Donate to McKenzie's Fight for a New Life

My name is Hannah, and this GoFundMe is being created on behalf of my cousin McKenzie.

Buckle down, this is a long ride…

In September of 2022 (shortly after her 24th birthday), Kenzie started feeling pain in her knee. She went to the hospital, several scans were ran, but unfortunately - for SIX months, Kenzie was misdiagnosed. She was told she had an “over-stretched quad muscle”.

The pain worsened - and she insisted on more tests.

In March of 2023, McKenzie was diagnosed with Synovial Cell Sarcoma - which was located in her knee.

From April of that year until October, she underwent several rounds of chemotherapy. After chemotherapy, she underwent her first limb-saving surgery. The purpose of the first surgery was to remove the tumor (116mm mass), taking a skin graft and putting it in place of the tumor - because the cancer had eaten away at her femur. Part of her femur was replaced with 6” of metal and she also underwent a full left artery bypass.

Once she returned home to focus on recovery, she believed the worst of this would be behind her. One night, while waking to use the restroom in the middle of the night, she fell and broke the leg she recently had surgery on. Her knee dislocated and she suffered a compound fracture of her femur.

Kenzie was rushed into emergency surgery, where they made an attempt to put things back together the best they could. She underwent radiation after this surgery for another grueling 6 weeks.

Things took a positive turn, when Kenzie finished radiation and “rang the bell” - she was in remission.

Unfortunately, this was not the end.

Over the next several weeks, it became apparent that her leg was infected. Despite efforts by her medical team, the infections, swelling and the lack of use of her leg - continued for several months. Hospital stays, antibiotics and further treatments simply did not resolve the continuous infections and life altering pain.

At this point - McKenzie had been fighting for almost two years for normalcy. Her doctor gave her the only option they felt was realistic… above-the-knee amputation.

Yesterday, she underwent surgery.

There are certainly hurdles and brand new challenges coming her way… and that is why we are asking for help.

Despite the physical and emotional toll, her spirit remains unbreakable, and her determination to reclaim her life is nothing short of inspiring.

Your support will go directly toward medical expenses covering ongoing treatments, hospital stays, specialized care, and medications not covered by insurance. This will also assist with everyday costs as she focuses on healing, especially with the financial strain of extended time away from work.

Rent, groceries and the bare necessities - that’s what we are simply trying to take off of her plate.

Every donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in Mackenzie’s’s fight and recovery. If you’re unable to contribute financially, please consider sharing this campaign to help us reach as many hearts as possible.

Thank you for standing with McKenzie and her family during this incredibly difficult time. Your kindness, prayers, and support mean the world to us all.