At the age of 2, Makenzie was diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and Nephrotic Syndrome and was given a 10% chance of living. At the age of 6, she was on peritoneal dialysis. As she turned 7, she had both of her biological kidneys removed and received her transplant in October, 2004. At the beginning of her senior year at Tavares High School, in Tavares, Florida, her nephrologist discovered that she was in a chronic kidney rejection. The next 2 years consisted of IVIG and Rituximab infusions, many biopsies, finishing high school on time, heavy steroids, and attending Florida Gulf Coast University. Today, with only 40% kidney function, she is in her senior year at FGCU, majoring in English and minoring in Creative Writing and Entrepreneurship, she has started her career in what she loves! She continues to work closely with non-profits, to educate, comfort, and empower children that are going through what she did, because no child and family deserves to feel alone.
