MaKynzie's Journey

On July 20, 2023, we will travel to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital once again for a very intense surgery (6-8 hours) to help our deserving little big girl, MaKynzie J. Butler, add a little normalcy to her life. She deserves it and as her parents, we are going to do whatever we have to do to make it happen for her. Of all the surgeries and procedures she’s had, this one (number 9) facial reconstruction, is the one we are most excited and most nervous about.

MaKynzie was born with a cervical teratoma tumor. She spent her first 6 months in Cincinnati Children’s Hospital most of which was in NICU. She was on oxygen for about the first full year of life before being able to breathe on her own. We had to learn tracheostomy care along with feeding via a g-tube surgically placed in her belly. Makynzie had to learn how to eat and breathe on her own. She said goodbye to her feeding tube first and just a few years ago she said goodbye to her trach. Time and surgeries flew by but the one we dreamed the most for, facial reconstruction, was postponed several years due to a tumor (still there) in a peculiar somewhat dangerous spot. After monitoring it for over 5 years now, the doctors are comfortable with their abilities to perform this lengthy surgery safely. Yay for MaKynzie!

We’ve never asked for anything in the past. We just made it happen and had some amazing support along the way. From family, friends, church family (Galilee Baptist Church in Shreveport) and previous employers (Boy Scouts of America in Shreveport), we've been blessed with some financial assistance. Thank you! Honestly, we were not going to ask for anything as per usual but we’ve received DM’s and calls asking how to support. So, we thought, why not let people know we could use a little help? We’ve been to Cincinnati twice in the last 2 months and this trip will be number 3 within that span. Trust us, it has not been cheap! We are blessed to have health insurance that pays for the bulk of surgery; Thank God. Over the years you just do it and never ask for anything because of pride. Yes, we are very prideful! We teach MaKynzie to never let her abnormalities be a hindrance in life but also never try to use them as a crutch either… no pity parties over here.

From travel, lodging, food, lost wages (no vacay time) and, of course, medical expenses, the financial support will be a big help. However, whether you give financially or not, we hope you pause and say a special prayer for a very special little girl named MaKynzie Butler. She has been through a lot and we hope this is the beginning of a little more normalcy.

With Love and Gratitude!

Kimberly Thomas and Talmon Butler