Keep Climbing: Mackenzie's Story

Hello everyone,

My name is Alaina Clague. Many of you may know my sister Mackenzie Rose Buckentine and her story of battling stage IV melanoma. But for those who might not know, here's Mackenzie's "origin story" as told by her...

"I guess the best place to start is the very beginning. Back in March of 2018 at 30 weeks pregnant I finally got a spot checked on my ear that had been continually scabbing and not healing. The results of the biopsy came back as melanoma. Honestly, I was surprised but not very concerned. Lots of people have skin cancer and it’s JUST skin cancer right? The dermatologist said I needed to have surgery to remove more margins around the site and test the lymph nodes to make sure nothing had spread. She referred me to an ENT surgeon and I had the surgery at 33 weeks pregnant. It was stressful and scary but I made it through just fine and my son “P” never knew the difference. The results from that surgery and sentinel node biopsy all came back clear, great news! And I thought that was the end of it. None of the doctors or nurses I saw during the entire experience recommended ANY kind of follow up. Thankfully my family insisted I go get a full body check and a new dermatologist and she put me on the path of getting checked every 3 months. Annoying, but still not a big deal right? Fast forward to 2020; we’re living in a pandemic with a toddler and we find out we’re pregnant again! This time it’s a little lady. We’re also navigating having to relocate and build a house due to our farm house being demolished for Highway expansion. It was a lot to say the least. Then one day late in my pregnancy I notice the scar from my first surgery is itchy, then burning and painful. Then a lump suddenly appears behind my ear. Two trips to urgent care gave little relief as doctors suspected a skin infection or possible shingles. As quickly as the pain appeared it disappeared but the lump remained. My doctor suggested and ultrasound just to be safe. The results were “suspicious” so a biopsy was needed. That’s where the story takes a turn. A week later I’m sitting in the doctors office at 36 weeks pregnant, alone (because pandemic remember?) when a PA tells me that lump is melanoma again. This time all the doctors are much more concerned. My OB tells me we need to deliver this little girl ASAP and I need to get in with the oncologist quickly after that. A whirlwind of appointments, tests, scans and more biopsies (oh yeah and a new baby!) came in the following weeks all which bring us to the day my life changed forever. The oncologist called with the results. Once again alone at home this time with my 2 week old, I find out the melanoma is not only back but it has spread, Stage IV..." -@melanomamama

Mackenzie went on to battle cancer for nearly 20 months. She and her husband Mike would often say that it felt like they were “climbing a giant mountain together.” From that, Mackenzie found her motto: "Keep Climbing." Throughout her journey, she faced mountain after mountain; including multiple rounds of immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation, clinical trials, and two craniotomies (to name a few). Mackenzie's long battle with cancer came to an end on August 4th. After visiting the Wisconsin Dells with her children and family, she noticed some new pain and swelling in her shoulder. Another trip to the ER revealed a blood clot near her port that could not be treated due to her low platelet count - a side effect of cancer treatments. After discussing with her primary oncologist, Mackenzie and Mike made the impossible decision to transition her to home hospice. A week later, Mackenzie passed away in her home with a house full of loved ones and her husband, mom, dad, and sister at her side.

Her husband Mike said it best, "Mackenzie did not lose her battle to cancer but she kicked it’s ass in how she lived her life every day since being diagnosed. She never let it stop her from being the most wonderful wife and badass mom." Mackenzie fought hard because she had to, but she fought exceptionally hard for her two babies. She always knew she was meant to be a mom, and her kids were her entire world.

I am creating this fundraiser in honor of Mike and Mackenzie's dream of giving their children the best life possible. The money that we raise will be put towards paying off lingering medical expenses, and providing for their two children as they now navigate life as a single income family.

Though they never ask for anything from anyone - other than love and support - we hope that this fundraiser is a way for those who Mackenzie's story has touched to contribute to her legacy.