Malinda's Story

Malinda Hoagland was born on July 4th, 2012—a day meant for celebration, fireworks, and the promise of freedom. In many ways, her arrival was fitting. She was a spark, full of joy and limitless potential. From the start, she embraced life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a kindness that set her apart. She was the kind of child whose laughter filled every room, whose kindness lifted those around her, and whose dreams stretched far beyond the confines of her small world.

In school, Malinda thrived. She wasn’t just intelligent—she was determined. Every challenge that came her way, she met with an eager heart and an unwavering spirit. Her teachers spoke of her compassion, how she reached out to classmates who struggled, ensuring no one felt alone. Her friends knew her as the girl who always had an encouraging word, who reminded them that even the darkest moments had light waiting on the other side

But behind closed doors, Malinda faced horrors no child should ever know. The hands that were meant to protect her became the very instruments of her suffering. Her father and his girlfriend—the people who should have lifted her—became the architects of unthinkable pain. The abuse was relentless, both mental and physical, stripping away the innocence she had once known. Yet Malinda endured, still managing to find joy where she could, still holding onto the hope that life would get better.

She never got the chance.

At only twelve years old, the world lost Malinda to cruelty that should never exist. The bright light that had once shone so fiercely was snuffed out far too soon. But this is not where her story ends.

Malinda’s name is now a rallying cry for justice. Her story fuels an unyielding fight—a demand that no child should suffer as she did, that no abuser should escape the consequences of their actions. The people who loved her, the ones who refuse to let her memory fade, are turning grief into purpose. Every effort made in her name pushes forward a movement that ensures her legacy is not pain, but change.

Malinda Hoagland was more than the tragedy that stole her away. She was joy. She was kindness. She was a possibility. And though she is gone, her story will continue to be told, louder and louder, until justice is served, and her name stands as a beacon for every child who needs to be heard