Grace Marie McKenzie

Grace Marie McKenzie, age 15 of Omaha, lost her battle with osteosarcoma bone cancer Wednesday, September 27. Grace passed away peacefully at home with her mother, Carrie Messinger, and service dog Snickerdoodle. Grace was diagnosed with osteosarcoma during the COVID pandemic and battled cancer for three years. Grace's cancer was discovered when she was a remote learner with Millard North Middle School and fractured her left arm during a remote PE class. It was later discovered she had a high-grade osteosarcoma lesion in her left arm that had grown undetected. Grace underwent limb salvage surgery in 2021 at UNMC and received a prosthetic limb. She finished chemotherapy in November of 2021 and relapsed just 8 weeks later with new metastasis in her lungs. Grace experienced four total cancer relapses in the last 12 months and battled new spread in her lungs and spine before her passing. Grace was loved by her doctors, surgeons and nurses at OrthoNebraska, UNMC, Children's, Children’s Home Healthcare, and Endless Journey Hospice. She fought cancer with limitless faith and positivity and will be remembered for her thoughtfulness, courage and strength throughout her battle. Grace's story was shared on social media, and she received thousands of cards, letters and gifts from other survivors, warriors and families across the country. Her story reached people as far as Indonesia and India. She was adored by many, and her story inspired countless cancer families to have hope, fight with faith and to stay strong in their personal battles. Grace's service will be at Bethany Lutheran Church (Elkhorn, NE) Friday, October 6. Visitation will be held from 11-1 with her service starting at 1:30. Flowers can be sent to Reichmuth Funeral Home (Elkhorn, NE) or to the church. Her service will be live streamed and recorded for those unable to attend in person (a link will be provided on the Reichmuth Funeral Homes website under Grace’s page). All memorials can be sent to Grace's fundraising Venmo: @keepfightinggrace. All memorial proceeds will go to further her UNMC oncologist, Dr. Don Coulter’s pediatric cancer research study currently being conducted in the State of Nebraska.

Grace Marie McKenzie

September 16, 2008 - September 27, 2023