Killeen, Texas — At just 12 years old, Michael “MJ” Dixon has emerged victorious after an incredible three-year fight against leukemia. This courageous young boy celebrated his cancer-free milestone in 2023 by ringing the bell at Baylor Scott & White, a powerful symbol marking the end of his grueling treatment journey.
“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 relief and hope.
Diagnosed at age 8, MJ faced daunting odds. With only a 23% survival chance, partly due to the difficulty of finding a bone marrow match that fit his race and blood type, his journey seemed almost impossible. Yet MJ refused to give up.
His battle was grueling. Countless rounds of chemotherapy took away his ability to walk, play with friends, and even his cherished locs—something he had spent two years growing. “I was mad and sad because it took so long to grow my dreads,” MJ confessed.
When standard treatments failed, MJ’s mother, Chaundra Dixon, took a leap of faith by enrolling him in a clinical trial for a promising drug called Blinatumomab. This breakthrough treatment helped destroy the cancer cells that other therapies couldn’t touch.
“The doctor looked at me and said, ‘You’re one tough mama, and he’s one tough kid. He endured so much chemo, even when his body was at its limit,’” Chaundra recalled, tears of pride in her eyes.
Their faith and the unwavering support of their community played a vital role. Rapper Lil Boosie, a cancer survivor himself, stood by MJ’s side—offering encouragement, organizing donor match events, and assisting with medical bills.
“They thought MJ wouldn’t make it,” Boosie said. “But I tell kids to keep their faith, surround themselves with laughter and smiles, and know they can beat this disease.”
In a beautiful gesture of gratitude, MJ and his family donated over $2,000 worth of toys to young cancer patients during his bell-ringing ceremony last year.
MJ’s message to others fighting cancer is clear and inspiring: “Keep fighting, don’t give up, eat healthy—fruits and vegetables. Just be you.”