The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Orange Police Officer Caleb Davis has worked selflessly for the last five years protecting the citizens as he patrols the streets, but there is one problem he can’t immediately fix, his 7 month old son, Malachi, has occipital plagiocephaly and torticollis.

In other words, his neck is not strong enough to turn both ways, and as a result of this his head is flat. For obvious safety reasons, his parents, Caleb and Sarah Davis were advised to order a specially designed helmet for the child, who will have to wear it 23 hours a day for 6 months or longer.

As sad as this situation is, Caleb and Sarah Davis decided to think outside the box in order to find a silver lining in what is other wise a dark situation. Sarah searched the internet to find someone who could customize the design of a helmet to help her son.

She was able to find someone to make the special helmet. But, this one is extra special since it is as close to a Dallas Cowboys design as possible since the National Football League has rules about replicating designs owned by the league.

Another hurdle for the couple is the escalating medical costs. The Orange Municipal Police League will conduct a fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 30 near the front of Walmart located at 3115 Edgar Brown Drive. For $5 there will be a link, chips and a drink for sale. In addition, a basket of items will be available for a silent auction. Plus, raffle tickets will be sold for a beautiful donated painting. For those wanting to make a monetary donation, it can be done at Wells Fargo bank. The account is under the OMPA or Malachi Davis. The account number is 3815787720.

Malachi’s parents noticed the problem as the infant began to grow. About a month ago, he was diagnosed. The helmet will re-shape his skull since his tiny head is still growing and the bones are soft. As a result, his head will be remolded. Since he started wearing the helmet, they have seen improvements through measurements done by the doctors. They must take a trip to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston every two weeks to make sure he is progressing. Malachi also undergoes physical therapy to aid in making his neck stronger.

But, these problems do nothing to stop Malachi from being a happy baby who loves to laugh.

“He even makes himself laugh,” Caleb Davis said.

He also does what other babies typically do at his age which is roll over.

Caleb Davis also wants to get Dallas Cowboys team members autographs on the helmet as an inspiration to continue forward no matter what — like most fans know , win or lose. But, Malachi already is since he is surrounded by the love of family and friends.

The couple was born into Cowboys loving households, and has continued their loyalty for “America’s team” throughout their lives. Caleb was able to meet some of his gridiron heroes as a child, while Sarah remembers watching games on the family TV with her dad and granddad. Now they have a family of their own, who all after church each Sunday, rush home, throw on their jerseys, and root for the “Boys.”

“We think it would be amazing if they could get little Malachi’s helmet signed by someone on the team. We of course wish the best for Malachi and his amazing and supporting family, “ said Jonathan Baggett, fellow OPD officer and friend. “They mentioned they didn’t want this to be taken as a sob story, but rather one of prosperity and the power of family love.”

Malachi Davis, 7 months, wears a helmet to reshape his head. He suffers from occipital plagiocephaly and torticollis. His neck is not strong enough to turn both ways, and as a result of this his head is flat. For obvious safety reasons, his parents, Caleb and Sarah Davis were advised to order a specially designed helmet for the child, who will have to wear it 23 hours a day for six months or longer.