Makai Orje, the Honored Hero for the “Light the Night Walk,” Inspires Us All to Soar to Greatness

Posted on October 30, 2012

by LINDA FRABL

Just as superheroes overcome any pitfalls that may temporarily derail them, so too did four-year-old Makai Orje of 4S Ranch – this year’s “Honored Hero” for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) “Light the Night Walk” fundraiser – overcome his own pitfall of being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia three years ago. A kindergartener at Stone Ranch Elementary, Makai originally couldn’t fight off multiple skin infections because his cancer’s rapid progression had so thoroughly weakened his immune system. Thankfully, Makai was a rapid responder to the first phase of treatment, and now he’s in the maintenance phase of therapy. “We’re all inspired by his positive spirit,” said Jeff Wheeler, the event’s senior campaign manager who recommended Makai for the Honored Hero title.

This year’s “Light the Night Walk” will take place at Petco Park on Friday, November 2nd (registration is at 6:00 pm, and the 2-mile, two-loop-walk around the field starts at 7:00 pm). “We hope that by sharing what Makai had gone through at an early age, and is still going through with his therapy, we will bring awareness to childhood cancers and encourage others to donate and participate in charitable organizations like LLS,” his mom Jennifer stated. Each walker who raises $100 receives an illuminated balloon, an event T-shirt, and a wristband for refreshments.

The Orjes have participated in this walk for three years now, and the goal for their “team” (family, friends, and co-workers) is to raise $15,000. “We are very fortunate to live in 4S Ranch; our community is generous and willing to help fellow neighbors,” Jennifer emphasized. Generosity is also displayed by those outside of 4S Ranch, most notably Lemon Grove’s Island TAT Clothing. Jennifer gushed, “Island TAT has graciously donated their time by custom-making our team shirts year after year.”

In his free time, Makai (the Hawaiian word for “seaward”) enjoys drawing pictures of ninjas, power rangers, and animals. Last year Makai was fortunate enough to meet his own favorite Marvel superheroes at Orlando, Florida’s Universal Studios (thanks to the “Make-A-Wish” foundation). Makai has recently been pursuing new activities, such basketball, swimming, and even air rocket launchings at the 4S Ranch Boys and Girls Club park. No surprise he loves rockets, because Makai not only has the ability to soar to greatness, but can inspire others to do so as well!