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A Miracle for Mackenzie

  • Published
  • By Angie Ward
  • Team McConnell family Member
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Anyone that's looked into the big blue eyes of an innocent blonde haired child fighting for her life would be compelled to reach out to her--hug her, hold her, do something.

That desire to help is only magnified when you meet the Latimer family. Staff Sergeant Steve Latimer, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron, a strong military daddy, and his wife Brandie, a devoted mommy, put their own fears aside daily to help their precious first born, Mackenzie, who is battling a horrifying childhood cancer, Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a form of cancer rarely found in children older than 10 years.

Mackenzie is the epitome of an average toddler on some levels. She loves Elmo, but not as much as she loves and adores her baby brother, Kellen. She likes to play with her dollhouse, put together puzzles, paint and draw, and wishes she could ride her new bike.

On November 11, 2007, this toddler's life turned into a struggle for survival. Mackenzie was diagnosed with Metastatic Neuroblastoma. The doctors started with the "protocol" chemo-therapy drugs, which didn't work. They tried another type of chemo-therapy that held the tumors at bay and kept them stable. In all, the family and doctors have tried six or seven types of chemo-therapy, some which have and some which haven't worked. In December, Mackenzie underwent radiation therapy on her eye, which shrunk the tumor 30 percent.

Two weeks ago, a computed axial tomography, or CAT scan, of her head revealed a couple of new spots on the back of her head. They are small, but still big enough to be concerned about. X-rays done on her legs brought the worst of the news. The tumors on her hips have started to eat away at her femurs again. She has a new tumor on her left leg, causing major deterioration in that area.

Currently, Mackenzie's cancer is at Stage IV, which means it has spread to other organs. Her tumors are growing quickly. Since the progression, her body has become resistant to the chemo-therapy drugs the team has tried. Brandie and Steve are looking for a research protocol for her, while still continuing the radiation on her lower back and left leg for pain management.

This week, Mackenzie was readmitted to the hospital with internal bleeding. Her parents are hoping to learn this week what the next step is, and whether they will be headed west to a children's hospital.

What they need now is a "Miracle for Mackenzie." They need prayers for wisdom and prayers that God will provide that one bit of information that will lead them to a cure for their daughter.

Steve and Brandie thank you from the bottom of their hearts for all of your support. Their friends thank you as well for helping them to see how many people love and support them, and how so many hearts can come together to pray for Mackenzie.