Liverpool resident is IWK 2009 Children’s Miracle Network Champion Child @E;

MacKenzie, her hands flying in sign language, was obviously thrilled. “I’m happy about it and excited,” she said Feb. 16 through her Dr. John C. Wickwire Academy interpreter Amanda Jurgenliemk. Her younger friends and family echoed her comments by calling her a “best friend.”

The 10-year-old Grade 5 student is representing the IWK Health Centre at Children’s Miracle Network events throughout the Maritimes. MacKenzie’s family will also attend Champions Across Canada presented by Wal-Mart in Ottawa and Celebration! in Orlando later this year.

In addition, said Brad Jacob, VP Development, IWK Foundation, “They get a chance to meet other children who are like them, very courageous…”

Not long after she was born, MacKenzie was diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome, which affects almost every part of her body. She's visually impaired, deaf, loses her balance easily, and has stomach problems, scoliosis, a nightly feeding tube, a cochlear implant, chronic pain and takes 10 different medications. MacKenzie also experiences seizures as a result of her syndrome and has kidney problems.

Despite these challenges, MacKenzie is happy and busy. For example, she roller blades, rides a bike, and goes bowling and swimming.

At the assembly, last year’s representative, Matthew MacDonald also congratulated her. “I hope this champion child has just as many good memories as I do.” After the assembly, he offered MacKenzie some advice. “Just enjoy every minute of it and expect a lot of surprises too. It was a lot of fun.”

Parents, grandparents and numerous other relatives attended the assembly. MacKenzie’s mother, Jeanie Colp said they are “truly honoured and humbled” by the opportunity. She added her daughter deserves it. “It’s been a long journey. I think the proverb it takes a village to raise a child has never been more true.”

In explanation, she praised education system and hospital staff, adding they have always felt like “a member of the team, and that means the world to me.” She also thanked staff for the gift of language for her daughter and for the “unconditional love” MacKenzie has experienced.

After a letter from Premier Rodney MacDonald was read – he met MacKenzie during his Ceilidh for Kids IWK fundraiser last Dec. – Dr. Kim Blake via video message talked about MacKenzie’s friendly personality and strength of character. “What I remember about you is the way you always find me wherever I am for a chat. You still have to teach me sign language though.” She added that even before sign language someone asked her if MacKenzie could talk. “I had to think” about it, she said.

Dr. Blake is a lead researcher and has been involved with MacKenzie since her birth.

Another primary person in MacKenzie’s life is Dr. Dhiman Chowdhury, who said she amazes him. “Somehow she has changed from a little girl to a woman and to this Champion Child.”

Dr. Chowdhury, like the other speakers from outside Queens Co., said they were excited to be at the school and to meet MacKenzie’s friends and family.

He also praised Jeanie Colp’s efforts over the years.

Colp, after the assembly, said MacKenzie has done better than many expected because, “she would have been a high-spirited tenacious child regardless.”

She added she looks forward to MacKenzie’s future. “She is capable of doing a lot of things.”

The event also included praise for sponsor Walmart and details about the 25th anniversary IWK Telethon at the end of May.

The Children’s Miracle Network is a non-profit organization whose mission is to generate funds and awareness programs to benefit more than 17 million children served by Children’s Miracle Network-affiliated hospitals in Canada. The IWK is one of 170 members of the Children’s Miracle Network.

The assembly will be featured on Live at Five.

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