Today we’d like to introduce you to Malachi Roberts
Hi Malachi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Marvelous Kids Epilepsy Research Inc. was established on March 26, 2019, with the mission to raise awareness to the Savannah Metropolitan community about epilepsy disorder and its effects specifically on children, to provide various resources to families with children affected by the disorder and to minimize the stigma against children diagnosed with the disorder.
The foundation is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that uses its platform to educate the greater Savannah, Georgia metropolitan community about the often-relentless disorder by providing informative literature and hosting mental/neurological health seminars. The foundation provides much needed emotional support to the parents and siblings of children who have been diagnosed with epilepsy disorder by housing a support group that meets bi-monthly. We are fortunate enough to be able offer an array of resources to those in need that include but are not limited to physician referrals, tangible goods, and even monetary assistance when available.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One night just before bed, at just two years old, Malachi became completely motionless and unresponsive in his mother’s arms; he also began to convulse and was unable to talk.
Over time, Malachi weathered extensive medical tests and procedures as the he endured similar episodes on a relatively consistent basis. Malachi and his family remained hopeful to find answers.
Malachi was referred to Scottish Rite Hospital in Atlanta, where he was finally diagnosed with epilepsy, and more specifically, frontal lobe seizure disorder, named for a type of seizure that stems from the front of the brain which led to several complications and almost resulted in him having brain surgery (God said not so, during mapping of the brain right before surgery, what doctors saw; no longer existed.
Most recently he was also diagnosed with a second type of epileptic seizure, one which has yet to be medically named.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Community Awareness- Marvelous Kids Epilepsy Research Inc. host several different awareness events throughout the year as well as an Epilepsy Walk (April), Back to School clothes and supply giveaway, Thanksgiving food drive, Winter Wonderland Benefit Charity Gala and a Christmas Toy Drive which is dedicated to children who have to spend the holidays in the hospital how Malachi once did (December). Malachi has launched a visionary Internship program with a local University and several Colleges offering Master’s degree programs and a comprehensive Infograph that educates children and parents to effectively manage epilepsy.
Malachi has also launched an Anti-Bullying Program for children with disabilities , Bringing Awareness on Childhood Epilepsy
Malachi has embarked an Helmet Drive, educating children and their parents with the knowledge on how to protect their brains by reducing the risks of head injuries.
The Garden City Recreational Department dyes the fountain in Garden City purple during November to help bring awareness to the community. Also in April for the Epilepsy Awareness (Walk)
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
At age 11, Malachi despite his Epilepsy Diagnosis, one word describes him: Selfless
Malachi said “I think it’s great to do stuff for kids. When I was in the hospital, people helped me,” He loves donating to help others, particularly to the Dwaine & Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital of Savannah and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Pricing:
- Accept Donations year round
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marvelouskidsfoundation.com
- Instagram: marvelouskidsfoundation
- Facebook: Marvelous Kids Foundation
