Meet Malakai

Before he had even turned one year old, Malakai had completed three surgeries to correct his anorectal malformation. His first, taking place at just two days old, and his second, at 4 months, went well. It wasn’t until his third surgery that Malakai’s parents discovered just how medically complex their baby boy was. His third surgery was unsuccessful, and facing sepsis, abdominal compartment syndrome, and multiple organ dysfunction, it was clear a colorectal specialist was needed. The Kim family quickly made their way to Nationwide Children's, and Dr. Richard Wood’s Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction (CCPR). Within just 48 hours, Kai was on his way from central California to Columbus.

Malakai would go on to spend 374 days at Nationwide Children's Hospital receiving expert care from Dr. Wood and the CCPR team and befriending everyone he came in contact with. Malakai boasts friends from many different departments at Nationwide Children's, including CCPR, the Intestinal Rehab, surgery, child life, physical therapy, music therapy, massage therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, the PICU, Pre-Op and PACU, admissions, environmental services, and nutrition services.

“Everyone … has been a delight to meet and has made us feel welcomed and cared for,” says Malakai’s mom Valerie, “My husband and I are very thankful for his care and will truly miss each person who has been a part of his journey - we consider you all family now.”

Since his discharge on April 26^th, 2022, Malakai has returned home to central California. While his journey is still ongoing, he has been making great strides in his progress. Because of his diagnosis and treatment, Kai was discharged with a gastronomy tube (G-tube) but has recently graduated to a blended diet. The blended diet means Kai no longer needs 20-hour pump feeds or the feeding pump backpack he was reliant on. For Kai, this has made a world of difference. He is able to live and play like the active little boy he is.

The Kim family has also grown! Kai has become a big brother to little sister Selah. According to Valerie, “he’s a great big brother and loves to give her hugs and kisses,” but “he, of course, is the typical almost three-year-old and isn’t a fan of sharing his toys… but he’s learning.”

Kai has much to be proud of. He achieves every goal set for him and does so with the cutest smile that won over so many of Nationwide Children’s staff.