AI is rapidly advancing the knowledge of protein misfolding, unlocking answers for amyloidosis which should lead to earlier diagnosis, improved treatment, and better patient survival.
Welcome to Mackenzie's Mission
Making a difference in the fight against amyloidosis
My Story by Mackenzie Boedicker
My New Life Fighting Amyloidosis
In April of 2017, I was diagnosed with Amyloidosis, a rare and deadly bone marrow disorder that causes a buildup of abnormal protein in vital organs, eventually leading to organ failure. I successfully underwent treatment at the Mayo Clinic, and thanks in large part to my early diagnosis, I achieved complete remission.
In December 2018, I moved back to the Washington D.C. area after finishing a nearly two-year term as a research associate at Harvard Medical School. I learned an incredible amount about scientific research, its value, and the translation of the work back into the clinic. While in Northern Virginia, I am pursuing a career in the healthcare field. I am very invested in Mackenzie’s Mission and our exciting Amyloidosis Speakers Bureau. I have spoken to students at Mayo Clinic, Tufts University, and University of Illinois, Chicago, and found each to be extraordinarily rewarding. I shadow an orthopedic trauma surgeon at Inova Fairfax Hospital, where I’ve been shadowing on and off for over seven years. In my spare time, I continue coaching youth hockey, something I have come to truly love, and volunteer as a head coach for a U19 girls ice hockey travel team. I am on an immunotherapy regimen to keep my disease at bay and continue to feel great.
Importantly, as a result of my experience and my desire to give back, I founded Mackenzie’s Mission to make a difference in the fight against Amyloidosis. I invite you to sign up and follow my journey.

Comfort & Connection

On the Other Side of COVID
How are you doing? I mean, how are you really doing? Often we answer automatically with a superficial, “I’m fine, thanks.” Let’s start a long-overdue conversation. Life is hard, and we are not okay. It’s about conversation – open, real discussions on connection and comfort and being part of something bigger. Guest writer Lori Grover shares wonderful and actionable ideas on how to survive the COVID pandemic … together.