In Memory of Mckinley Burnett

Mckinley Burnett was born March 20, 2014, alongside her twin sister Chloe.

Her mom said a special prayer asking God to bless her with twins.

As He sometimes does, the Lord answered her request, although not in the way we all thought He would. During the pregnancy Susan and Jacob were faced with the fact that one of their baby girls was going to be born with a severe heart defect (a CHD known as HLHS – Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome). Although the future was filled with uncertainty, they trusted the Lord and knew that He was the One writing their story. The girls were born at Monroe Carell Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville. Chloe was a healthy newborn! Mckinley underwent three heart surgeries within the first three years of her life. She not only survived each one, but thrived and was able to live a happy and full life!

Recently, because of having only half a heart, her body began forming blood clots. She suffered a massive stroke in August of 2023 and went on to spend six weeks at CHOA (Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta) where she received the best therapy and rehab available. Incredibly, she made immense strides towards wellness with more strides to go.

Unfortunately, on November 30, 2023, she suffered a major brain bleed. This time, she was taken to T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital at Erlanger and was eventually airlifted to Vanderbilt. The doctors did all they could, but ultimately (as it had been at the beginning) it was out of their hands.

On Saturday, December 16, 2023, Mckinley went to be with her Creator and Savior. Her parents continue to know that God is the one writing their story. If you ask them, they will say, the whys are still present and may never go away on this earth. The Lord is faithful, and the journey is hard. The heartache is unimaginable for Susan, Jacob, and Chloe. As you can guess the financial burden is also a lot to bear. Your contribution to them during this difficult time means more than you can know. God takes the little that we bring and multiplies it beyond measure. We know He isn’t done writing their story. He takes the bad and turns it into good. We believe this, even when the hurt is present, even when the whys remain and even when the future seems bleak. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and financial contribution. --Christina Carpenter

Although no amount of money can change what this family has been through, our love can be shown to them through contributions. We can meet their needs and help them to begin their healing process without a financial burden to bear as well. Thanks in advance to all of those who choose to give! --Leslee Collins