Help Kenzie Kick Ovarian Cancer!
Donation protected
Kenzie Williams is one of the most joyful people you will ever meet. If you asked Kenzie, she would say she’s just an ordinary 24-year old girl who works and lives in Dyer, AR. But those who know her would say, she is definitely out of the ordinary. In fact, she is so unique, she has been recently diagnosed with Sertoli Leydig, a type of ovarian cancer which occurs less than .5% of the time.
Up until February 2020, Kenzie was actively working, pursuing her bachelor’s degree in English, and giving back to her community by volunteering with various organizations around the state of Arkansas. She is a caring and compassionate coworker, friend, and family member who always makes a hard job or a hard day more fun.
Kenzie’s journey to a diagnosis of stage 3 ovarian cancer began on July 8, 2019. On this date, while getting ready for work, out of nowhere, Kenzie was stricken with blinding pain in her abdomen. Emergency surgery was performed to remove a twisted ovary which doctors believed to be caused by a benign cyst.
In January 2020, Kenzie was experiencing bloating, swelling, digestive problems, and pain. She was concerned that the pain she was experiencing could be another cyst. After a visit with the doctor, she was tentatively diagnosed with gallbladder issues.
By February 2020, Kenzie’s pain had significantly increased. A pelvic ultrasound revealed masses covering Kenzie’s pelvis and abdomen. One week after her ultrasound, on February 17th, Kenzie had surgery to remove her remaining ovary, her appendix, and tumors covering her peritoneum, bladder, and abdomen.
Kenzie was in the hospital for one week following her surgery. Recovery was very painful and took 6-8 weeks. She was unable to work.
After her surgery, Kenzie was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer with cell type of dual sex cord stromal-granulosa. This is a very rare cell type, so her oncologists at Highland Oncology Group recommended she get a second opinion from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
Only days later, on March 1st, Covid-19 began to hit New York City. Things became more complicated. Catching Covid-19 would not only make Kenzie ineligible for clinical trials or possible treatments, but it could also kill her. It was literally an impossible choice: to risk CoVid-19 exposure or to forego recommended treatment?!
After much discussion, research, and prayer, Kenzie flew to New York earlier than she had planned and began quarantining in her mom’s apartment in New York City.
In mid-March, Kenzie began hormone therapy treatment at MSKCC. Since dual sex cord stromal-granulosa is a cancer that is typically slow to return, her oncologists thought chemo would be much too risky.
Unfortunately, in April, Kenzie’s symptoms began to return and after a CT scan, it was revealed her cancer was back with a vengeance.
Kenzie underwent another 7+ hour surgery on April 17th. The surgeon removed her uterus, spleen, a portion of her bowel, a section of her diaphragm, and cut pieces of tumor from her abdomen.
On April 24, Kenzie received her new diagnosis, Sertoli-Leydig. This cell type is difficult to diagnose and very aggressive—it’s quick to come back and grows rapidly. Chemotherapy was no longer optional at this point!
Kenzie and her family are hoping and praying that this chemotherapy is successful in fighting her aggressive form of cancer. In the midst of all of this, Kenzie remains upbeat and full of spunk—lifting the spirits of those who love her.
As you can imagine, any one of these surgeries would take a great toll on a body and a pocketbook, but three surgeries in less than 12 months has been overwhelming. Medical bills and expenses are adding up. Not only does Kenzie have expensive bills for her multiple surgeries and treatments, but she also has to pay for things that she now needs to deal with her cancer. For example, she’s had to buy some new clothes because she’s experienced such dramatic weight losses after starting treatment. Not to mention, there are added costs to take safety measures to protect herself against Covid-19.
A few of the medical bills and costs Kenzie has are:
-$24,000: This is what Kenzie owes out of pocket for office visits, CT scans and labs, surgeries, and hospital stays. This does not even include her most recent surgery or chemo treatments.
-$549: Counter-sized ice maker. At 24, Kenzie is already experiencing menopause symptoms after having both of her ovaries removed. She has hot flashes and nausea every day. Sometimes, ice is the only thing she wants. In New York City, it’s not only difficult to find ice, but there is also no space in the freezer if they find some!
-$200-$500: Wig and cap.
$400: Small reclining chair for sleeping, resting comfortably, etc
$60: Transportation to and from appointments. This is a higher cost than normal, because Kenzie and her mom have to be very cautious of sanitation when traveling to treatments.
$50: Weekly grocery delivery. Because of Covid-19, groceries have to be delivered to eliminate possible contamination.
$40: N95 mask. This is what Kenzie wears anytime she leaves the apartment to keep herself safe.
$40: Shower Seat. Kenzie is sometimes too weak to safely stand in the shower and cannot take baths due to her healing incisions.
$25: Hot and Cold packs. These packs help Kenzie with some of the pain she has from treatments and surgeries.
$20: Weekly cost to clean laundry and linens. It is very important to have clean clothes and linens, because it helps keep infections away.
$10: Pedialyte, broth, and Ensure. Kenzie has to drink lots of fluids right now with her chemo, Pedialyte, broth, and Ensure help keep her hydrated and healthy.
Kenzie is a bright, kind, and wonderful person. It’s likely that if you’ve ever spoken to Kenzie, she made you smile. I’ve known Kenzie for over seven years and feel so fortunate to have met her.
Kenzie is loved by so many people and has made a difference in so many lives. Being diagnosed with ovarian cancer and going through chemotherapy treatments at such a young age is hard enough, I can’t imagine the added stress and difficulty of going through all of that during Covid-19.
If you’re looking for a way to support Kenzie right now, make a donation. Any amount, small or large, is a great way to show your support and love for Kenzie. She has costs ranging from $10-$24,000.
