When choosing a career, some desire to replicate a positive impact made on them by someone else. For example, someone inspired by a teacher might enter teaching to help future students.
In the case of 11-year-old Malachi Ray of the Fredericton Ward, Saint John New Brunswick Stake, his dream of becoming a doctor is driven by care he has received during a 15-month battle with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer.
"I didn't want to be a doctor before, but it got more and more neat," Malachi said. "One time I was sent a doctor's coat, and that inspired me a bit more."
On June 10, Malachi upgraded his coat to graduate robes when the medical school at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, named him an honorary member of the class of 2010.
Dr. Bruce Crooks, a pediatric oncologist at the IWK Health Centre on the Dalhousie campus, saw Malachi in his lab coat one day. As the two talked about Malachi's desire to study medicine, Dr. Crooks saw the strength Malachi drew from his dreams, which pushed Dr. Crooks to find a way to honor him.
"We've all been overwhelmed by his courage, his determination and his strength in fighting this illness so that he can fulfill his dream of attending medical school and becoming a doctor," Dr. Crooks said in an interview with the university.
Dr. Crooks, who also teaches at Dalhousie, contacted Dr. Tom Marrie, dean of the Dalhousie Medical School, to see what could be done. When Dr. Marrie approached the rest of the graduating class with the idea of making Malachi an honorary graduate, he said they were all enthusiastic and supportive.
"The other people in his graduating class were fantastic," Dr. Marrie said. "It's a good feeling to see how young people react to Malachi. He has tremendous spirit and resilience. I'm glad we were able to help."
Because Malachi was unable to attend regular convocation services, a special ceremony was held just for him at the medical school. Dressed in Dalhousie robes and supported by his crutches, Malachi received a framed certificate "in recognition of his dedication to the study of Medicine and courage through adversity."
"I thought it was cool," said Malachi, who turned 11 on June 23. "I probably normally wouldn't be able to do that. It was neat to wear that robe."
Malachi's father, Ben, said it wasn't until the ceremony took place that he and his wife, Marni, realized how much the honor meant — not just to Malachi, but also to the university.
"We were overwhelmed that university officials were so moved during the ceremony," Brother Ray said.
The honor from Dalhousie is just the latest addition to a swarm of support that has helped ease the multi-faceted toll of Malachi's treatment.
"Every time we hit a point when it seemed almost too difficult or overwhelming, relief suddenly flowed," Brother Ray said. "We have seen the Holy Ghost working through the comfort we've been given."
Malachi recalled a time when he was comforted spiritually and physically. He had developed a fever, which would mean at least four days in the hospital in his condition. A nearby family friend helped give Malachi a priesthood blessing.
"I got a blessing, and the fever went down right away," Malachi said. Brother Ray added he knew a miracle had taken place when Malachi's temperature returned to normal in less than an hour.
Another instance that stands out for Brother Ray occurred on the family's first trip to Halifax for Malachi's treatment. When temple workers Tom and Peggy Sterner moved out of their apartment two weeks early, they made arrangements for Brother and Sister Ray to use the apartment for those two weeks.
When the Rays finished the nearly 300-mile drive and entered the apartment, the first thing they saw was a plaque with the scriptural phrase "Be still and know that I am God" (see Psalm 46:10 and Doctrine and Covenants 101:16).
"It reminded us of what we already knew," Brother Ray said. "We're not in control, but we learn how to cope and learn what God's will is for Malachi."
Brother Ray said he believes part of Heavenly Father's plan for Malachi includes the attention his story has received. Silicone "Support Malachi" bracelets and the blog Brother Ray maintains to update Malachi's status (www.supportmalachi.com) help spread the word.
"He's already touching lives around the world," Brother Ray said. "We get e-mails from strangers supporting us. [Because of the bracelets] people we don't know have his name somewhere."
According to Brother Ray, those who work with other sick children at IWK have been impressed and even relieved by the Rays' eternal outlook.
"They say, 'No other parents handle this like you do. You treat it like professionals,'" he said. "When we see them, we cheer them up."
Malachi has his own positive outlook, though his goal is a bit more immediate.
"I want to be off crutches before the end of the summer," he said.
