Maddi & Mckenzie family

$2,662 donated
Given by 26 generous donors in around 5 months

Maddi & McKenzie family - fighting a very rare brain cancer called DIPG

Bay of Plenty

Ten-year-old Maddi McKenzie is fighting a very rare and aggressive form of childhood brain cancer called DIPG (Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma https://www.defeatdipg.org/ ). For 3weeks, Maddie was misdiagnosed as having an open mucous plug on the back of her throat and was given antihistamine to fix it. Finally, with the slur in her speech not going away and vomiting whenever she swam at school and coming home sick, she was finally referred to Tauranga Hospital and we received the devastating diagnosis on April 4th 2017. Maddie has undergone many tests, treatments, MRI’s, 6 weeks of intense radiation therapy, and is on many medications including strong steroids to try to slow down the progress of this extremely invasive illness.

Maddi now has partial paralysis on the left-hand side and is about to begin using a wheelchair. Unfortunately, the families current rented home is not suitable for wheelchair access and so they are desperate to find a suitable home. The family are trying to raise funds to assist with a deposit for their own home and also to meet other needs that arise with child cancer. Maddi loves being with her family and desperately wants to be settled in a place where they are all comfortable and can all focus on having as much precious time together as possible.

Maddi has had some major hurdles to jump although this is her biggest yet. She refuses to give up and wants to be in her own home. Her family are trying desperately to purchase a home suitable to accommodate her needs. At the moment, her family have had to drop to one wage to care for Maddi’s needs which puts a huge financial stress on the family on top of an already incredibly stressful time.

At the moment Maddi has weekly visits to Tauranga Oncology and every eight weeks has an MRI to monitor progression in the brain stem. She is a true battler and her attitude all the way has been amazing and full of strength.

Thank you so much for supporting us as this very difficult time.

Jacqui Barnett's involvement (page creator)

I am Maddi's Aunty assisting with getting Maddi into her own home. And any other costs that may come up to assist the McKenzie family.

Use of funds

To assist with a deposit for a home for Maddi and to cover any other ongoing costs to assist the family at this time.

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Latest update

Stupid Cyst!!  12 October 2017

Last week we went back to Starship for the results of Maddi's latest MRI. The scan shows that the tumor is stable at this stage, although she has now developed a cyst in the center of the tumor which is causing a issues. So last week Maddi started a round of Chemo therapy which is given at Starship fortnightly via infusion. This is to reduce the liquid forming in the cyst which is causing paralysis on the left side of her body. We are hoping having the Chemo will reduce this paralysis and allow Maddi to have more mobility back.

Another development this week has been the arrival of Maddi's new wheelchair which will help with getting around.

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Latest donations

Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 04 Jan 2018
$30
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 12 Dec 2017
Keep fighting little brave girl 💪💪
$20
Kel & Jax
Kel & Jax on 11 Dec 2017
$30
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 02 Nov 2017
My family had been through the same journey with DIPG so we know how tough it is. Thinking of you all 💖
$100
Keepa Family
Keepa Family on 30 Oct 2017
We love and pray for Maddie and all of Maddie's beautiful family everyday. You are one special girl that's magical and we love that dragons are so special to you. All our love - Keepa family xx
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Anita Barnett's avatar
Paying to a verified bank account of Anita Barnett
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This campaign started on 6 Sep 2017 and ended on 31 Jan 2018.