Help Mackenzie fight Mast Cell Disease (MCAS)

On February 12th, 2020, after a routine allergy test, Mackenzie was diagnosed with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, a rare disease that makes her "allergic to life". Most people with this disease get worse over time, and quickly become unable to work, do simple daily tasks such as standing for long periods of time, or even go outside without risking an anaphylactic reaction (or even death). This disease does not typically go away, but (thankfully) can be managed through rigorous, difficult treatments and management.  Mackenzie now has to go on several medications (some of which she can't get prescriptions for and insurance does not fully cover), wear a medical identification bracelet 24/7, can no longer exercise, or wear makeup or perfume. She has to go on a special low-histamine diet, and now has to wear a respiratory mask anytime she walks outside. She has to switch all skincare and shower products, cleaning products, and laundry detergent to products with no chemicals, dyes, or fragrances. She has to have an air purifier and a humidifier in every major room of her apartment, and has to constantly clean to avoid dust and mold (both major triggers of MCAS). She also has to filter all water she touches, including the water that she washes dishes in or showers in. She has to buy only organic, fresh foods for every meal (and can't even eat leftovers!). She can have an anaphylactic reaction at any point in time to dust, pollen, mold, food, adrenaline, stress, emotions, cold, heat, and a multitude of other triggers.  Even foods and products that are "safe" for a while can quickly become triggers and have deadly consequences. To avoid this, she has to eliminate as many triggers from her life as fast as possible.  As one can imagine, all of these things become expensive quite quickly. In the short two weeks that she has been diagnosed, her and her family have already had to pay over $600 in medical supplies and doctor's visits. And she's not even close to getting started. Her next steps are to visit a dietician (which is not covered by her insurance), and to visit a specialist for Mast Cell Disease. The nearest specialist who accepts her insurance is over three states away, so she would have to take time off of school to travel for medical care (which puts her at risk of losing her scholarship at her University). Mackenzie has been trying to get a job for some time now, but being disabled puts her at a disadvantage, and to date, she has not been able to find work. With her medications, her symptoms will get worse for a while before they start to get better, so it is unknown how long she will still be able to work.  Anyone who knows Mackenzie knows that she has been through a lot in the last few years. She is a strong, dedicated, intelligent woman who hates asking for help. Up to this point, she has managed to balance her health problems, finding a job, being President of an Honor Fraternity, being a double major in Math and Computer Science (with a Business minor), and keeping her grades up for her scholarship. But now, as her condition worsens, she can't do all of this alone. Any funds this fundraiser receives will first and foremost go towards paying for medical bills, medications, medical products, safe "daily routine" products, and safe organic foods. Any leftover funds will go towards future medical expenses, or towards rent for her apartment as she tries to find stable work. Mackenzie thanks you for all of your help; every donation helps take some of the stress (a MCAS trigger!) surrounding money and her health off of her.  Mackenzie is excited to finally have answers for her health problems, and can't wait to start on the road to recovery and management. In order to do this, she has to eliminate all possible triggers from her life as soon as possible. She can't do this without your help. Through this difficult time, Mackenzie needs as much love, support, and help as she can get. Thank you.