Wade Bowen might have been the headliner, but first grader Malachi Smith stole the show.
This feel good story focuses in on Malachi Smith, a kid from Texas who suffers from a rare type of Cerebral Palsy. The congenital disorder affects muscle tone, movement and posture, and is caused by abnormal brain development, often before birth. Malachi was born premature and diagnosed with the condition when he was just six months old, but he’s never let CP slow him down.
That was on full display when he attended the Love to the Rescue fundraiser for Shriners Texas Children’s Hospital Texas at the Waco Convention Center. The young boy likes to refer to himself as “Cowboy Malachi,” especially after his experience at the 13th annual charity event for Shriners Texas Children’s Hospital.
Since 2013, Love To The Rescue has acted as one of the fastest growing charitable benefits and the largest fundraiser for Shriners Children’s Hospital in Central Texas. All of the money from the event and concert is donated to Shriners Children’s, and in the past 12 years, Love To The Rescue has raised more than $600,000 for Texas Shriners.
But it’s not just about the money that helps… it’s about the event itself that gives children battling diseases the opportunity to be the star of the night. Malachi Smith was taken to the event by his grandparents after he was invited to Love To The Rescue by one of his “favorite Shriners.” Smith was gifted a cowboy hat that fit him just right, and he was able to wear that cowboy hat up on stage with country music star Wade Bowen.
Bowen, a Texas native, was happy to share the spotlight with “Cowboy Malachi.” The country singer kept the music going as the boy danced and sang… and simply had the time of his life:
@redneckbluffsmamma Wade Bowen let my grandson Malachi up on stage last night at the Shriners love to the rescue event in Waco, Texas. Malachi has such an amazing and special night dancing the night away to Wade Bowen’s country music while the Shriners had a fundraiser for the children. #karemshriners #wacotexas #wadebowen #godblesstexas #foryoupage ♬ Before These Walls Were Blue – Wade Bowen
It’s always great to see country music stars give back, and I know this moment was especially meaningful to Wade Bowen considering he was able to help the young boy whom he shares the same hometown of Waco, Texas.
Bowen dedicated a song to Malachi, and also gave him two guitar picks. For everything that the young boy has been through in his life, his joy and love for life was infectious during the event. Smith’s grandmother shared online that he “danced the night away,” and Wade Bowen – along with the Shriners – provided an experience that “Cowboy Malachi” won’t ever forget.
You can hear more about his heartwarming story below: