Mackenzie Roach inspires others, making a positive impact after a life-changing diagnosis

Mackenzie Roach and Akron Children’s CEO Chris Gessner after she receives the Akron Children’s Young Leader Award.

The day after her eighth birthday, Mackenzie Roach was diagnosed with a brain tumor. A week later, she underwent surgery to remove it. After the surgery, she began the long journey to relearn basic skills such as walking and talking. While doing so, she continued to positively impact her community, choosing to use her experiences to create ways to uplift others.

That is why Mackenzie was recognized at the October 2025 More childhood, please.™ Awards, receiving the Young Leader Award. Mackenzie’s determination and positive spirit have inspired others. Her story shows how hard work and a big heart can move mountains.

Choosing positivity in a time of uncertainty

Knowing there would be challenges ahead, Mackenzie found different ways to strengthen her mobility and speaking to get back to doing what she loved.

“Sometimes it was hard, and the most challenging part was not being able to talk,” said Mackenzie. “I knew what I wanted to say, but couldn’t speak, so I had to find ways to communicate without words.”

Her family played a big part in her recovery, working together to find ways for Mackenzie to communicate.

“My family was by my side the whole time,” said Mackenzie. “They became my voice when I couldn’t speak. They came up with physical signs for different actions like stomping my feet when I wanted to play and clapping my hands to watch TV.”

Mackenzie also used her talking device to tell jokes, which helped her medical team get to know her personality without having to use her voice.

She relied on her support system, always looking forward to “sister snuggle time” when her sisters would visit her in the hospital. “I was in the hospital for 120 days and would count down the days until I could see my sisters,” reminisced Mackenzie.

Mackenzie and her parents at the More childhood, please. Awards.

Growing connections and making a difference

Mackenzie connected with Victory Gallop at Children’s. She loved animals, and her mom thought it would be a good opportunity to try their therapeutic horse-riding program. Although Mackenzie needed assistance to stay on the horse, she did not give up and fell in love with the program and the people.

“They are like a second family to me,” said Mackenzie.

Mackenzie now works with Victory Gallop as their volunteer coordinator. She continues to support the program that was such a big part of her recovery. “I get to watch younger riders develop special bonds with their favorite horse, just like I did for many years,” she said. She also gets to take Willie Nelson, Victory Gallop’s current therapeutic horse, to Akron Children’s to visit patients. It’s a very full-circle moment, which she says is her favorite part of the job.

Along with her work at Victory Gallop, Mackenzie started an art mentorship program for a child in her school district who was unable to attend school. “It was a way to give her some social interaction, she liked art, and it also gave me the opportunity to develop my communication, organization and time management skills,” said Mackenzie.

After her program, the school’s special education department began to use Mackenzie’s mentorship initiative to develop similar programs for other students.

Mackenzie’s efforts to give back did not stop there. She focused much of her time on ways to directly support the hospital. She began to participate in the 98.1 KDD Radiothon by answering phone calls. “I loved it so much that when we came back the following year, I brought a list of contacts of people who had supported me,” shared Mackenzie. “Every year, it grew and was another example of how many people supported me along my journey. They were always willing to donate because they knew their donation was going to kids and families like mine.”

Mackenzie’s experiences have allowed her to connect with other kids who may be going through a similar experience. “I can relate to people in the hospital – especially the kids,” she said. When I visit patients with Willie, I can tell when they are down. I can relate to how hard their experience is. I think it helps to talk to someone who has been through something similar.”

Mackenzie brings Willie Nelson with Victory Gallop to Children’s for a visit.

Mackenzie uses her love for dance as motivation

After her diagnosis, Mackenzie realized that she would not be able to participate in many of the hobbies she loved. Dancing was one of those hobbies she had to put on hold. It was also her motivation to get through some of the hardest days of her recovery.

“After the surgery, getting back to dance was even more important to me than walking or talking,” shared Mackenzie.

The year after her surgery, she returned to dance and performed in the Nutcracker. She continued dancing with the Canton Ballet, Dance Unlimited and Jackson School for the Performing Arts.

Mackenzie smiles as she practices with Dance Unlimited.

The Akron Children’s Young Leader Award

Today, she continues to defy the odds. After years of rehabilitation and effort, she says she is feeling very good physically.

“I still struggle with balance, coordination and fine motor skills because of the location of the tumor and the surgery to remove it,” shared Mackenzie. “I don’t let any of these things define me or keep me from doing things that I want to do.”

Mackenzie says she was honored to get the emails while being nominated for the Young Leader award. “I loved reading the letters and hearing how I’ve impacted others. It was especially touching to be nominated by my favorite high school teacher, Mrs. Andes. I liked reading that I made such an impact on her and learning that because of me, she doesn’t underestimate what any student is capable of,” said Mackenzie.

Mackenzie says she is grateful for her support team and Akron Children’s.

A thank you to her support team and Akron Children’s

Mackenzie did not let her diagnosis define her. While recovering from her own diagnosis and surgery, she brought joy, happiness and support to those around her. “I want to thank the hospital, those who nominated me and those who have supported me throughout my life. I would not be the person I am today without Akron Children’s and the opportunities I’ve had to be able to give back.”