Music stars, pals bring holiday cheer to cancer patient


The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 12/21/2006

In the living room to his left is a Christmas tree; to his right, his oxygen tank.

Atlanta rapper T.I. (in orange) delivers Christmas wishes to Ajmal Acklin, 11, who suffers from acute lymblastic leukemia, on Thursday at Ajmal's home in Norcross.
 
EMAIL THIS
PRINT THIS
MOST POPULAR

This is the holiday season for 11-year-old Ajmal Acklin.

His mother says he has a form of cancer called A.L.L. — acute lymblastic leukemia.

"And the doctors say there's not anything else they can do for him," Clarine Andujar White added.

But someone thought Atlanta hip-hop station Hot-107.9 FM could.

"I got a call around Thanksgiving from this guy who was like 'We have a friend,' 'We know this family' we want to put you in touch with," Hot-107.9 announcer Griff recalled. "And around this time we get all kinds of calls from people wanting big-time laptops, PCs, cars and whatever ... but when I talked to [Ajmal's] mom, she said they didn't want anything. He was just a hip-hop fan."

Easy, Griff thought. He and fellow A-Team Morning Show member Akini reached out to some of their celebrity friends, and just after 11 a.m. Thursday a caravan of SUVs and a late-model Mercedes pulled up to Ajmal's Norcross apartment. Multimillion-selling Atlanta rapper-actor T.I., Fabo of local hitmaking act D4L and Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Kandi — subbing this week for Hot-107.9's Rashan Ali, who's on maternity leave — all filed into Ajmal's living room to wish him well. They were joined by 13-year-old Atlanta rap newcomer Pootah, fresh from a BET appearance, as well as A-Team members Akini and Beyoncé.

"You like T.I.?" Griff asked, kneeling next to Ajmal.

"Yes," the 11-year-old said faintly, adding that his favorite song is "What You Know."

"Well we've got T.I. here," Griff said. And while Ajmal didn't lift his head from the blue pillow, his eyes lit up.

"How you doing," T.I. cooed. "I just wanted to come see how you're doing ... I heard the church bought you a PS3 [PlayStation 3], so I got you some games."

One by one, each visitor offered their prayers and well wishes, ending with A-Team intern Ree Williams doing a stirring a capella version of the gospel tune "Even Me." Before she hit the last note Ajmal's mom ducked into the kitchen, tears in her eyes.

"I really am glad though," she said, "that they came and brought a smile to his face."

Inside AJC.COM

Holiday shopping

Realtime shopping updates for gift bargains in Metro Atlanta. See a deal? Tell everyone!

Holiday Guide

Things to do in Atlanta with family and friends during the holidays.

Weekend Best Bets

International Cat Show, Chante Moore, Magical Night of Lights, chef cook-offs and more!

Obama Inauguration

Travelling to D.C. on Jan. 20? Here's everything you need to know for your planning.

My Style

Cecile Blanco says her clothing style is contemporary with a French twist.

Cheap Travel

No need to drop big bucks. Here are 25 offerings for cruise, hotel and fall travel packages.

Holiday Guide

Here are 10 gifts under $10, including edible candy cane cups.

Top 5 in Atlanta

Skip those drive-thrus. Here are five of best places in Atlanta for a juicy hamburger.

Christmas House

The 2008 edition, with its garlands and wreaths, benefits Alliance Children's Theater.

Kudzu.com services Find the right people for the job

Keyword     Business Name