JACKSON – A fundraiser has been organized for a 2-year-old child who is battling cancer.
The GoFundMe campaign has been organized for Mackenna Leonard by Jackson resident Nicole Valente.
Mackenna was admitted to Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune on January 4 to have an MRI because she fell down the steps a few days before. Her doctor wanted to make sure she didn’t have swelling on her brain.
While she didn’t show any signs of swelling, her physician unfortunately discovered a brain tumor. They were able to remove the tumor the following day.
Mackenna developed a condition called posterior fossa syndrome. The condition was expected to last two to three weeks but Mackenna was able to recover from it within three days She’s been able to overcome every obstacle she has faced within the last two weeks.
With the support of her parents and many prayers from family and friends the plucky 2-year-old was doing well. On January 14, her family received the bad that the tumor that was removed from her brain was found to be malignant.
Her doctor has prescribed medicine and chemotherapy. Her father, who is a fireman, has taken some time off from work to help take care of his daughter. The family’s insurance won’t cover all of the expenses of his treatment.
Valente decided to organize a fundraiser to help the family to meet the expense of Mackenna’s treatment. Her GoFundMe program has raised more than $36,000. “I want to thank everyone who took the time out to pray donate or just share this information. It means the world to us,” she said.
“With all the craziness that’s going on in the world and in your own lives you all still took time out of your lives to help a little girl that some of you don’t even know. It’s crazy what we can do as kind hearted humans once we pull together. A whole bunch of people from all walks of life with all different beliefs/views pulled together to help,” she added.
Valente said, “it should make us all think how much better this world would be if we did this all the time. It’s amazing to me what a whole bunch of people can do when they are doing it out of love and the kindness of their hearts.”
“Let’s keep that kind of love going for our #miraclemackenna and for everyone else in this great big world too! Keep those prayers coming they are worth more than gold,” Valente added.
To donate in support of Mackenna, click here.
