McKenna’s Morning – A STAR 102.5 Christmas Wish

“We are getting the crummies out of my tummy for good!” – McKenna

We would like you to meet the Riebkes family and their 3-1/2-year-old daughter, McKenna. The STAR 102.5 Christmas Wish committee received multiple wishes for McKenna and her family. About a year ago, it was discovered that McKenna had Neuroblastoma. Doctors found a grapefruit-sized tumor in her abdomen and it entwined all the major vessels around her heart. McKenna underwent chemotherapy and had life-threatening surgery that saved her life.

While awaiting a transplant in Minnesota, doctors discovered two new cancerous spots and McKenna was forced to continue chemo. Eventually, McKenna was able to get her transplant, but she remains in isolation in Minnesota with her mother, Jaime while her dad, Addison and new baby brother Ashton stay back in Ankeny. With the isolation, McKenna’s family was apart for Thanksgiving and there are no promises that they’ll be together for Christmas either.

The family is making due while Jaime is on leave from her teaching job as Addison works to support the family. However, medical bills in the tens-of-thousands of dollars are looming and the family is in need of assistance. All of us at STAR 102.5 were moved by McKenna’s story. We know how heartbreaking it is to be separated from your family during the holiday season. Today, we’re taking the time to draw attention to the fundraising efforts for McKenna and her family. Please consider donating to the family’s GoFundMe page to help the family pay for their necessities as well as McKenna’s much-needed medical care. Thank you for helping us grant this Christmas Wish and make the holiday season a bit brighter for the Riebkes family.

Hear what Jamey, a member of our Christmas Wish committee, had to say about the reaction when we received McKenna’s Wish:

https://soundcloud.com/star-102-5/mckennas-morning-jamey-elliot

Listen to Jaime, McKenna’s mother, talk about McKenna’s day-to-day life:

https://soundcloud.com/star-102-5/mckennas-morning-jaime-mom

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“There’s nothing that’s going to break this girl’s spirit. She’s going to tackle this like everything before it.” – Addison Riebkes about his daughter, McKenna

https://soundcloud.com/star-102-5/mckennas-morning-addison-dad