Help Mak Fight Breast Cancer

We created this GoFundMe in support of our sister, friend and cousin Nadine McKenzie who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer on September 19th 2022. Diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, this aggressive form of cancer disproportionately affects Black women under 40. Mak (39) is five weeks away from her 40th birthday. The pandemic hindered many people from seeking medical care. Routine Cancer screenings were deferred resulting in delayed diagnosis and more advanced staging.

Mak and her family went through this heartbreak before as they watched her father fight and lose his brief battle with colon cancer five years ago. Mak was incredibly close with her dad. He was her hero, and she was and still is daddy’s little girl. Nothing was most devasting than losing him. He was her rock. Still struggling with the loss, Mak now finds herself a single mother, fighting the same battle and fighting to win. She is determined to beat the disease that took her best friend and be here for her two young girls, Zayn (7) & Kali (4).

It's with urgency we ask for your help as Mak has to take an indefinite leave from her full-time job to undergo 10 rounds of intensive treatment. The corresponding drugs, supplements and immune boosting treatments will be in the tens of thousands of dollars; and other living expenses that make this fight about more than just healing.

Our goal is to take some financial burden off her shoulders and assist with her expenses. This includes her medical expenses (not covered by OHIP or benefits), rent, utilities, childcare, food, transportation to-and-from the hospital (Ajax to Mount Sinai) and any other obstacles that may present themselves.

Mak breathes life into everyone she meets. She believes in kindness and never forgets to say I love you before getting off the phone. Mak is a person who always shows up for people, and now we are showing up for her. Even now, her worries are about how everyone else is feeling. Heartbroken and saddened to "burden" her loved ones with this pain again. We are honoured, not burdened, and will fight to save her life.

Every dollar you contribute can help her win this fight. This journey will be filled with tears, pain, laughter but most importantly, love. Your words of encouragement and supportive messages have been greatly appreciated. A quote from Mak's favourite bible verse:

"She is clothed with strength and dignity;

She can laugh at the days to come."

Proverbs 31:25

Thank you in advance for anything you can contribute to Help Mak Fight Breast Cancer!

Tennille, Natasha & Oana