A dream come true for 10 year old "Doctor Malachi"

At just 10 years old, Jordan Malachi Ray has become an inspiration to anyone who hears his story. 

Last year, Malachi was diagnosed with a form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma. He completed his chemotherapy and surgery in November 2009, but his cancer unfortunately returned earlier this year, needing more surgery and chemotherapy. 
His physicians at the IWK Heath Centre believe that his high spirits and strength to fight the disease can be attributed to his determination to one day become a doctor himself.

“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,” said Bruce Crooks, pediatric oncologist at the IWK and Dalhousie Medical School.  

It is because of this passion that Malachi was named an honorary member of the Dalhousie Medical School Class of 2010. Unable to attend the convocation on May 28, he attended a special ceremony held at the medical school last week.  

He was presented with Dalhousie robes, which he wore for his ceremony, and a certificate in recognition of his dedication to the study of medicine and his determination in the face of adversity. The certificate of commendation was presented by Dr. Crooks and Jane Hennessey, a member of the Class of 2010. He was also presented with a plush toy - a Dal tiger in convocation robes. 

Malachi with members of the medical school's Class of 2010. L-R: Katie Gardner, Jane Hennessey and Amanda Murphy (Nick Pearce photo)

Dalhousie Vice-President Academic and Provost Alan Shaver presided over the ceremony, which was also attended by University Registrar Asa Kachan, the medical school’s Senior Associate Dean Preston Smith, and Dalhousie Chancellor Emeritus Richard Goldbloom. In attendance were Malachi’s dad and stepmom, Benjamin and Marni Ray, several members of the MD Class of 2010, and some of Malachi’s care workers from the IWK.

“Somewhere around 2025, we can do this again,” Ms. Kachan said to Malachi, who, beaming, was pronounced “Dr. Malachi Ray” by Dr. Goldbloom at the close of the ceremony.

“It’s pretty cool that I can attend this event and get some spare time away from my chemo for a bit,” said Malachi, following the event. The 10 year old was clearly in his element as he chatted with his fellow 2010 classmates about “medical school stuff”.

“This has been really helpful for Malachi,” commented his dad, Ben. “The doctors here have treated him like family since he's come to the IWK for care.”

Malachi hopes to return to Dalhousie in the near future for a tour of the medical school.