Mckenzie Huisman

On January 4, 2016, McKenzie Huisman, 15 year old daughter of Washington State Patrol employee David Huisman, was diagnosed with Adrenocortical Carcinoma.   Adrenocortical Carcinoma is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the outer layer of the adrenal gland.  Her illness was continually evaluated; her doctor’s conversation eventually changed from curing her cancer to prolonging her life.  McKenzie had multiple treatments of Chemotherapy that had no effect.  McKenzie endured an experimental treatment regimen at Seattle Children’s Hospital.  McKenzie’s most recent MRI and PET scan has shown that the cancer spread from her kidney to other vital organs.  Sadly, McKenzie was notified her life expectancy is approximately six to nine months. 

True to her character, McKenzie inquired about donating her organs to others in need.  Unfortunately, this is not possible due to the cancer.  Instead, McKenzie will be donating her body to science.  Her donation will hopefully provide insight to the medical field in hopes that a cure can be discovered.

McKenzie is the oldest of four children.  She is a nature enthusiast and a fan of the U.S. National Parks.  McKenzie’s dream was to experience all of the U.S. National Parks.  The goal of this fund is to fulfil her dream and provide McKenzie the opportunity to see Yosemite National Park and the Redwood Forest. 

Any funds raised above the amount necessary to facilitate this trip will go toward the costs of McKenzie’s treatment and future needs.