Hello all, my name is Ollie, and I was a close friend of Max’s. Thursday, August 27th, 2026, the world lost the light of Max, fondly known as Gizmo by her online friends. After an unexpected & non emergent 6.5 day hospital admission, Max was discharged home and stable.

The next day Max had GI complications that caused the nurses in her family to recommend she go back to the hospital. Before that conversation concluded Mackenzie was unconscious and non responsive. Unfortunately resuscitation efforts by Max’s mother and emergency response were unsuccessful.

Max positively impacted so many lives. I’ve only read a fraction of the stories her online friends have shared, and it’s incredible to know that her family and close friends weren’t the only ones to experience her wit, kindness, and generosity.

Max survived Guillan-Barre Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks your peripheral nerves in 2023. She was temporarily paralyzed and left physically disabled after contracting GBS, and she was unable to find a job after being laid off. This took a toll on her mentally and physically. You know Max tho, she fought, she persevered, she walked UNASSISTED again!! Max has not had health insurance to help with her medical costs nor does she have end of life policies. Life is not supposed to end at 36yrs old.

I am asking on behalf of her family for help covering her funeral and medical costs. The base price of her funeral, without any flowers, attire, etc, has been quoted at $6,800. Anything raised after this will go towards her potential medical debt and continued support for her family. If we’re able to raise enough funds, her family would like to outsource a streaming service for the funeral so that her online and long distance friends can attend virtually. The family plans to share service details once they are finalized and will not be Labor Day weekend.

We are thankful for any and all help that can be provided. It’s my hope that we can alleviate some of the financial burden the medical and funerary industry has placed on Max’s family so they can have space to grieve and celebrate her life.

From her sister: Thank you for any assistance you are able to provide. Please do not feel obligated to give, no matter your connection to Gizmo. We are devastated by Mackenzie’s passing and are grateful for your support.