The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) delivered a violin to Mackenzie at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago on Monday morning, August 5, 2019. Mackenzie arrived with her mother, Jackie, at Lurie where she was going to receive treatment.
Mackenzie is 14 years old and lives with her family in La Grange Park, IL. She was diagnosed with AML leukemia in June 2019. She loves to paint, sing in the choir, do poms and hang out with her friends. She is interested in learning how to play the violin.
We met Mackenzie during Alyssa’s celebration of life at Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s in July 2019. This is where she heard about AAFH and the gift request program we offer to teens and young adults going through their cancer journey. Mackenzie went on the AAFH website and submitted her request that night!
Within two weeks of Mackenzie’s request, a violin was ordered, picked up from Instrument Exchange and ready for delivery to her. Mackenzie smiled upon receiving her violin and it was truly heart-warming experience for all.
We couldn’t think of a better way to begin a week than sharing Alyssa’s love of art and music with another young patient. The happiness that we see on the smiling faces of our recipients is a wonderful reminder that we are fulfilling the mission of our Foundation.
