The Kirklands Fight against Danon Disease

Dear friends, family, and kindhearted strangers,

We never imagined we’d be here sharing our story and asking for help. But today, we are writing with heavy hearts and hopeful spirits as we rally around our family, and especially our son, Malakai, in a fight we never saw coming.

Malakai is not just our son he is our light, our joy, and the beating heart of our family. At just 12 years old, he has shown more strength and resilience than most do in a lifetime. His smile lights up every room, and his love for life is unmatched. But now, our brave little boy is facing a challenge no child should ever have to endure: heart failure brought on by a rare and devastating condition—Danon Disease.

Danon Disease is rare, aggressive, and cruel. It affects the heart, muscles, and even the mind. It has no cure. And now, it’s not just Malakai’s battle, it’s our whole family’s.

After watching Malakai go through echoes, MRIs, surgeries, a PICC line, and eventually being placed on a Ventricular Assist Device, we were heartbroken but grateful to see him stabilize and begin smiling again. That alone felt like a miracle.

But then came the unthinkable.

Charles. Maverick. Taylor.

All diagnosed with Danon Disease. All already experiencing it’s effects in different ways. This illness isn’t some far-off threat it’s here, it’s in our home, and it’s changed everything.

We’ve relocated to Dallas to be near the specialized care we need. But the move has taken us away from family, familiarity, and support and stability. Emotionally, physically, and financially we’re stretched beyond what we ever thought possible. We have struggled to return to work, not only because of the endless appointments and care needs, but because time now feels more precious than ever. And truthfully, We don’t want to miss another moment with our family before more bad news comes our way.

We’re doing our best to stay strong for Malakai, for each other but some days, it’s just about holding on. Still, we believe. Even when all we can do is whisper prayers through tears, we know God is with us.

And now, we humbly ask for your help.

Whether it’s through donations, prayers, or simply sharing our story, your support gives us the strength to keep going. Every gift goes directly toward medical expenses, travel, living costs, and everything needed to give our children and each other the best possible chance. Your generosity allows us to focus on what matters most: being together, and fighting this as a family.

We never imagined life would look like this.

But here we are still standing. Still believing. Still holding onto hope.

One day, one breath, one miracle at a time.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for walking with us through this storm. Thank you for believing in Malakai, in Charles, in Maverick, in Taylor and in our family.

With love and gratitude,

The Kirkland Family

#DanonDiseaseAwareness #FaithInTheFire #MalakaiStrong #CharlesBrave #MaverickHeart #TaylorGrace #FamilyFirst #OneDayAtATime