[img]2008|right|Najee Ali||no_popup[/img]No matter how rewarding your weekend was, there is only the slimmest chance that your thankfulness for events came within 10 miles of matching activist Najee Ali’s unsurpassable gratitude.
On Friday afternoon, the Indiana-born organizer was informed that he had been given a new and prayed-for second chance at life.
“I am going to live,” he said with a modest and hearty laugh. “I have a few more years left.”
One year ago, the congenial Mr. Ali gravely was informed that his body was wracked by Stage 3 lymphoma cancer.
By reputation a ferocious battler, the courageous Mr. Ali went on the attack aggressively. He wanted to live – more than anything.
“I have been undergoing chemotherapy treatment,” he said on Saturday morning at Washington Prep High School, where he joined numerous high-profile community personalities to celebrate the swearing-in of former Wash Prep principal George McKenna to the LAUSD School Board.
“My chemo treatments have been very aggressive and very exhausting,” he said.
“But God blessed me to pull through with the support of my family and my friends.
“When I got my test results back yesterday, the doctor told me my cancer officially is in remission.
“I am overjoyed with the support of my friends” who, among other activities, staged fundraisers. Not one doubter was in sight.
Resplendent in royal blue, Mr. Ali’s beaming face shined with such determination it could have stood in for the late summer, late morning sunshine spraying all over the Wash Prep campus.
Whom does Mr. Ali credit for his stunning recovery?
“I attribute it No. 1 to God, allowing me to be healed,” he said.
“Honestly, I know I could not have done it without the support of family, friends…a lot of elected officials came through financially with donations that allowed me to take off work, especially in days when I was very sick. I want to thank (state) Sen. Holly Mitchell, Congressperson Karen Bass, (County) Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, who were at the forefront in making sure I had everything I needed.”
