Jamal was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), also known as Von Recklinghausen's disease, at the age of 9. He underwent 7 surgeries to remove tumors throughout his body, which threatened normal activities of his vital organs and motor skills. 

Despite all of his physical limitations and the mental stress brought on by NF1, Jamal insisted on living a normal life and pursuing his education. After high school, he furthered his quest for learning by obtaining his Associates of Arts from Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland. He then pursued and obtained a Bachelors of Science in Social Work at the Alabama A&M in Huntsville, Alabama. He made such an impact at A&M that the school established a scholarship in honor of him. Ultimately, Jamal achieved one of his biggest dreams by graduating as a Gamecock from the University of South Carolina with a Masters in Social Work with a certificate in Drug Addiction Studies. 

In November of 2013, Jamal began to experience an unusual cough, which was misdiagnosed as an upper respiratory infection. In May of 2014, we unfortunately received the nightmarish news that Jamal had a Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath tumor located between his esophagus and aorta, which was a result of NF1. 

After treatment at Johns Hopkins Medical Center and a valiant fight against NF1 and cancer, he was rendered to a wheelchair and given just weeks to live in October 2016. But Jamal did not lose his faith as he maintained that God has the final say and he continued to fight until his passing on March 28, 2017 at the age of 31. 

NF1, while unknown to many, God sent Jamal to be his champion in the fight against this tremendous disease.