Help for Mackenzie!

I’m writing to ask for help for my niece, Mackenzie Dickinson – a sweet, bright 15-year-old girl whose life has changed dramatically in just a few months’ time. Once an active cheerleader and talented young artist and writer, Mackenzie has been confined to a wheelchair since February, 2022. She now experiences intense, chronic pain and requires assistance with even the most routine tasks - such as brushing her hair. After months of appointments with specialists and testing at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, she has finally been diagnosed with both Diffuse Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS) and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

Both AMPS and CRPS are rare, chronic pain conditions characterized by increased pain and dysfunction as well as increased sensitivity to touch. For some, the pain may affect just one limb and may come and go; for others – like Mackenzie – the pain affects the whole body and is constant. Because of the rarity of these conditions and the intensity of the therapy required to treat them, there are very few places that have proven success in doing so. Treatment programs are very difficult to get into, and extremely expensive.

We have been blessed to learn that Mackenzie has been accepted into the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s AMPS Program – and they are scheduled to be there just one week from today! Mackenzie will receive intensive outpatient physical and occupational therapy for at least three weeks, but it will most likely be closer to six. While insurance will cover a portion of treatment costs, the family is still responsible for copays, travel, and providing their own housing and accommodations in Philadelphia. They will also be faced with lost wages as Mackenzie’s stepfather, Michael, will be out of work caring for her younger siblings while her mother, Shannon, accompanies her to treatment.

I am asking for your help to ease these financial burdens, so that Mackenzie’s family can focus on getting her the treatment she needs. Any donation, no matter how large or small, will help! If you are unable to give, please help by sharing with everyone you know! Thank you in advance for your help!!