Team Kenzie Mercier!

Greetings!

I have seen so much love and support out on facebook for Kenzie. #teamKenzieyougotthisgirl

If you have not heard, Kenzie, (with the love and support of her amazing family) is bravely fighting Anorexia. Last Thursday, she was admitted to John Hopkins All Children's Hospital because her condition had progressed and her body was having difficulty. The hospital is terrific; between Kenzie's fight and some fantastic doctors, improvement has been made in her medical condition. She continues to work on getting her body stronger. She will be at All Children's for another couple of weeks.

We are all so thankful and proud of her progress. This family is strong, Kenzie is a fighter, and it's all going to work out. However, I do want to share what we are now learning. It seems this is the beginning of a long fight to ensure Kenzie can be the happy and healthy teenager she is meant to be. The recent hospital care is focused on stabilizing Kenzie's physical health - especially her heart. Once she is well enough, she will need to enter a treatment center to ensure she gets the mental health care she needs.

The challenge here (besides finding a facility with an opening) is that medical insurance does not cover this mental health treatment. Join me as we drop our jaws, ponder the state of the US medical system, and feel frustrated over the fact that health insurance seems like a great idea until you really need it. These are all great thoughts, and hopefully, things will change one day, but I think there is a very good chance that Kenzie's family will need help from all of us to ensure that Kenzie can obtain the treatment she needs - when she needs it. I know that Ed and Heather will beat down the insurance company's door, but this is never an easy road.

Since Kenzie moved from Brewer, Maine, she has found a new home in Ruskin, FL. She has been a typical teenager, doing great things. Holding down a job, knocking it out of the park at school, and making friends. It's time for Kenzie to get the help she needs to return to her Florida teenage life!

For those who don't know, there are quite a few "Maine Transplants" over here in Apollo Beach, FL and we have all become close with memories of growing up in Maine and with new memories made down south. As the Mercier's family away from Maine, we wanted to let folks know what was happening and see how we could help support.

It's the holiday season, and I know that many of us are searching for a family where perhaps we can spread some cheer during this time of year. I can't think of a better family than the Merciers or a better cause than helping Kenzie get back on her beautiful, spunky teenage feet again! If you can donate just a bit, that's wonderful. If not, healing thoughts are just as appreciated.

Let's go Kenzie. You got this.

Updates on Kenzie's progress are starting to be posted by Heather, her amazing Mom on facebook

Thoughts and prayers are appreciated,

Karen & Peter White and the entire Florida/Maine crew :-)