MacKenzie's Story

MacKenzie
Age 13
Brain Tumor

Johns Hopkins Children's Center

"Faith, trust and pixie dust," is what got 13-year-old MacKenzie through a battle with brain cancer not once, but twice. Her mantra—and the way MacKenzie lived it—was so inspiring that it became the motto for the annual Radiothon for Johns Hopkins Children's Center where she received treatment.

In 2005, MacKenzie was like any normal 8-year-old. As a gymnast she was always full of energy, but soon she became irritable and developed a slight slur in her speech. An MRI revealed a brain tumor the size of an egg. MacKenzie immediately went into surgery to remove the tumor, followed by months of grueling treatment, but by March of 2007 the tumor resurfaced. The treatment continued, which included two surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, two experimental stem cell transplants and rehabilitation to re-learn how to walk, talk and eat.

The indomitable MacKenzie held on to hope. With faith in God, trust in her doctors and pixie dust—the magic and miracles she and her family hoped for—she is now in remission. MacKenzie continues to serve the hospital by participating in telethons, fundraisers and the Radiothon, where she is a star. Hospital staff say she handled herself throughout an extreme situation with grace and a positive spirit that everyone can learn from.

About Walmart and Sam’s Club

Wal-Mart has supported Children’s Miracle Network since 1987. Since then, Children’s Miracle Network and Wal-Mart have worked tirelessly together to help children by raising money for children’s hospitals. Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members have raised more than $500 million for children’s hospitals during the 23 year relationship. This is the second year Walmart and Sam’s Club have sponsored the Champions program.

Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club

Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club is a Children's Miracle Network program that brings attention to the important work being done at children’s hospitals by honoring remarkable children who have faced severe medical challenges.

The Champions program designates a champion child in every state who has bravely battled a serious injury or illness. The champions represent the nearly 17 million children treated at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals every year. The 2010 champions have dealt with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses including genetic diseases, heart transplants and traumas, as well as life-threatening staph infections.

As part of Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club, the champions travel for a week in June to Washington, D.C., where champions traditionally meet with their state senators on Capitol Hill, and the President of the United States during a visit to the White House. The family then travels to Orlando, Fla., for a second week in November. There, champions meet Children’s Miracle Network sponsor, hospital and media partners who all convene to celebrate a year of medical miracles during the Children’s Miracle Network Celebration event at Walt Disney World Resort.