Mackenzie's Medical Expenses

Mackenzie is one of a kind, and so is her complex Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Journey. Over the past 2 decades, she’s been diagnosed with both Ulcerative Colitis and fistulizing Crohn's Disease. Mackenzie was initially diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, which led to her colon being removed in 2004. More recently, she was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. Her health took a difficult turn in December of 2020, when she developed the first of several fistulas.

While most of us can’t imagine living with chronic pain this severe, Mackenzie has turned her disease into a mission to help others. As a Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Mackenzie specializes in addressing patients' wounds, digestive and urinary disorders, particularly those grappling with challenges related to their ostomy. Along with caring for others living with an IBD, Mackenzie advocates for Crohn's and Colitis awareness and raises funds for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.

In June 2022, she underwent an ileostomy procedure, which initiated a series of subsequent surgeries and complications. Since then, Mackenzie has undergone a gracilis muscle flap repair and endured 6 surgeries related to fistulizing Crohn's Disease. During this time, she hasn’t been able to do the work she loves or participate in her favorite hobbies. Despite it all, her resilience and positivity are inspirational to all who know and love her.

Finally, there's hope!

After enduring 2 decades of navigating this horrible disease, and 2 years dominated by medical appointments, treatments, and hospital stays, Mackenzie has secured approval for a transformative stem cell treatment in California.

While this opportunity is a beacon of hope for Mackenzie and her family, it’s accompanied by the weight of significant expenses. The financial burden of traveling to California for treatment and the medical costs as she recovers loom ahead.

Here's where we step in.

By contributing to this fundraiser, you provide direct support for Mackenzie's treatment and recovery. Your generosity lightens the financial burden, allowing her and her family to concentrate on what truly matters: standing by Mackenzie during her treatment and continuous recovery.

Collectively, we can make a significant dent in these expenses. Each donation, regardless of its size, plays a role in helping Mackenzie receive the care and relief she desperately deserves.

Mackenzie is an IBD warrior. Let's show her that she doesn't battle alone!