About the Makenna Foundation
The Makenna Foundation was established in September 2001 in memory of Makenna David who died of a rare lung disease in 1998. The goal of the Foundation is to raise funds to help make the Kentucky Children’s Hospital (formerly UK Children’s Hospital) a benchmark of children’s hospitals by providing the necessary equipment and assist in hospital expansion. Since 2001, the Foundation has raised over $650,000 for the Kentucky Children’s Hospital.
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Makenna Lee David was born on April 4, 1997 to Sheila and Greg David in Lexington, KY. Makenna was a wonderful child, full of life, love and energy. She enjoyed playing with her sister and brother, Kelli and Dayne and brought joy to everyone.
In December 1997, Makenna suffered a series of strokes and spent several weeks in the hospital. Medical experts from around the country informed the David family that Makenna would likely not survive and if she did, she would never be able to care for herself. However, Makenna proved them wrong and made a recovery and was back home with her family the Saturday before Christmas.
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| Makenna's Wall |
In August 1998, Makenna began experiencing breathing difficulties. In early November in search of a diagnosis, Makenna and her parents traveled to Houston. While a patient at Texas Children’s Hospital, Makenna visited a three dimensional wall that proved to be a welcome distraction for the patients. Makenna found the wall’s brightly colored tiles captivating and fell in love with them.
After returning home, in late November, Makenna was diagnosed with Pulmonary Veno Occlusion, a rare lung disorder. At the time of her diagnosis there had only been 125 similar cases and all had been fatal. On December 4, 1998 Makenna passed away.
Remembering Makenna’s love for the tile wall in Texas, the David family were inspired to build a similar wall in Makenna’s memory at Kentucky Children’s Hospital. The dream became a reality when it was unveiled on August 1, 2003.
The Makenna Foundation has continued to grow and give to the children of Kentucky Children’s Hospital. A Pediatric bronchoscope was purchased in 2003 and in 2004 funds from the Foundation helped to renovate the Children’s Sedation Suite. In 2006, the Junior League of Lexington renovated the Toddler Room in honor of the Foundation. Currently the Foundation is working with the hospital to create a Pediatric Emergency Center.
The Foundation’s signature event is the “Art of Making Miracles” held every September on the grounds of RE/MAX Creative Realty. Additionally, funds are raised through our other events which include Lexington’s Premier Derby Eve Gala the “Evening of Champions” and our annual “Walk for the Angels”.
To learn more about the Foundation, please email info@MakennaFoundation.org
or call 859.422.2010.
2006 Board of Directors Ginger Alford |
Sarah Hancock |
In honor of the life of Makenna David, this Foundation will give hope, joy and courage to the children and families who are served by the caring professionals of the Kentucky Children's Hospital.