Mali Maltos has a brain tumor and COVID-19 has halted plans for their Make-A-Wish Disney cruise. Now friends are working to bring her to Disneyland. PHOENIX – The pandemic has caused hard times for people across the country, but it has been especially difficult for a family in Phoenix. “So around October 2018, Mali started getting severe migraines,” said Monica Maltos, mother of 8-year-old Mali. “Just like an adult would turn out the light, just hammering your head, no noise.” Mali Maltos was eventually diagnosed with a form of cancer known as ATRT, or atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor. The cancerous tumor formed at the base of Mali’s brain and spinal cord and grew rapidly. “She had about nine months of treatment that included chemotherapy, radiation, high-dose chemotherapy, and a bone marrow transplant – three of them,” said Monica. Suddenly the once active and mischievous little girl was confined to a wheelchair and had difficulty performing the most basic movements. Her speech was impaired and she started physiotherapy. While recovering from one of her surgeries, Mali’s mother was approached by the folks at Make-A-Wish, an Arizona-based nonprofit that fulfills the desire of sick children to celebrate and honor their struggle against their illness. Always a fan of Disney princesses, especially Jasmine from Aladdin, Mali wanted to take a Disney cruise. The wheels were on the move in early 2020 as Make-A-Wish staff and volunteers worked to grant Mali’s wish. Then COVID struck and everything changed for everyone. For Mali, this meant that her wish for a Disney cruise was not possible. Make-A-Wish kept contacting the family to pin down a new wish, but Mali was back in the hospital. Choosing a new wish was almost impossible as her health deteriorated. The process became arduous for the family. They gave a lot of energy to take care of Mali, which was going through one setback after another. All they could think of for a new wish was “not COVID-friendly”. And Mali was in no shape to travel or leave home. This is where a former teacher and family friend came in. Candace Greene, an art teacher at Mali’s school, learned about everything that was going on with Mali and her desire. “Mali deserves to go to Disneyland,” Greene said. “She deserves to meet the characters she wants to meet. She’s been through so much so I decided to start a GoFundMe to fulfill her wish. ”Not long after Candace Greene launched Mali’s GoFundMe, three Park Hopper tickets were secured. Now it took Candace just enough to cover the peripherals like gasoline, hotel, food and maybe a few souvenirs for Mali to remember her special request. “So she has to have a little more strength to go and really enjoy herself,” said Greene. “If she fulfills her wish this way and through GoFundMe, Mom can take her with her when she feels good and she can really enjoy it.” “Bringing Mali to Disneyland would definitely be a treat,” said Monica Maltos. “Not just for them, but for us. Seeing everything she’s been through and knowing how much she deserves it and knowing how big a smile is going to make it all would be worth it. ”Up to Speed Check out the latest news and stories on YouTube channel 12 News. Subscribe today.
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