Let’s give Kenzie the love and support she’s given us for such a long time. Your prayers, love, and donations will all help Kenzie during this time.
Up until February 2020, Kenzie was actively working, pursuing her bachelor’s degree in English, and giving back to her community by volunteering with various organizations around the state of Arkansas. She is a caring and compassionate coworker, friend, and family member who always makes a hard job or a hard day more fun.
Kenzie’s journey to a diagnosis of stage 3 ovarian cancer began on July 8, 2019. On this date, while getting ready for work, out of nowhere, Kenzie was stricken with blinding pain in her abdomen. Emergency surgery was performed to remove a twisted ovary which doctors believed to be caused by a benign cyst.
In January 2020, Kenzie was experiencing bloating, swelling, digestive problems, and pain. She was concerned that the pain she was experiencing could be another cyst. After a visit with the doctor, she was tentatively diagnosed with gallbladder issues.
By February 2020, Kenzie’s pain had significantly increased. A pelvic ultrasound revealed masses covering Kenzie’s pelvis and abdomen. One week after her ultrasound, on February 17th, Kenzie had surgery to remove her remaining ovary, her appendix, and tumors covering her peritoneum, bladder, and abdomen.
Kenzie was in the hospital for one week following her surgery. Recovery was very painful and took 6-8 weeks. She was unable to work.
After her surgery, Kenzie was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer with cell type of dual sex cord stromal-granulosa. This is a very rare cell type, so her oncologists at Highland Oncology Group recommended she get a second opinion from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
Only days later, on March 1st, Covid-19 began to hit New York City. Things became more complicated. Catching Covid-19 would not only make Kenzie ineligible for clinical trials or possible treatments, but it could also kill her. It was literally an impossible choice: to risk CoVid-19 exposure or to forego recommended treatment?!
After much discussion, research, and prayer, Kenzie flew to New York earlier than she had planned and began quarantining in her mom’s apartment in New York City.
In mid-March, Kenzie began hormone therapy treatment at MSKCC. Since dual sex cord stromal-granulosa is a cancer that is typically slow to return, her oncologists thought chemo would be much too risky.
Unfortunately, in April, Kenzie’s symptoms began to return and after a CT scan, it was revealed her cancer was back with a vengeance.
Kenzie underwent another 7+ hour surgery on April 17th. The surgeon removed her uterus, spleen, a portion of her bowel, a section of her diaphragm, and cut pieces of tumor from her abdomen.
On April 24, Kenzie received her new diagnosis, Sertoli-Leydig. This cell type is difficult to diagnose and very aggressive—it’s quick to come back and grows rapidly. Chemotherapy was no longer optional at this point!
Kenzie and her family are hoping and praying that this chemotherapy is successful in fighting her aggressive form of cancer. In the midst of all of this, Kenzie remains upbeat and full of spunk—lifting the spirits of those who love her.
As you can imagine, any one of these surgeries would take a great toll on a body and a pocketbook, but three surgeries in less than 12 months has been overwhelming. Medical bills and expenses are adding up. Not only does Kenzie have expensive bills for her multiple surgeries and treatments, but she also has to pay for things that she now needs to deal with her cancer. For example, she’s had to buy some new clothes because she’s experienced such dramatic weight losses after starting treatment. Not to mention, there are added costs to take safety measures to protect herself against Covid-19.
A few of the medical bills and costs Kenzie has are:
-$24,000: This is what Kenzie owes out of pocket for office visits, CT scans and labs, surgeries, and hospital stays. This does not even include her most recent surgery or chemo treatments.
-$549: Counter-sized ice maker. At 24, Kenzie is already experiencing menopause symptoms after having both of her ovaries removed. She has hot flashes and nausea every day. Sometimes, ice is the only thing she wants. In New York City, it’s not only difficult to find ice, but there is also no space in the freezer if they find some!
-$200-$500: Wig and cap.
$400: Small reclining chair for sleeping, resting comfortably, etc
$60: Transportation to and from appointments. This is a higher cost than normal, because Kenzie and her mom have to be very cautious of sanitation when traveling to treatments.
$50: Weekly grocery delivery. Because of Covid-19, groceries have to be delivered to eliminate possible contamination.
$40: N95 mask. This is what Kenzie wears anytime she leaves the apartment to keep herself safe.
$40: Shower Seat. Kenzie is sometimes too weak to safely stand in the shower and cannot take baths due to her healing incisions.
$25: Hot and Cold packs. These packs help Kenzie with some of the pain she has from treatments and surgeries.
$20: Weekly cost to clean laundry and linens. It is very important to have clean clothes and linens, because it helps keep infections away.
$10: Pedialyte, broth, and Ensure. Kenzie has to drink lots of fluids right now with her chemo, Pedialyte, broth, and Ensure help keep her hydrated and healthy.
Kenzie is a bright, kind, and wonderful person. It’s likely that if you’ve ever spoken to Kenzie, she made you smile. I’ve known Kenzie for over seven years and feel so fortunate to have met her.
Kenzie is loved by so many people and has made a difference in so many lives. Being diagnosed with ovarian cancer and going through chemotherapy treatments at such a young age is hard enough, I can’t imagine the added stress and difficulty of going through all of that during Covid-19.
If you’re looking for a way to support Kenzie right now, make a donation. Any amount, small or large, is a great way to show your support and love for Kenzie. She has costs ranging from $10-$24,000.
Let’s give Kenzie the love and support she’s given us for such a long time. Your prayers, love, and donations will all help Kenzie during this time.
Organizer and beneficiary
Bailey Faulkner
Organizer
Little Rock, AR
MacKenzie Williams
Beneficiary