Makenzie & Amanda: Rhabdomyosarcoma of the soft palate survivor/fighter.

Makenzie O’Toole is a 14 yr old Rhabdomyosarcoma of the soft palate survivor/fighter. Makenzie was diagnosed at the age of 2 after a suspected abnormally large uvula closing off her airway ended up being a tumor. Kenzie underwent chemo and radiation and was one of two Rhabdomyosarcoma’s in the head treated at the University of Michigan Mott Children’s hospital. At the time of diagnosis Kenzie’s cancer and area was extremely rare and her treatment experimental. Unfortunately as time has gone by many more cases have been found. Kenzie’s case is used in teaching at U of M and many colleges around Michigan with both the oncology specialists and also speech pathologists. Kenzie sees 14 specialists and continues to fight the everlasting effects of treatment that saved her life. She wants to pursue a career in medicine and wants to help other kids find their voice and advocate for themselves. Kenzie has found her voice and learned to voice her needs in the medical community and also in school --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app