Nationwide — Michael “MJ” Dixon, a 12-year-old African American boy from Killeen, Texas, is now cancer-free after a three-year battle with leukemia. In 2023, he celebrated his health victory by ringing the bell at Baylor Scott & White, a ceremony marking the end of his treatment.

“I feel good. I can finally do everything I did way before I had cancer, I feel like a free person,” MJ told KWTX.

Diagnosed at age 8, MJ’s journey was tough, with a slim 23% survival chance due to the low likelihood of finding a bone marrow match for his race and blood type. Despite not finding a match, he defied the odds and beat the disease.

MJ’s fight included countless rounds of chemotherapy, which took away his ability to walk, play with friends, and even his cherished locs. He said, “I was mad, sad, because it took two years to grow out my dreads.”

MJ’s mother, Chaundra Dixon, took a risky step by enrolling him in a clinical trial for a drug called Blinatumomab that doctors suggested. It ultimately helped destroy his cancer cells when other treatments weren’t working.

“The doctor was just looking at me and he 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 the chemo,” his mother said.

Moreover, Chaundra also credited their faith and community support for helping them through. Rapper Lil Boosie, a cancer survivor himself, offered encouragement and even helped with donor match events and medical bills.

“They thought MJ would not make it. So I say keep good faith, and keep laughter around, keep smiles around. I want those kids to know that they could beat this disease,” Boosie said.

During his bell-ringing ceremony at Baylor Scott & White last year, MJ and his family gave back by donating over $2,000 worth of toys to young cancer patients at the hospital.

MJ continues to motivate others, saying, “Keep fighting, don’t give up, eat healthy, eat fruits and vegetables. Don’t give up and just be you.”