This June, MacKenzie, age 39, (mother of 2 and life partner of Cody Santaferra), began experiencing migraine attacks. She notified her doctors, who tried medications and offered suggestions. An MRI of her brain was ordered but insurance authorizations were delayed. This prevented her from identifying a cause or starting a treatment plan. While she waited, just a few short weeks later, she was found unresponsive and rushed to the emergency room.

To everyone’s surprise, the hospital discovered that she had a sizable and aggressive glioblastoma (a fast-growing brain tumor). In that short time it caused several strokes, grand mal seizures, and irreparable damage which left her with minimal brain activity. She died early in the morning on July 25th, 2025 with family and friends by her side. This was all very sudden, unexpected, and tragic.

MacKenzie lived for her daughters. To say she was dealt a tough hand in life would be an understatement, yet she handled it with tact and strength. Through her hard times she was always able to smile because of her family and friends, but mostly because of her girls and Cody. She would want to know that they are okay, don’t have to stress about bills, and can live life happily and comfortably, making memories and spending time together instead of worrying about overtime and finances. The girls will need Cody now more than ever, and it goes without saying that he should be there with them and for them, not working multiple jobs or late nights.

MacKenzie’s oldest daughter, Ary, 18, is incredibly sweet, intuitive, and creative. She has a unique eye for style and beauty just like her mom did. She hopes to pursue her dream of going to cosmetology school, focusing on nail artistry. She and her mom even created a small “nail salon” in their home so she could practice and make designs. It was something they enjoyed doing together. The designs Ary has created are beyond incredible and the world truly needs to see her amazing talent!

Her younger daughter, Tempe, 13, is a fierce protector…strong, passionate, and full of integrity. She has dreams of going to Harvard to become a defense attorney. Much like MacKenzie, she has a strong sense of justice, advocacy, and empathy, and she can hold her own in arguments and negotiations. She is going to make a huge impact on the world, and your support to help her get there means so much.

Your contributions will honor MacKenzie by supporting Ary, Tempe, and Cody as they navigate this unimaginable loss. Funds will go toward everyday living expenses, education for the girls, and ensuring Cody can remain present in their lives instead of working multiple jobs. Cody is someone who would give the shirt off his back for anyone, and is finding it hard to accept help but knows his priority right now is being there for the girls.

Every donation, no matter the size, will directly ease their burden and help fulfill the dreams MacKenzie so deeply wanted for her daughters.

On behalf of the family, thank you for your generosity and kindness during this heartbreaking time. Your support means the world to them and keeps MacKenzie’s memory alive through the love and care shown to her girls. THANK YOU!