Teen relies on Christian faith, passion for music to endure health issues
Various sources cite the origin of the name Malachi as ancient Hebrew and its meaning as "messenger of God." April and Philip Preston of Pataskala couldn't have chosen a more fitting name for their oldest son.
With a faith as strong as that of Daniel in the lion’s den, Malachi Preston isn’t shy about expressing his love for the Lord.
"I trust in Him. I pray and I know that He's with me," said the 16-year-old, who has grappled with multiple health problems, hospital stays and surgeries since he was just 3 months old. He is currently under palliative care through Nationwide Children's Hospital.
“He is a believer in Jesus Christ as his savior and relies on God to get him through,” April said. “He amazes me with the things he says.”
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Malachi was born with Williams syndrome, a rare genetic condition marked by medical issues including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays and learning challenges. One in 7,500 to 10,000 people worldwide — approximately 20,000 to 30,000 in the U.S. — live with the condition, according to the Williams Syndrome Association.
“We didn’t know he had Williams syndrome until he was 5 years old. He was born with a heart condition initially — hypoplastic left heart — that was rare, and having it with Williams syndrome was rare also,” April said.
Children with Williams syndrome are generally friendly and inquisitive; when they find something that interests them, they dive in with both feet, April said. This description is spot-on for Malachi, who'll be a junior at Watkins Memorial High School in the fall.
"My favorite subject is probably history. I like learning about the different wars," he said.
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Recently, Malachi got the chance to share another one of his passions, music — a common interest among youngsters with Williams syndrome — with fellow parishioners at Logos Bible Church in Pickerington.
The idea of Malachi sharing his message through song came from his music therapist, who discovered that the Prestons were musical. April and Philip perform at church and when they go to practice, their four children — besides Malachi, there's Jane, 11, and 6-year-old twins, Enoch and Titus — are usually in tow.
"(The therapist) started singing with Malachi," April recalled. "She said, 'What if he did a concert?' She gave us the idea and we kind of ran with it."
And so, with the help of music/art therapy support organization Sam's Fans, Malachi gave a miniconcert of four songs May 3. More than 300 people turned out to hear the popular, widely loved boy. ("Everybody knows him. We're just his parents," April said, laughing.)
"I did 'Rescuer' by Rend Collective and 'I Choose to Worship,' and 'Goodness of God,'" said Malachi, who couldn't remember the fourth song at the moment. "I like any kind of music... a little bit of everything."
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Preshow jitters never thwarted the resilient teen. "He wasn't nervous. He asked, 'When are we doing this again?'" April chuckled.
Though he has nerves of steel in front of a crowd, April said Malachi does struggle with anxiety and worries about his health. It's at those times when, true to his nature, he dives into his faith with both feet.
"It's OK to struggle. God will get you through it," he said.
Despite his small stature, one thing's for sure: Malachi Preston is big on heart.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Pataskala teen born with Williams syndrome inspires others through music