Three-day benefit to raise money for disabled 6-year-old

A benefit will be held for 6-year-old MacKinzie Hazel-McIntyre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Cape Girardeau Eagles, 321 North Spring Ave. in Cape Girardeau. MacKinzie is the daughter of Travis and Missy Sutton of Cape Girardeau.

There is no prognosis for MacKinzie's condition. She cannot eat or drink, and she is 100 percent disabled.

"We have spoken with many genetic doctors, and there is just nothing or no other case like this," Missy Sutton said. At this point MacKinzie does not walk, talk or crawl. Her means of getting around consists of rolling, but she can sit up on her own. her mother said MacKinzie is about at the stage of a 6-month-old.

Money raised at the benefit will be for special equipment MacKinzie needs as she develops.

A special suit used in conjunction with therapy that has been successful with cerebral palsy patients, may have the potential to enable MacKinzie to learn to stand or ultimately walk.

"Medicaid will not pay for the suit and will not pay for all of the therapy," Sutton said.

Some of the possible results of the suit and therapy include restoration of lost function through use of unaffected muscles, improvement in strength and endurance of the affected muscles and active and passive range of motion, to name a few.

"We would also like to get a special stroller made that would fit MacKinzie and her 3-month-old brother," Sutton said. A double stroller won't work because it's not made to transport the weight of a 6-year-old. "Money left over will go towards a lift for when we have to get a van to transport her."

MacKinzie has therapists come to the house, and she does not attend school. Her mother explained that MacKinzie's many health issues are mostly caused by a deletion on one of her No. 4 chromosomes, which is rare. Health issues include blindness in her left eye, heart problems, including pulmonary stenosis, and brain issues that have caused recent seizures.

"She has the worst seizures you can have. We have almost lost her a couple of times because of them," Sutton said.

All meals served at the benefit will be prepared with food donated and cooked by Eagle members.

Auxiliary secretary Pam Boyd said about a dozen volunteers will oversee the event and keep it running smoothly. "She's a special little girl, and we hope to help them out. I'd love to see the suit they want to get work for her. I'd love to see her walk," Boyd said.

Boyd, who has served the club as secretary for a decade, said three-day benefits are held when scheduled activities won't fit in smaller time slots.

Other activities include grab bags, raffles and 50/50 tickets.

Some silent auction items include a gift certificate for the Vein and Esthetic Centre, Depression glassware, and a handmade doll made to resemble MacKinzie.

An account in the name of MacKinzie Hazel-McIntyre has been set up at US Bank for those who wish to make a donation. Donations will be received at any branch. For more information, call Boyd at 573-979-2218.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133