Killeen, TX — At just 12 years old, Michael “MJ” Dixon has beaten the odds and declared himself cancer-free after a grueling three-year fight against leukemia. Last year, MJ celebrated his hard-won victory by ringing the iconic bell at Baylor Scott & White, a joyous milestone signaling the end of his treatment.
“I feel good. I can finally do everything I did before cancer—I feel like a free person,” MJ shared with KWTX, his voice filled with newfound hope and strength.
MJ’s journey began at age eight when he was diagnosed with leukemia, facing a daunting 23% survival chance due to the rarity of finding a bone marrow match for his specific race and blood type. Despite this harsh reality and no matching donor found, MJ defied every expectation with courage and resilience.
His battle was anything but easy. Months of intense chemotherapy left MJ unable to walk or play with friends and forced him to say goodbye to his treasured locs. “I was mad and sad because it took two years to grow my dreads,” he said, reflecting on the painful sacrifices cancer demanded.
In a bold move, MJ’s mother, Chaundra Dixon, enrolled him in a clinical trial for the drug Blinatumomab after conventional treatments failed. The experimental therapy played a crucial role in eradicating his cancer cells.
“The doctor looked at me and said, ‘You’re one tough mama, and he’s a tough kid. He took a lot of chemo—even when his body couldn’t handle it,’” Chaundra recalled, proud of her son’s fierce determination.
Their faith and the unwavering support of their community proved vital throughout MJ’s fight. Notably, rapper Lil Boosie, a cancer survivor himself, offered heartfelt encouragement, helped raise awareness for donor matching, and contributed to medical expenses.
“They said MJ wouldn’t make it, but I say keep faith, keep laughter, and keep smiles. I want kids to know they can beat this disease,” Boosie said.
In a beautiful act of gratitude, MJ and his family donated over $2,000 worth of toys to young cancer patients during his bell-ringing ceremony, spreading joy to others still fighting.
Today, MJ inspires everyone with his simple message: “Keep fighting, don’t give up, eat healthy—fruits and vegetables—and just be you.”