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Otsego Teen’s Make-A-Wish Dream Comes True

Posted at 7:17 PM, Jun 14, 2014
and last updated 2014-06-15 08:45:36-04

WAYLAND, Mich. (June 14, 2014) – A West Michigan high schooler’s wish is coming true, after a community came together to fund her family’s trip to Disneyworld through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Since 1991, the American Legion Post 179 has raised more than $352,700 for Make-A-Wish through an annual charity golf outing. Since last year, Yankee Springs Golf Course hosts the event, and has funded more than 50 Michigan children’s wishes.

Mackenzie Warning, a junior at Otsego High School, was born without her right lung. She uses an inhaler and says she’s had 31 surgeries.

Now a varsity cheerleader and soccer player, Mackenzie would like to thank her family and her teacher for helping her through her toughest times.

“I wrote a hero essay about her, it was about teachers and how they’re heroic. It’s just outstanding to have someone like that in your life; it’s like having another mom pretty much,” shared Mackenzie.

Mackenzie told Fox 17 News that if you are facing difficult situations or health issues things will turn around when you’re with people who love and support you unconditionally.

“Even if it seems like it’s never going to get better, it really gets better and surround yourself with people that make you happy and your family,” said Mackenzie.

Mackenzie said her teacher also helped form Team Mackenzie, a group of cyclists that bike up to 300 miles in her honor during the Wish-A-Mile Bicycle Tour. The biking event raises money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. For more information see the event website.