Mackenzie Nalewanski
Loren Nalewanski, Area Senior Director of Work Environment, North America Lodging at Marriott International
Erin Laughlin, General Manager, Fairfax Merrifield Residence Inn
Today, Mackenzie Nalewanski is a vibrant ten year-old girl, daughter of Loren Nalewanski, Area Senior Director, Work Environment, North America Lodging and Erin Laughlin, General Manager of the Fairfax Merrifield Residence Inn in Falls Church, VA.
However, when Mackenzie was 17 months old, she first visited a Children's Miracle Network children's hospital in Peoria, Illinois, for tilting her head. Initially it was thought to be the result of an ear infection, only to find out later it was the result of a brain tumor. Mackenzie was diagnosed with a brain stem astrocytoma [as-tro-si-to-ma] and underwent brain surgery to resect the tumor.
After a successful two years, the tumor had begun to grow back. This time, after 20 months of chemotherapy [surgery was thought not to be an option], Mackenzie was realizing weekly the benefits of Children's Miracle Network and Children's Memorial Hospital.
After two years of stability and actual tumor shrinkage, through a regular checkup, Mackenzie was told that her tumor was growing again. Erin and Loren were faced once again with the need to decide to wait it out or have the surgery that was originally thought impossible. Although Erin and Loren were told of the possible horrible outcomes, they were aware of Mackenzie's strength and the support of their Marriott Family all over the world. They opted for surgery. Mackenzie's tumor was once again partially removed, and she came out of surgery with no physical or mental limitations. She went home just four days later!
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