MS. MAKENZIE NANCE

About Makenzie

Makenzie is a senior in high school who enjoys playing volleyball, singing, and spending time with her family and friends.

When diagnosed with sickle cell disease when she was a child, her diagnosis had come as a huge shock to the family. As a result, they did everything they could to educate themselves and learn how to best care for their daughter.

Since then, the Nance family has been very involved in community outreach, working with the Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Association, its network, and the local Red Cross. Makenzie has gained a great deal of knowledge about her Sickle Cell Disease through multiple appointments and reading the information provided by her medical team. She believes that her health is better because she adheres to the instructions of her knowledgeable medical team without deviating. Therefore her compliance has given her a greater opportunity to excel.

She volunteers at her school and church in her leisure time. She has even been a keynote speaker at multiple events, sharing her experience about Sickle Cell Disease and the significance of blood donation. In 2017 she was named the Children’s Miracle Network Child. She became the Walmart Healthcare Fundraising Initiative Awardee and the Speedway Champion in 2018.

As a result of her efforts, she and her parents have made a huge impact in the city of Cleveland by sponsoring several American Red Cross Blood Drives and Bone Marrow Drives focused on donors to match patients with Sickle Cell Disease.

Makenzie aspires to become a Registered Nurse and work in the Hematology Department to give back and make a difference in the lives of others.

Press Corner

Student spreads the word about sickle cell disease

Inspired by Compassionate Care at UH Rainbow | UHGiving

9-year-old’s family hopes to make a difference with bone marrow drive (cleveland19.com)