Dear Sir or Madam:
I represent the local band, Clockwork Orange, who is trying to help a
precious child. Her name is Makenzie Davis. Makenzie is 19 months old
and was diagnosed in June of this year with a rare disease called
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, which is an immune system disease in
which a person has to many Langerhans white blood cells. It is not a
known infection or cancer, but cancer treatments are sometimes
suggested. Little Makenzie has already undergone more than 63 platelet
transfusions, over 54 blood transfusions, and chemotherapy since her
diagnosis in June. She has recently undergone an operation in which a
feeding tube has been replaced by a central line that comes from her
chest in hopes of raising her nutrition levels for the needed bone
marrow transplant. However something has gone wrong and it is not
working. All patients with LCH do not have the same or all of the same
symptoms. LCH can cause skin rashes, bone lesions, damage to lungs,
liver, spleen, teeth, gums, ears, eyes, and central nervous system.
Besides fevers, weakness, developmental problems, and confusion,
Makenzie's liver has shut down.
Makenzie needs a bone marrow transplant.
Doctors hope that a bone marrow transplant will reverse the disease.
Samples were taken from family members to find a match for her
transplant. Fortunately, a match was found. Donated bone marrow will
take some financial burden off the Davis family.
Lori Davis, Makenzie's mother, must stay home instead of working to take
care of Makenzie's constant needs. Larry Davis, Makenzie's father, has
insurance through his employment, but they have reached their insurance
cap after already receiving $400,000.00 in medical bills for Makenzie.
Another financial burden is that the Davis family must buy a new furnace
to accommodate Makenzie's need for a sterile environment. Larry Davis,
Makenzie's father would like to be with her through all of this, but
more often than not he must stay behind to work while Lori takes
Makenzie to Riley Hospital for her appointments, treatments,
emergencies, and any hospitalization that she requires.
Makenzie has an older sister, Brecken Shelton age 6, who will be leaving
the Davis home to stay with her Grandmother in another state the day
after Christmas. This could very well be the last Christmas this family
will have together. Doctors have given Makenzie two years to live under
the best circumstances.
If Makenzie's nutrition levels are raised enough to receive the bone
marrow transplant, Brecken will have to be out of the Davis home for a
period of one year or more due to the fact that Makenzie's immune system
will be drastically low.
On Friday, December 11th, 1998 the Mayor of Richmond has declared it
Makenzie Davis Day.
The band is putting on a benefit concert along with two other local
bands to help raise funds for the Davis family. The Knights of Saint
John graciously donated the use of their new addition for the show. It
will be held December 12th, 1998 from 6:00 p.m. to Midnight. All
proceeds from the show will go to the Davis family.
We are asking everyone to make a donation for Makenzie and her family.
They are not financially able to buy Christmas gifts. Since this may be
their last Christmas as a family unit with Makenzie we would like to
help make it a wonderful one. One of her parents will be at the benefit
show and we want to be able to present them with gifts for their
children. Please consider helping us make this Christmas one the Davis
family can enjoy. Makenzie was diagnosed as terminal yesterday. This is
her last Christmas.
If you are able to donate a large item such as a television, etc. that
can be raffled at the benefit show to raise more money for their medical
bills please let us know as soon as possible so that tickets can be sold
in advance.
Monetary donations should be sent to Star Bank, P.O. Box 1486,
800 Promenade, Richmond, Indiana 47374 to be placed in the Makenzie
Davis Fund. If you choose to do so please let us know so that we may
give you the credit you deserve.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Sandra Boyce
Coordinator
Clock O Productions
Makenzie enjoys colorful toys. She wears a size 3T in clothing. Please
keep in mind that she is unable to move around much.
Brecken is 6 years old, wears a size 7 in clothing and enjoys what most
little girls like in toys.