Wheels to heels: a young patient’s 10-year formal dream
28 February 2020
4
min read
Mackenziee is like any other girl looking forward to her Year 12 formal with a beautiful dress and stunning pair of heels – except she’s been preparing to walk in them for 10 years.
Mackenziee has cerebral palsy and has had about 40 procedures over her lifetime to help her out of a wheelchair to move and walk. Standing unsupported in two-and-a-half-inch heels will be her greatest challenge to date.
Recently, she nominated her physiotherapist of 10 years, Tim McGowan, for Juiced TV’s Super Hero Awards, supported by QSuper.
Mackenziee’s mother, Raelene, credits him with her daughter’s recovery from every surgery, her physical progress, and her attitude to treatment.
Tim puts the possible into the impossible. We’ve been so blessed to have him all the way along our journey, helping us over the hurdles.When we started, Tim was quite new in the profession, but he told us reality could be changed and we could shape her destiny. The surgeons and nurses have been incredible, but we wouldn’t have got Mackenziee strong again without Tim. I think he’s an unsung hero.” Raelene said.
Planning to stand side-by-side with Mackenziee at her formal, Tim, who works in Brisbane’s Queensland Children’s Hospital, will sport a pair of size 13 heels, custom-made for the occasion.
They’re going to be as shiny and sparkly as Mackenziee is. I don’t know how I’m going to manage in the heels, but I’m sure Mackenziee will be fine,” Tim said.
“There’s a big team that goes into supporting children like Mackenziee having surgery, so to be nominated as one of those people to provide the service is a privilege.”
Tim is the sixth person to be nominated for Juiced TV’s Super Hero Awards, an initiative launched by Juiced TV and QSuper to recognise the humble medical and support professionals quietly transforming young lives.
View the latest Juiced TV episode.