Makenna’s journey to fight Neuroblastoma Cancer.

Hi, My name is Dawn, and I'm fundraising for My Great Niece, Makenna.

Makenna is an 8-year-old warrior who has been fighting stage 4 high-risk Neuroblastoma cancer for over two years. At the age of 5, our family received this devastating and heartbreaking news.

Neuroblastoma is a childhood cancer that is difficult to cure. Remission is obtainable, though, and we hope Makenna can get there.

Once it was determined that Makenna had Neuroblastoma cancer, the scans and tests revealed that Makenna had a tumor the size of a softball in her abdomen. The tumor also encases some major blood vessels along with several bone spots and cancer cells in her bone marrow.

Makenna and her family have endured so many up-and-down emotions. The first step of Makenna’s journey was to have surgery to have a port put in and a biopsy of her tumor. Then she started her Chemo. Like with any other chemo treatments, Makenna experienced the loss of her hair, loss of appetite, nausea, nerve pain and many other side effects.

Then, Makenna went into major surgery to try to remove the tumor. Because Makenna’s tumor encases some major blood vessels, the surgical team could not fully remove it. After more scans, the surgeons noticed more of the tumor hiding that had not been picked up on the scans before. So, yet another major surgery needed to happen.

Over the course of treatment, Makenna has had 24 chemo cycles, two major surgeries to remove the tumor, multiple blood transfusions, bone marrow aspirations, stem cell harvest, numerous scans, e-rays, EKG,s insertion of an NG tube, ER visits, hearing test, eye exams and over 30 hospital admissions to date.

Makenna is also experiencing long-term side effects from treatment like hearing loss, high blood pressure and digestive issues.

As Makenna’s little body has endured all that she has gone through, the course of treatment has changed several times. The family has traveled from Las Vegas, where they live, to CHLA Medical Center in California many times. Makenna is at the point of treatment where the doctors have consulted the top Neuroblastoma doctors at MSK who are based out of New York City

Makenna’s cancer is considered refractory, meaning it does not respond well to treatment and is very stubborn. That, paired with the location of Makenna’s main tumor has made it impossible to get rid of her cancer. But, the good news is that the NY team feels they can remove the remaining tumor. Because the tumor has also moved into her pancreas, part of her pancreas will need to be removed. The surgery will take all day and will be a very long recovery. Makenna will also require radiation once she is recovered.

This very hopeful news means several trips from Las Vegas to NY for Makenna and her Mom. It will be hard for their family to be separated. It will be a long and stressful time for the entire family, but we hope this will put Makenna in remission so she can get back to living the life that a child should be living

As you can tell from the pictures, Makenna is such an inspiring little warrior that tries to keep a smile on her face. She has a strong Mom and Dad and a brother who loves her very much, as well as many other people. When Makenna lost her hair, the entire family shaved their head, even her mom (My Niece). This family is amazing, so I am asking for any donation that would make their finical situation one less thing they need to worry about.

Please pray for my little Great Niece! Warrior Makenna!

Thank you!