Mackenzie's Mission: How one family turned tragedy into hope and love: How One Mother Turned Tragedy Into Hope and Love

by Rachael Casella

A story of triumph over adversity, the strength that can be found in love and kindness, and the power of one couple to effect positive change in the world.'A true love story' - Mia Freedman, founder of MamamiaRachael and Jonathan were thrilled to welcome their baby Mackenzie into the world and to start their new lives as parents. Little did they know that in a few months they would be tested to endurance and beyond.Like many other couples starting a family, Rachael and Jonathan had no idea they were both carriers for a genetic disease, and that 1 in 20 babies are affected by genetic birth defects. Their daughter was one of those babies, and Mackenzie's Mission is Rachael's beautiful and heartwarming account of Mackenzie's life, child loss, and a journey through IVF.Determined that other couples should not go through the same heartbreak, Rachael and Jonathan are now champions for genetic testing.This is a story of triumph over adversity, the strength that can be found in kindness and the power of one couple to effect positive change in the world.'Heartbreaking and inspiring. A must read for anyone who's lost a child, loved a child, or is desperately trying to for a child. You will cry but you will also find comfort in this incredible story.' - Erin Molan, sports presenter, Nine Network 'A book about grief and finding purpose through unimaginable loss and heartbreak. Beautiful Mackenzie will continue to have a powerful impact on this world through the work of her remarkable parents.' - Libby Trickett, Olympic swimming gold medallist and author of Beneath the Surface 'The most extraordinary story of a mother's love and her daughter's legacy.' - Marcia Leone, creator of Not So Mumsy

341 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2020

Reviews

[Lena Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the saddest and cruelest book I've ever read. It's her true story of her baby Mackenzie born April 2017, diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1 in May 2017, passed away on October 2017 at only 7 months old.

Rachael had Mackenzie without knowing she and her husband are both carrier of the SMA recessive gene. They're now campaigning in Australia for genetic testing to be available to every couples before starting a family, under the name Mackenzie's Mission.

Rachael has also went through 9 rounds of IVF (to have a healthy baby not affected by SMA), had two pregnancies terminated with medical reasons (both babies were unfortunately tested to have SMA) and is still trying currently.

This is the link to her blog and book: https://www.mylifeoflove.com/

I wish her all the best of luck. Her story has made me grateful for the simplest thing in life.