Today’s nomination comes from the mother of a 17-year-old named McKenzi.  McKenzi was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2010, but rather than let this diagnosis get her down, McKenzi found a way to bond with others who had cancer and provide them with something that would help and bring smiles to their faces.  During McKenzi’s cancer treatment she wore fluffy flip flops that everyone loved so she decided to create Fancy Feet.

Read McKenzi’s remarkable story of strength, faith and the ability to help others even when she was facing her own treatment.  McKenzi’s mother shares here story.

Please describe the story of the nominee in full detail:
October 2010 our lives would be changed forever.  McKenzi was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. We were both devasted, however, Kenzi fought this the whole way through with positiveness and strength I did not have. Kenzi kept me going and my strength grew stronger and I was able to stay positive with her. We had many trips to Seattle Childrens Hospital with great memories. Kenzi has a great friend who watches over her from above, Rochelle, who passed away from breast cancer which eventually spread everywhere. Rochelle and Kenzi’s bond was amazing! Rochelle told me, “I will not tell you I am sorry for this cancer, I will tell you it is a blessing.” She was right.  Through this journey, we have seen babies, children and teenagers suffering. Kenzi realized she had an easy treatment versus theirs. We made a special friendship with little Johnathon, who was on chemo for 4 days straight when we met him and his family.  One of the appointments Kenzi wore her fluffy flip flops to the hospital and everybody loved them!!! This is when Fancy Feet was born. Kenzi knew she needed to help them and bring smiles to their faces and let them forget about cancer for a few minutes. The first delivery was bags of kiddies that the girls from church helped put together, the second was flip flops then eventually Kenzi was able to do care packages for kids and teenagers in her own community. We have made trips to Seattle, Spokane and Portland for special deliveries. We find so much joy in these deliveries. Instant friendships are made!

Please describe how this nominee is inspiring you and loved ones :
With each delivery Kenzi makes, the families we meet are so appreciative of her generosity. The parents love to watch their child’s eyes light up and a huge smile as their child is given a gift. Each package is customised to the child/teenager. We have so many friends, community members who are inspired to help Kenzi with her organization. Without them, we could not make this happen. Kenzi has spoken at a middle school, was the first person to sign a pink car named Nissy whose owner was traveling acoss the country to raise money for cancer, has spoken at 2 Make A Wish foundation events, several news interviews. Kenzi does not realize how much good she is doing for this community and the example she is setting for others of her age or young or older.

What life lessons have you learned from this story? :
That I take life for granted. Its not about me, its about helping others. To better myself on a daily basis. Everybody has a story behind their face. To treat others as I want to be treated. Love unconditionally. There are so many life lessons I learn on a daily basis from her. Kenzi sees life in a way I don’t understand now. This is something she is trying to teach me. 🙂 I love her with all my heart and soul and thank God everyday I have her with me. She is here to continue her fight for those who have gone on before her and for those who are still fighting.

Why do you want to nominate this story? :
The reason why I want to nominate Kenzi is because she is an amazing person who has learned to love others before herself at a young age. Through this journey, that so many think is terrible, she was able to find the joy to bring to others. She is an amazing young lady who has a dream to make her organization HUGE! If Kenzi is to win this, her confidence in herself would increase 150%. This would help her organization be recognised by many people. I thank you for reading this and I hope you have been touched by her story like I have.

If you would like to give to our cause and make a donation to Fotolanthropy that will go towards the creation of the Teen Fotostory film, the product given to the winner and travel experience, please click on this link.  Fotolanthropy Teen Fotostory Donation Because of your donation we can give more!!