Macie’s Legacy
Macie was just six months old when she was diagnosed with an inoperable pilocytic astrocytoma, a low-grade brain tumor that would shape the rest of her life. The tumor caused hydrocephalus, requiring two ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts, and from that moment on, our baby girl began a journey that no child should ever have to endure.
Over the next 14 years, Macie faced multiple brain surgeries, countless MRIs, hospitalizations, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapies, and clinical trials as doctors searched for treatments that could stop her tumor from growing.
She also lost her vision as a result of her disease, yet she never let blindness define her. There were seasons of hope, heartbreaking setbacks, and treatments that ultimately failed. Through every procedure, every scan, and every obstacle, Macie met each day with extraordinary courage. She never complained or asked, “Why me?” Instead, she continued to smile, laugh, and find joy in the world around her.
Although cancer was part of her story, it never defined who she was.
Macie was kind, compassionate, silly, sassy, and full of joy. She loved everything pink, sparkles, music, and making people laugh. She had the sweetest heart, loved deeply, and found happiness in the little things. She was our “Cuppy Cake,” our “Macie Bug,” and our beautiful Warrior Princess. Her smile could light up a room, and her gentle spirit touched everyone she met.
Macie taught us more about faith, resilience, strength, and unconditional love than we could have ever imagined. She inspired her family, friends, teachers, therapists, nurses, and physicians with her positive spirit and unwavering determination to embrace every day she was given.
Our Donation Story
In keeping with the selfless spirit she showed throughout her life, our family chose to honor Macie by donating her brain tissue through the Gift from a Child program. It was our hope that, even after her passing, her final gift would help researchers better understand pediatric brain tumors, advance treatments, and one day give another child the chance at a longer, healthier life.
When Macie passed away at the age of 14, she gave one final gift through her tissue donation. Although our hearts were broken, we found comfort in knowing that her legacy would continue through research. It is our greatest hope that the knowledge gained from Macie’s precious gift will bring hope to future families and help change the course of this devastating disease.
Macie spent her entire life fighting brain cancer. Even in death, she continues that fight. Her legacy lives on through research, hope, and the lives she may one day help save.
Forever our Warrior Princess. Forever our baby girl.
