Louise McKenzie, Carroll Middle School Attendance Secretary, Battling Stage IV Colon Cancer

"I was diagnosed with Stage IV Colon Cancer after a routine colonoscopy at the end of the summer.  With no symptoms, we were left reeling from the shock, and have been on a fast track of appointments, fact finding and treatment since then.  The cancer has metastasized to my liver and I began the first of twelve rounds of aggressive chemotherapy three weeks ago.

I had transitioned back to my beloved Carroll Middle School in 2023, where I began my Dragon career twelve years ago, and it has been such a blessing to me that I am with these amazing colleagues who have surrounded me with love, care, prayer and practical help as I embark on this journey.  My office team has been invaluable, quietly lightening my work load to make things easier.  Parents have volunteered time to help cover when I am out for appointments.  Prayers and offers of help have come from all corners of CISD and beyond. Calls, notes, cards, prayers, practical gifts and home cooked meals have been arriving daily. We moved here from Scotland in 2004 so my adopted Texan friends have been my family and they haven't let me down yet.  It came as no surprise that my CMS colleagues had reached out to Dragons Care on my behalf.

I am determined to fight this, to be with my kids as they marry, to meet my future grandchildren. I have so much living still to do. This extra help will make paying the bills a lot easier, giving me the precious luxury of time to spend with the people I love as we face this path ahead.  Thank you all for your love and support."

-Louise McKenzie