Supporting Families In Need
Families navigating serious illness face challenges that extend far beyond medical care. Between long hospital stays, travel, financial strain, and emotional exhaustion, even the smallest acts of support can make a meaningful difference.
At Mackenzie Keiper Foundation, our mission is to provide comfort, encouragement, and practical support to families walking through difficult medical journeys—just as our own family and friends did for us and Mackenzie. We were also supported by people we will never meet who donated blood and platelets, giving Mackenzie what she needed to keep fighting. In her honor, the MKF board regularly donates blood products and encourages others to do the same.
Supporting Families Traveling for Treatment
During Mackenzie’s cancer treatment in Houston, our family experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to spend extended time away from home. While that season was incredibly challenging, we were deeply fortunate to have family who opened their homes to us and provided meals, allowing us to focus entirely on Mackenzie’s care.
Many families are not in that position. When treatment requires travel, finding safe, affordable housing and reliable meals becomes an added burden during an already overwhelming time.
Because of this, we are committed to supporting families who must travel for care. We aim to partner with organizations that provide housing and support near hospitals, including Ronald McDonald House Charities. We also serve meals at Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth near Cook Children’s Medical Center and plan to provide comfort items such as pillows, pillowcases, and handmade blankets to help make treatment a little easier.
Our family recently had the privilege of preparing and serving a meal for families staying at Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth. Spending time with those families was a powerful reminder of how much community support matters during difficult seasons.
Blood & Platelet Donation: The Gift of Life
Throughout Mackenzie’s cancer journey, blood and platelet donations played a critical role in sustaining her through treatment. These were not just medical interventions—they were lifesaving gifts from people we will never meet, but will forever be grateful for.
In total, Mackenzie received 20 units of blood (nearly five gallons) and more than a gallon of platelets during her three-year fight.
Each donation came from someone who chose to give a small part of themselves to help save a life. That generosity gave us more time, more memories, and more moments with Mackenzie that we will always cherish.
In her honor, Mackenzie Keiper Foundation is committed to giving back in the same way. We plan to donate blood and platelets ourselves and encourage our community to do the same, if they are able. By donating we can directly impact families walking through similar journeys and be a part of giving someone more time with the people they love.
If you'd like to donate in Mackenzie's honor, we have partnered with Carter BloodCare - you can make a blood or platelet donation appointment on their website for the location most convenient to you. When you arrive for your appointment, please be sure to let the receptionist know you are there to donate in Mackenzie Keiper's honor and provide the code: Spon949959. This will help us track how much has been donated in Mackenzie's honor! You can use the link below to make your appointment!
Looking Ahead
As Mackenzie Keiper Foundation grows, we hope to expand our impact by partnering with hospitals, family housing organizations, and local nonprofits that serve families navigating serious illness.
Our goal is simple: to offer comfort, encouragement, and moments of relief during some of life’s hardest days. Your support helps us continue bringing care and hope to families who need it most.