Makenzie And Her "Angels": A Cancer Survivor At Age 8
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| Makenzie Wright was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a cancer that usually strikes during childhood, when she was 22 months old. {Photo courtesy of Tammy Wright] |
A Keeper
"She's a keeper," Tammy Wright said during a Feb. 20 telephone interview.
The sentiment is felt profoundly by Makenzie's family and friends; at 22 months old, Makenzie was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a cancer that strikes the retina and is most often found in children.
Retinoblastoma is the source of about three percent of cancers that affect children under age 15. Most cases are diagnosed before a child's fifth birthday.
Five Year Mark Passed, But Parent Fears Remain
<L2>Makenzie was treated for the cancer and is cancer-free today. During her treatment, her right eye was removed, said Tammy Wright.
"She's tested every year and so far, so good," she said, and noted that Makenzie has passed a significant five-year cancer-free time marker. "But that fear, the fear that it will come back, is always there."
Makenzie is a second-grade student at the Gabriel Abbott school in Florida and enjoys spending time with her friends and her family members.
And she is the inspiration for "Makenzie's Angels," a team of folks who raise money to benefit the American Cancer Society.
Chocolate And Wine Fundraiser
"Makenzie's Angels" has planned a "Chocolate and Wine Tasting" fundraiser for Feb. 24 at the Fraternal Order of Eagles hall on Curran Highway. The event kicks off at 7 p.m. and concludes at 9:30 p.m.; $25 advance tickets are available at Galadriel's Boutique on Main Street and Melissa 's Hair Design on West Main Street, both in North Adams, or by calling Tammy Wright at 413-663-3303.
Those who attend the event without advance tickets and mention "WinterFest" upon arrival will be able to purchase $35 at-the-door tickets at the $25 advance-buy price.
There will be 20 wines and a wide variety of chocolates and appetizers at the event, Wright said.
The goal is to support all those impacted by cancer and offer tangible evidence that Makenzie's positive outcome is deeply appreciated. The "angels" hope that the funds they raise will lead to positive outcomes for all cancer patients.
"Makenzie had a good result," said Wright. "Some children [with retinoblastoma] lose both eyes."
Retinoblastoma
According to information provided by a Penn State Children's Hospital www.hmc.psu.edu Internet web site, a "blastoma" is a tumor comprised of abnormal and immature cells. Symptoms of the cancer are a white pupil or an "odd look to the eye, such as cross eyes."
A small percentage of those with retinoblastoma will have glaucoma and very red, very painful eyes.
"Retinoblastoma cells can also spread to other areas of the body, and may reach the brain by growing along the optic nerve," according to the information.
"Cancer...She Knows What Cancer Is"
"Makenzie's Angels" have participated in fundraisers such as the May 2006 Northern Berkshire Relay For Life. Makenzie participated in a fundraiser for the first time several years ago during a Survivor Lap held as part of a relay event at Wahconah High School. She was present at last year's cold and rainy overnight relay at Joe Wolfe Field.
"She understands what it's all about, the importance of it," said Wright. "She was good friends with Caleb Jacobbe, who lost his battle with cancer last year."
Caleb was eight years old when he died in May 2006. Caleb and Makenzie became pals when the two attended a child care program together, said Wright.
Makenzie's cancer losses reach beyond her childhood friend, Wright added.
"She lost two grandparents to cancer. She knows that people do not always have a good result. Cancer...she knows what cancer is."
Additional information about retinoblastoma is available at a Retinoblastoma International www.retinoblastoma.net Internet web site, a National Cancer Institute www.cancer.gov Internet web site, and an American Cancer Society www.cancer.org Internet web site.
