to the hospital! On November 25th, 2019, Malakai received the best gift anyone could ever give: the gift of life! His family is forever grateful that the donor family chose life after death, chose to give to another selflessly, and chose to say yes!



Malakai is now 16, a high school junior, living life to its fullest with gratitude and thanks! He is healthy and thriving! After receiving his transplant, he can now do things he could not do before: play volleyball for his school, golf with friends, and spend afternoons at the gym lifting weights. This past summer, he was able to be a junior lifeguard, where he swam around the pier. Malakai enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He loves acting, singing, and writing songs. Music became a huge part of his healing process through his hospital days. Music helped him process hard things and created a beautiful outlet. He hopes to continue down the path of pursuing writing music and singing. He hopes to encourage others by sharing his story of resilience and gratitude.