Mackenzie and I met as ER nurses in Detroit, and from the very beginning, I knew she was one of the smartest and most caring people I’d ever met. She’s dedicated her life to helping others, both in her career and at home with her wonderful husband, Wally, and their five amazing kids. Now, Mackenzie is facing one of the toughest challenges of her life: she was recently diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer. She’s about to begin a difficult journey of major surgery, radiation, and possibly chemotherapy.

As the holidays approach, the stress and worry for Mackenzie and her family are growing. Both she and Wally have spent their entire careers in healthcare, always putting others first. Now, they’re on the other side—navigating the uncertainty and fear that comes with being a patient and caregiver. The financial strain is real, especially with medical costs that insurance won’t cover and the time Wally will need to take off work to care for Mackenzie and their children.

I’m starting this fundraiser because I want to give Mackenzie and her family some breathing room and extra support during this incredibly hard time. Mackenzie is such a good friend, wife, and mom, and this will mean the absolute world to her. None of us can cure cancer, but a little support and love from everyone will go a long way to making this fight a little easier. Thank you for considering a donation or sharing this page to help Mackenzie and her family.