Hilal Baalbaki embodies grit and determination, defying the odds

While he was in high school, Hilal Baalbaki (pronounced “Ball-bock-ee”) wanted to complete as many college credits as possible to get a head start on his goals.

That’s why he was a dual enrollment student at HFC during his last two years at Fordson High School. Prior to transferring to Fordson, Baalbaki attended Henry Ford Early College.

“HFC was a new experience for me in terms of the classes,” said Baalbaki, of Livonia. “We had to put in a lot of work. At the time, I was a full-time high school student and a full-time HFC student, so there was a lot of work to do. It was tough to get used to, but it was worth it. I know what to expect now when I head off to the University of Michigan-Dearborn this fall.”

A conscientious student

Born in Dearborn, Baalbaki is the youngest of four sons – Hussein, Daoud, and Hassan – all of whom attended HFC. He will transfer more than 70 credits from HFC – where he studied pre-engineering – to UM-Dearborn. He plans to study biomedical engineering and aspires to attend medical school.

HFC chemistry instructor Chuck Irish admired Baalbaki’s desire to learn.

“I always appreciated Hilal’s active participation in lecture and lab,” said Irish.

Cancer diagnosis during COVID

Baalbaki began his freshman year during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a junior, Baalbaki became ill, which made him unable to attend classes in-person. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma in early 2024.

“At the beginning of my senior year, I was too sick to attend classes. I had to get extensions and attend virtually. While I wasn’t able to go to class, I still did my homework and taught myself as much as I could, even pulled a few all-nighters,” he said.

Baalbaki had to learn to walk again after being immobilized in the hospital for a month.

“My leg muscles atrophied and I couldn’t walk,” he recalled. “It felt like I was in a prison. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”

First in his family to attend prom and graduation

Baalbaki wouldn’t let his illness stand in his way, despite being told by his doctors that his chances of attending any school-related events his senior year were minimal. He managed to attend some classes and attended prom with his girlfriend, whom he met while dual enrolled at HFC. He was the first in his family to attend prom.

“I wanted to go to the prom because it was my senior year. Who wouldn’t want to go to prom their senior year? I was worried I would be unable to attend both prom and graduation, but I did both. I’m glad I got to do both, especially after I missed out on so much because of COVID-19. I told myself that I couldn’t miss out. Even though I was still feeling the symptoms, I was able to power through it. I had a great time. It was a wonderful experience. I hope my kids can experience this one day the same way I did,” he said.

Baalbaki is also the first of his brothers to attend a graduation ceremony.

“They didn’t attend their graduations because they were either overseas or had to complete classes over the summer,” he said. “My family was so proud. It was very exciting and a proud moment for all of us.”

Baalbaki says he is responding well to chemotherapy and radiation. He is expected to be done by the end of the summer.

“I will beat this,” he said, determined. “Despite it all, I’m glad that I was able to attend prom and graduation, two important rites of passage during high school. I’m grateful for all my blessings. It’s very important to enjoy your final year of high school. Graduating is a big achievement.”