It was a year ago on Feb. 15 that Makenzie was diagnosed with a inoperable brain tumor in her brain stem... since we sat in a room in the ER and listened to the doctor tell us they had found a mass in her brain and she would need to stay in the hospital and have surgery. A lot has happened during that year. Kenzie has had 3 surgeries, spent a week in the hospital twice, been hospitalized several other times over night, had multiple trips to the ER for fevers, had many MRIs, X-rays, and CT scans. She's been on steroids that make her swell and give her an enourmous appetite. Shes been to the hospital once a week for checkups and chemo. Often she has not felt well, although lately she is doing better. She's lost a lot of hair and spent a birthday in the hospital. And through it all she keeps a happy, positive attitude like only a little child full of faith can. It is true that with great trials come great blessings. Makenzie and her family have had many fun times and special experiences. She got a Make-A-Wish to meet Barabara Park, author of the Junie B. Jones books, in November and have the newest book "Dumb Bunny" dedicated to her (it just came out February 13th). She's been to San Diego to Sea World, the zoo and the beach with her family, grandma and grandpa and her cousins. Through the hospital she's been to Camp Rainbow in Prescott, the horse races at Turf Paradise, Disney on Ice, Princesses on Ice, a Diamondbacks game, the circus, the Phoenix Zoo to meet Santa Clause, the Stuffington Bear factory on TV with Brad Perry. She spoke at a news conference with the mayor of Phoenix to announce the expansion of the children's hospital. She helped Alex Peugnet with a toy drive that collected thousands of dollars worth of toys for children in the hospital. She got an awesome princess room makeover thanks to Olivia Montez, Nancy Jarman, and the Despains. And she got to spend a white christmas in Logan, Utah and meet President Monson, receive a blessing from him, and be placed on the First Presidency's prayer roll and have them pray for her by name. And that is just the beginning of the blessings. She's met some amazing and caring doctors and nurses as well as other children facing similar medical trials. We have had so much help from family, friends, ward members and co-workers in the form of baby sitting, meals, help cleaning and sanitizing, covering my school classes so I can go to treatments, prayers, fasting, faith, financial help, and hospital visits. So many people have visited Makenzie, called her, and given her special gifts. We can't thank you enough. It is all truly appreciated and makes our lives so much easier right now. Kenzie has a long road ahead of her. She will be on chemo until at least August. But right now, she is doing well. She is strong, positive, happy, and has energy. She feels fairly well. She is handling the chemo as well as any kid could. Her tumor has pretty much stayed unchanged during the past year... only a tiny, tiny nodule of growth the size of the fraction of a finger tip. Other than one bout with the flu, she has avoided illness. Her shunt has not given her any problems. The chemo and the faith are doing the trick so far. We know the Lord is in charge and He has a plan. Please continue to keep Makenzie in your prayers and occasionally in your fasts. Thank you all again.
