Zalin (who was called "Zay" or "Zay-Zay" by his family) was born on March 9th, 2001 at California Hospital in Los Angeles, California. Although he is survived by four brothers (and seven sisters), whom he Loved and who Love him dearly, Zalin was the only biological son that his mother Zahara had; and thus the special joy of her life. Zahara lavished upon him a depth of Love that only a mother could provide. That mother's Love would serve as a guiding light in Zalin's life for the many rough roads ahead. At 15 months old Zalin was diagnosed with Acute myeloid leukemia, or AML. The aforementioned diagnoses would began an approximately two year period over which young Zalin would have little choice but to fight for his life. Having been a Sergeant in the United States Army his mother knew a thing or two about fighting, and therefore (literally) moved into Children's Hospital Los Angeles (C.H.L.A.) in an effort to help her baby fight his battles and win his war. However, this was a spiritual war which would involve many tears, and many prayers, over many nights. Thank God that she was prepared and ready for battle. On September 25th, 2003 our Lord answered Zahara's many prayers and Zalin was the recipient of a bone marrow transplant at C.H.L.A. This miraculous gift would render Zalin cancer free for the remainder of his young life; he would have celebrated 9 years this coming September. However, though Zalin's bone marrow transplant was indeed a Godsend, the preparatory treatment leading up to it left him with some side effects that he would also carry with him for the remainder of his life. Nevertheless, you would never have known it by looking at this handsome, charming, outgoing, curious, and incredibly happy little boy. From the myriad hospital visits, checkups, and appointments, to the literally hundreds of milligrams of daily medication, Zalin still managed to live life to the fullest. And somehow managed to pull all of those around him into living it right along with him. The little boy who was borderline fanatical about motorcycles, and superheros yet did not seem to realize that he himself was a real live hero. Able to soften stony hearts with a single smile, able to leap any obstacle of resistance that got in his way of obtaining his coveted chips or cheese, and able to make a stone statue smile with his laughter. If you are reading this and you knew Zalin, you absolutely cannot help but smile (even through the tears), because you know that every single word is true. So join us as we celebrate the life of this wonderful gift from God we all knew as Zalin. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die." ~ John 11:25-26