Maleigha is a spunky and brave 6-year-old that spreads sunshine wherever she goes with her infectious smile. She loves gymnastics, arts and crafts, the color pink, all things Stitch, and Barbies. She is determined to live life to the fullest!

On November 4, 2019, Maleigha was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma at Stage D. Her pediatrician had performed an eye exam during her 1-year wellness visit and noticed she did not have red reflexes in either of her eyes. Upon further testing, she was also diagnosed with the RB1 gene mutation that puts her at a greater risk of developing six different cancers in adolescence and adulthood.

Maleigha received IA chemotherapy and cryotherapy at Johns Hopkins Hospital, as well as many eye exams under anesthesia and MRIs of her brain. With travel assistance from the Travel For Care program, the trips to Maryland from her home in West Virginia were made easy. Thankfully, Maleigha went into remission in March 2020! In June 2020, doctors detected regrowth of the cancer cells, and she had to have her right eye removed, but today she has no evidence of disease. She receives a beautiful new prosthetic eye every year, something that is special to her.

Over the last four years, ALSF’s Travel For Care program has also continued to help with travel expenses for Maleigha’s follow-up visits to Will’s Eye Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania.

“What makes Maleigha my hero isn’t just her battle – it’s her spirit,” said Kami, Maleigha’s grandmother. “The way she keeps going, keeps smiling, and keeps inspiring others proves that true heroes walk among us, and sometimes they’re just little girls with giant hearts.”

Kami’s deepest hope and prayer is that Maleigha enjoys every joy life offers, with vibrant health and a future untouched by cancer. “To every child fighting cancer and every family walking this road – you are heroes,” she adds. “The journey is hard, but you are not forgotten. There is a whole community holding you up with love, hope, and prayer.”

Because of what Maleigha is going through, Alex’s Lemonade Stand means everything to Kami and Maleigha’s family. “It’s a lifeline, a community, and a promise that kids like her deserve better treatments, and one day, a cure,” Kami said.

“I am brave and strong with a special eye!” – Maleigha, childhood cancer hero

Information provided by Kami S., Maleigha’s grandmother
Updated August 2025