Michael “MJ” Dixon, a 12-year-old African American boy from Killeen, Texas, has a story that’s nothing short of miraculous. After three long and grueling years battling leukemia, MJ is now cancer-free. In 2023, he celebrated his triumph by ringing the bell at Baylor Scott & White, a moving ceremony that symbolizes the official end of cancer treatment. “I feel good. I can finally do everything I did before I had cancer. I feel like a free person,” MJ told KWTX with a smile that reflected relief, hope, and determination.
MJ’s journey began when he was just eight years old. Doctors gave him a grim survival rate—only 23%—because finding a bone marrow match for his race and blood type was extremely unlikely. Despite those odds, and without ever receiving a match, MJ pushed through and proved that statistics aren’t always destiny. His victory stands as a reminder of courage, resilience, and the willpower of a child unwilling to give up.
The fight wasn’t easy. Chemotherapy became a central part of MJ’s life, stripping him of the things most children take for granted. He lost the ability to run and play freely, missed out on moments with friends, and even had to watch his beloved locs fall out. “I was mad, sad, because it took two years to grow out my dreads,” he recalled. That loss was more than just hair—it was a piece of his identity, and for a young boy, the emotional weight was heavy.
When traditional treatments didn’t deliver results, MJ’s mother, Chaundra Dixon, faced an agonizing decision. With courage that matched her son’s, she agreed to enroll him in a clinical trial for a drug called Blinatumomab. It was a risky move, but one that ultimately destroyed his cancer cells when other methods failed. “The doctor was just looking at me and said, ‘I got to tell you. You are one tough mama, and he’s a tough kid. He took a lot of chemo, even when his body couldn’t take it anymore,’” Chaundra said, reflecting on their fight.
Their journey was not only a medical battle but also one of faith and community. Chaundra leaned on her belief in God and the support of people around them. Rapper Lil Boosie, a cancer survivor himself, stepped in to encourage MJ and his family. He even helped organize donor match events and contributed toward medical expenses. His message to MJ and other children fighting cancer was clear: “They thought MJ would not make it. So I say keep good faith, keep laughter around, keep smiles around. I want those kids to know that they can beat this disease.”
In a gesture of gratitude and compassion, MJ and his family gave back to the very place where his fight took place. During his bell-ringing ceremony at Baylor Scott & White, they donated over $2,000 worth of toys for young cancer patients. It was MJ’s way of turning his struggle into hope for others, ensuring that kids still in treatment had reasons to smile.
Now, MJ continues to be a source of motivation and encouragement. His words carry the wisdom of someone who has lived through hardship and come out stronger. “Keep fighting, don’t give up, eat healthy, eat fruits and vegetables. Don’t give up and just be you,” he tells other children facing similar battles.
MJ’s story is more than just one boy’s victory over cancer. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance, the strength of family, the generosity of community, and the unshakable spirit of a child who refused to let leukemia define his life.
