Malachi Zaire Daniels & Family

Malachi Zaire Daniels

1/31/19 - 7/30/2022

Have you ever met someone whose smile lit up a room? Malachi’s energy was contagious and his grin had a way of turning our darkest days around. As I write these words, I picture it - and my tears are slowed just enough to get the words out.

Malachi was born on January 31, 2019 to his parents, Julia and Deedrick “DJ” Daniels. He had an older, protective brother, Deedrick III ; and two baby sisters including my niece Alayah. Malachi had Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy, a very rare birth defect affecting several parts of his brain. Because of this, he was almost entirely immobilized, could not perform basic motor skills, and had difficulty swallowing, which created a constant choking risk. Still, he was a happy warrior, and fought hard to build up what little muscle strength he had.

I had the blessing of meeting Malachi through his father, DJ - when he began dating my younger sister, Angelina - and for the past year, I’ve had the blessing of sharing my home with them. As time passed and Angelina gave birth, I watched their relationships unfold. Malachi became a brother to my niece, Alayah; a cousin to my daughter, Malia; and he became a nephew to me. I’ve been so lucky to have my sister here to help me, and I’m so proud of the aunt, mother, and bonus mom she has become — but as a single mother, what has impressed me most has been DJ. To see the love, patience, dedication, and energy DJ shows his children every day is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. Being a parent is never easy, and after witnessing the sacrifices he made for Malachi, day in and day out, I’m convinced that the only thing harder than parenting a special needs child, is losing one. Which is why it breaks my heart to share with you that Malachi passed away Saturday morning, due to complications of his diagnoses.

While so many of us are sharing in this loss, I think it’s more important now than ever before that DJ remembers how great of a father he is - and that he did everything he could possibly do to help his son. DJ was a man who put everything on hold for his best friend, Mali. He made sure he attending therapy and school each day; he kept in constant contact with his therapist and care team; he stood by his side at every appointment and hospital stay; and he was the one, putting in the time, working with Malachi on his physical therapy, day in and day out.

I’d also like to thank DJ personally, for his unwavering character. He stepped up to help me as I went through my divorce and became a protector, father figure, and wonderful uncle for my family and this household.

These past few days, I’ve watched DJ do his best to cope with this incredible loss, and I have been struggling to figure out how I can be of help. First, I’d like to ask those who knew Malachi and know DJ to share this message.

Second, I know I have a lot of friends and family who feel the same way as I do about DJ, and I’m hoping you might be willing to chip in what you can. The money from this account will go towards DJ, his son Deedrick and his daughter Alayah; as they navigate this horrible time. It will allow him to pay costs towards possible medical bills, mental health counseling, and therapy - as well as help him and Angelina get back on their feet, as they adjust to this new reality without MalMal’s smile to guide their way.

I hope that DJ, Angelina, and all of those that love Malachi rest easy knowing that their special boy had one of the best years of his life, these past twelve months. He went to every party, dinner, celebration, and family gathering with people who loved him dearly and wanted what’s best for him. He got to really live life, and we each lived better, by just getting to watch it.

Thank you all for reading.

Love, Marissa “Tata” Moran