Mackenzie is slowly waking up!  After 24 days and counting in a medically induced coma, she is taking steps forward. The doctors are removing some of her medications and allowing her to begin the process of waking up.

She transitioned successfully from the oscillator, the highest level of ICU oxygen support, to the conventional ventilator yesterday, the lowest level support before breathing naturally.  This is incredible progress for her.  She is breathing deep, full breaths now.  Her chest is moving and breathing again like the rest of us, with support.  This step allows doctors to remove her paralysis medications and is a critical step forward in her care.  She is making progress in healing from the trauma of intense chemotherapy.  Mackenzie briefly opened her eyes for us yesterday for the first time in weeks.  She is still sedated but is responsive again after her long, deep sleep. She can see, touch, and feel us now.  While other challenges remain, these are steps forward toward breathing again on her own. 

We are grateful for her life today.