Makenzie is a spunky three-year-old who loves Bluey and JJ plus singing and “directing” music! She was diagnosed with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 (PFIC2) at 8 months. It is a rare genetic disorder that impairs bile flow from the liver, leading to progressive liver disease. It’s characterized by severe itching, jaundice, and failure to thrive. While she has struggled multiple times in the past with failure to thrive, she is currently holding her own while gaining both weight and height. Just recently, she has been approved as a candidate and placed on the waitlist for liver transplant. As we wait for that day, her little body continues to struggle processing bile, resulting in insatiable itching and discomfort, protein deficiency, and severely extended abdomen.

Even with all the medical issues going on in her life, Makenzie is a bright little light wherever she goes. The joy she brings to those who meet her is nothing short of amazing. Can you remember the last time you were inspired by a toddler? This one inspires us every day. Your prayers and love are appreciated more than you can imagine. Thank you for helping give this imaginative little girl a chance at life.

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy children and young adults. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of our patients helps meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free to our families, and gifts to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.