McKinley Jean Moore was an average pig tailed 2-year-old little girl who loved all things baby dolls, princesses and playing with her older brother Brady.  On May 1, 2015 McKinley Moore fell from a play structure in her back yard and broke her arm.  The fracture was pinned and she was placed in a cast.

During the next several weeks, her mood and temperament were as any 2 year-old with a broken arm forced to be in a cast would be.  At times grumpy, cranky and generally not herself.  Near the end of May her parents noticed she seemed not quite like herself.  Friends and family also commented that she did not look quite right either.  Thinking this was all due to her broken arm and recovering from her injury, her parents Karen and Casey were not immediately alarmed.  Thankfully, though, a mother’s intuition is a strong force.

On May 28, 2015, our world, our life as we knew it, forever changed.  Following her gut, Karen took McKinley into the pediatricians.  Unfortunately, this would be an office visit she would never forget.  After answering some questions from the doctor and a quick physical exam, she was given some very unsettling news and sent to Sarasota Memorial Hospital for STAT blood work and an ultra sound.

To say we were shocked to hear the words, “Your little girl has cancer; please go to All Children’s Hospital immediately”, is an understatement.

This 2-2.5 year treatment plan has been anything but smooth.  However, our sweet girl takes every port access, blood thinner shot, chemotherapy medication, hospital stay, and surgery with her famous smile.  She is the inspiration for Love McKinley, Inc. She inspires us to live each day to the fullest and to remember that this is a battle where not every patient is victorious.

This journey is one that no parent ever wants their child to have to face.  However, during this journey and through the strength that McKinley so bravely exudes, we have cultivated new lifelong friendships, seen how the generosity of others can make a difference in peoples’ lives, and focused our efforts on helping others in the local community.

McKinley is currently 2 years into her treatment with hopes to be done by the conclusion of 2017. Since her diagnosis, she has undergone so many tests and procedures it is troublesome to recount.  Despite certain restrictions on her activities, due to her compromised immune system, she has been able to participate with friends in gymnastics, dance, and make the occasional appearance at her pre-school.

Our goal is to provide other families with the help and hope needed so that they will be able to face this challenge and see their child thrive in the years to come.