McKenzie Bailey was born February 25, 2008. She was born with a genetic disorder known as Marfan Syndrome. Her particular disorder was one of the most severe versions of Marfans, also known as Neonatal Marfan Syndrome. Marfan syndrome is a connective tissue disorder affecting mainly the heart and lungs. In early 2009 McKenzie's lung conditioned had worsened to the point of now requiring a trach (breathing tube) and use of a ventilator (breathing machine).
She spent nine months straight in the hopsital with numerous procedures and surgeries. Once released from the hospital additional hospital stays occured throughout the next months. Her first Thanksgiving, Christmas, and birthday were spent at Shands Children's Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. On her second birthday she was rushed to the ER by ambulance and admitted, we celebrated her 2nd birthday in the Pediatric ICU at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.
Through the months at the hospital, every moment with McKenzie was made special. After her first birthday, we started celebrating monthly birthdays. The 25th of every month was a birthday party including a theme, decorations, presents, and cake. She enjoyed her "month" days. McKenzie passed away March 24, 2010, one day shy from her 25 month birthday.
McKenzie touched many lives. A facebook group was created called "Pray for McKenzie" with approximately 3,000 friends from all over the world including Australia and the UK. McKenzie taught us all to cherish every moment and make the most out of the time we have. We are never guaranteed tomorrow... we must Live for Today, all we have is Today so make the most out of it.
If you would like to know more about McKenzie you can visit her caring bridge page at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mckenzie1.
She spent nine months straight in the hopsital with numerous procedures and surgeries. Once released from the hospital additional hospital stays occured throughout the next months. Her first Thanksgiving, Christmas, and birthday were spent at Shands Children's Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. On her second birthday she was rushed to the ER by ambulance and admitted, we celebrated her 2nd birthday in the Pediatric ICU at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.
Through the months at the hospital, every moment with McKenzie was made special. After her first birthday, we started celebrating monthly birthdays. The 25th of every month was a birthday party including a theme, decorations, presents, and cake. She enjoyed her "month" days. McKenzie passed away March 24, 2010, one day shy from her 25 month birthday.
McKenzie touched many lives. A facebook group was created called "Pray for McKenzie" with approximately 3,000 friends from all over the world including Australia and the UK. McKenzie taught us all to cherish every moment and make the most out of the time we have. We are never guaranteed tomorrow... we must Live for Today, all we have is Today so make the most out of it.
If you would like to know more about McKenzie you can visit her caring bridge page at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mckenzie1.