Before we share a message on behalf of Elijah, Breanna, and our brave and mighty Malakai Lion Banda, I want to speak briefly from my heart.

I believe, deeply and without hesitation, that none of us were created to walk through life alone. We are all worthy of a tribe, especially in the seasons that test us most. I have lived my life holding fast to the conviction that we are blessed to be a blessing, and that a generous heart is pleasing to the Lord.

Those who know me know this to be true. I do not often ask for myself. If anything, I have always given what I have to meet the needs of others. In this moment, I am witnessing these same truths being lived out before my eyes. Elijah and Breanna are experiencing what it means to be carried by community, especially in the Gethsemane moments of life, when the weight is heavy and the path is uncertain.

My heart’s deepest prayer is that they are able to meet Malakai’s emotional and physical needs by being fully present with him during this season. I also pray that God supplies for them according to His perfect provision, in ways that allow them to see His hand moving mightily over their family.

We invite you to join us in whatever way the Lord places on your heart. As a family, we receive every prayer, every blessing, every act of service, every moment of presence, and every financial gift extended in love to our precious Malakai.

Please know that we are certain that God is moving in the midst of this battle. There are moments where we celebrate a victory and others where we rejoice in the tribulation knowing that God continues to be a good, good Father. Prayer and Praise are the weapons that have already granted us the Victory. In Faith, we declare it!

With gratitude and faith,

Malakai Lions’ Tribe ️

—————————————————

A Glimpse into Malakais’ Journey on behalf of his Father (Elijah) and Mother (Breanna):

From the moment our son, Malakai Lion Banda, was born, we have witnessed God’s hand in every detail of his life. From day one, it was clear our parenting journey would look different than most. At birth, Malakai was diagnosed with a heart murmur, complex bilateral syndactyly of his hands and feet, and other medical concerns that are still unfolding today.

Malakai was born with a rare form of syndactyly - three digits on each hand and feet, which has required multiple surgeries already in his short life. He has endured two major hand surgeries in San Antonio that required casting for nearly two months each time, as well as a strabismus surgery in June 2025. Despite the pain, recovery, and limitations, Malakai has never allowed medical obstacles to define his spirit. His perseverance, resilience, and joy continue to amaze us.

One of the most beautiful parts of Malakai’s story is his heart for worship. From the earliest moments we can remember, he has been drawn to worship music. There is something deeply moving about watching a child with such challenges respond so naturally to prayer and praise. His joy in Christ is unexplainable and has strengthened our faith in ways words cannot fully capture.

Five months ago, we moved eight hours away from our immediate families to Fort Worth, Texas in search of better medical resources for Malakai. Through this move, we have truly seen God provide. Malakai now has a dedicated medical team including therapists and plastic surgeons who are helping us navigate recovery and address severe scarring from his previous surgeries.

On December 26, 2025, we heard the words no parent is ever prepared for: “Your son has leukemia.”

After being airlifted to Cook Children’s Hospital from Driscoll, Malakai was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. His oncology team has told us to expect a treatment plan lasting about two and a half years. Since this diagnosis, we have seen Malakai experience moments of joy, and moments of pain and discomfort no child should have to endure. Yet even in this, he continues to show us what courage looks like.

This journey is longer and more complex than anything we have faced before. Elijah does not qualify for FMLA, and due to our previous medical journey, he has exhausted all available PTO. We are a single-income household. Our vehicle has become unreliable and now requires more in maintenance costs than it is worth. Between rent, medical expenses, travel, and daily living costs, while being far from family support, we are facing a financial burden we cannot carry alone.

Asking for help is not easy for us. But we recognize that allowing others to come alongside us is part of how God provides. Any support given helps ease the weight of the many unknowns ahead including medical expenses, transportation needs, and the day-to-day costs of caring for our son during treatment.

More than anything, we ask for continued prayers. We feel them. Your prayers, words of encouragement, and generosity mean more than we could ever express. If you feel led to give, please know your support directly helps us focus on what matters most, walking this journey faithfully and being present for our sweet boy.

Thank you for loving Malakai, standing with our family, and trusting God with us through this road ahead.

With Gratitude,

Elijah & Breanna Banda