When McKenzie Covert was three years old, she began experiencing severe joint pain and fatigue, and started getting bruises on her chest and back. In September 2015, McKenzie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a cancer of the bone marrow.
When McKenzie’s body did not respond as expected to treatment, doctors determined she was at high risk for relapse and prescribed more intense chemotherapy. Over the next 28 months, McKenzie fought through multiple rounds of oral, IV and spinal chemotherapy, steroids, antibiotics and countless blood and platelet transfusions. She endured four rounds of High‑Dose Methotrexate, each one requiring week-long hospital stays and causing painful ulcers in her mouth and throat. Even a simple fever meant another trip to the ER.
Throughout this journey, the team at McLane Children’s became more than caregivers—they became family. They provided expert medical care, emotional support, and the reassurance McKenzie and her parents needed during their hardest moments.
When McKenzie reached remission, her treatment continued to ensure no leukemia cells remained. In early 2018, just weeks before finishing treatment, McKenzie became severely ill with viral meningitis. Her weakened body couldn’t handle more chemotherapy, so her medical team made the difficult decision to end treatment early. In February 2018, after 28 long months of courage and resilience, McKenzie proudly rang the bell to mark the end of her cancer battle.
Today, McKenzie is a vibrant, healthy 14-year-old who loves soccer, volleyball, shopping and hanging out with friends. “She is a social butterfly,” her mother, Tiffany, says. “If you need any tips on skincare, she’s your girl! She’s sweet, sassy and definitely one-of-a-kind.”
As the 2025 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champion for McLane Children’s, McKenzie spent the year advocating for children’s healthcare and sharing the importance of donations to McLane Children’s.
Because of donors, McKenzie grew from a brave toddler in treatment into a confident young champion who now advocates for others. Imagine how many more children like McKenzie you can help through your support of McLane Children’s.
