I am a Pompe Warrior

I am a Pompe Warrior

McKenzie Barker is a silly, spunky, sweet 8 year old girl who lives in Maine. At 6 weeks old she was diagnosed with a very rare genetic condition called infantile onset Pompe disease (IOPD), a terminal neuromuscular and lysosomal storage disorder. Treatment for IPD consists of a weekly 6-hour infusion that she will need to receive for the rest of her life as well as therapies year round and many doctor appointments. Although this isn’t a cure, the infusion McKenzie receives does slow down the progression of her condition and helps her stay healthy. However, she doesn’t let her condition slow her down one bit. Kenzie loves to be active and play sports like basketball, soccer, and baseball. She also loves horses and playing video games with her friends. Her determination, fire, and attitude have served her well throughout her life while being thrown so many curve balls! One of McKenzie’s goals is to teach people about Infantile Pompe Disease and what she goes through on a daily basis. Teaching others that all disabilities look different is something she wants everyone to take away from reading her story.