A mother is speaking out with pain in her voice and tears in her eyes after her 2-year-old son was struck by a hit-and-run driver, leaving the toddler with serious injuries and an uncertain road ahead.

A mother is speaking out with pain in her voice and tears in her eyes after her 2-year-old son was struck by a hit-and-run driver, leaving the toddler with serious injuries and an uncertain road ahead.

The incident occurred earlier this week in a quiet residential neighborhood where children often play and neighbors take pride in watching over one another. But on this day, in a moment that changed everything, tragedy struck when a speeding vehicle tore through the area, hitting the young child and fleeing the scene without stopping.

The toddler, identified as Malik Johnson, was rushed to the hospital with multiple injuries, including a fractured pelvis, broken leg, head trauma, and internal bruising. According to his mother, 24-year-old Aaliyah Thompson, doctors are cautiously optimistic about his recovery, but they have made it clear: Malik has a long and difficult journey ahead.

“I still can’t believe this happened,” Aaliyah said, holding a worn stuffed animal her son often carried with him. “One minute he was playing, laughing… and the next, he was lying in the street. I screamed so loud, I thought my heart was going to stop.”

Emergency responders arrived within minutes after neighbors who witnessed the horrifying event called 911. Malik was unresponsive when paramedics loaded him into the ambulance, and for a while, Aaliyah says, everything felt like a blur.

At the hospital, doctors worked tirelessly to stabilize the child. He spent several hours in surgery and has since been moved to the pediatric intensive care unit, where he remains under close watch.

“He’s a fighter. He’s always been full of energy, even when he was sick as a baby,” Aaliyah said. “Now, that same spirit is what’s keeping him going.”

The emotional toll on the family has been immense. Aaliyah, a single mother, says she hasn’t left the hospital except to quickly shower or grab a bite to eat. She keeps vigil by Malik’s bedside, singing to him, reading his favorite books, and praying constantly for his full recovery.

Authorities are still searching for the driver responsible. Surveillance footage from nearby homes has been turned over to investigators, who say the vehicle is believed to be a dark-colored sedan with noticeable front-end damage. Police are urging the driver to come forward and are asking the public for any tips that could help solve the case.

“It takes a cruel person to hit a child and not even stop to check if they’re okay,” said one local resident, who declined to be named. “We’re angry. We want justice.”

Community members have rallied around Aaliyah and Malik in the days since the incident. A GoFundMe page has been launched to help cover medical bills, future physical therapy, and long-term care needs. Local churches and organizations have also reached out, offering food, emotional support, and financial assistance.

“We’re so thankful for everyone’s love and prayers,” Aaliyah said, her voice cracking. “I just want my baby to smile again. To walk, to play. I want to hear his laugh. But they told me it’s going to take time.”

Doctors say that Malik will likely require multiple surgeries, extensive rehabilitation, and months—possibly years—of physical and occupational therapy. The full extent of neurological damage is still unclear, and his long-term prognosis remains uncertain.

“This is every parent’s nightmare,” said a nurse on Malik’s care team. “But if love could heal, this little boy would already be home and healthy.”

As Malik fights to recover, his mother remains focused on one thing: being strong for her son. “He needs me now more than ever,” she said. “And I need everyone to keep praying. Because we’re not giving up.”

Anyone with information about the hit-and-run is urged to contact local law enforcement immediately. Police have emphasized that even the smallest detail could be the key to bringing justice to Malik and his family.

For now, the hospital room where Malik lies has become a place of hope, where a mother whispers lullabies through tears and holds tightly to faith that brighter days