Patient Stories: McKenzie Holmes
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Born at 39 weeks at a hospital in Montgomery, Alabama, McKenzie was unresponsive at birth. She was diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and epilepsy. Doctors told her family that McKenzie would face additional diagnoses throughout her life. Just 3 weeks later, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
As young, first-time parents, Khadijah Holmes and her husband suddenly found themselves navigating therapies, specialist appointments and major medical decisions while balancing the demands of everyday life.
As her muscle spasticity worsened, McKenzie became increasingly uncomfortable, and everyday care tasks became more difficult. After relocating to Central Florida and hoping to improve her comfort and quality of life, her family turned to Orlando Health Children’s Arnold Palmer Hospital to explore treatment options, including selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR), a procedure designed to reduce muscle spasticity. After careful research and consideration, they decided to move forward with the surgery.
The 10-hour procedure was successful, and throughout their hospital stay, her family felt supported by a compassionate team that took the time to understand McKenzie’s unique needs and made a challenging experience easier.
Today, McKenzie is more comfortable and relaxed, and her family remains grateful for the expert, coordinated care that helped improve her comfort and quality of life.
