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Ace of her heart
By Abby Scalf
Daily Herald Staff Writer
Posted Friday, July 14, 2006

Mackenzie Johnson has found her first “boyfriend.”

It’s Ace Young, one of the finalists on the hit TV show, “American Idol.”

Although the 3-year-old Wauconda girl can’t yet pronounce Ace’s name — she calls him “eight” — she loves to watch and hear him sing.

She asks to listen to her favorite song, “Father Figure” on her “American Idol” CD.

“When she saw a picture of Ace on the cover, she said, ‘Oh good, Ace.’ Then she gave the CD a big hug,” said Amy, her mom.

Now, thanks to Mom and a miracle, the two will meet in August.

For the Johnsons, watching “American Idol” has provided distraction during frequent medical crises.

Mackenzie was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia in January 2004. After initial treatments, her bone marrow responded well and showed remission.

Then in April 2005, the leukemia returned to her central nervous system. Her parents chose aggressive chemotherapy that ended in March, followed by cranial radiation.

Through it all, the family has been optimistic, but also realistic, says Steve, Mackenzie’s dad.

“We’re getting used to this lifestyle, never knowing what will happen tomorrow,” he said.

While in Cincinnati for radiation treatment, Mackenzie watched “American Idol.” When Young’s name was called at the end of the April 19 show, Mackenzie clapped. Amy had to explain he was voted off.

“Then Kali said, ‘You’ll never see him again.’ She burst into tears uncontrollably,” Amy said.

Out of desperation to comfort her, Amy told Mackenzie they would see Young this summer in concert.

Amy was able to get eight tickets to the Milwaukee show for her family, but she realized Mackenzie may be disappointed. Sitting far from the stage, she may not see him as she does on TV. That’s when Amy remembered she held onto a request for a miracle.

Bear Necessities, a Chicago-based pediatric cancer foundation, grants miracles to children from birth to age 19 who have pediatric cancer and undergo treatment. The organization was formed in 1993 by Kathleen Casey in memory of her son Bear, who was diagnosed at age 3 with pediatric cancer and died in January 1993. The organization has granted 400 miracles this year, ranging from a cuddly toy to taking 30 kids to a Cubs game.

Amy said they held onto the miracle, not sure what to request. But after getting tickets to the concert, she asked Pfister if Mackenzie could meet Young backstage. Young said yes.

“I said to her, ‘Mackenzie, you get to meet Ace.’ She said, ‘I know.’ It was what she expected from the beginning,” Amy said.

For seven years, Young said he has gone with his brother to a children’s hospital on Christmas Day to go room to room and sing to children and their families.

Young said he’s a big fan of meeting kids who are underdogs and fighters.

“Mackenzie is definitely that at 3 years old fighting cancer,” he said. “I am happy to get the chance to meet her.”

When they meet backstage at the August concert in Milwaukee, Young said he wants to thank Mackenzie for letting him into their home each week and give her a big hug.

“She deserves it for getting over everything she has gone through and is still fighting,” he said.

Being so young, Mackenzie will not remember much of the treatment and what she’s gone through, Steve said. Going to the concert and seeing Ace will be something to remember.

“It will be one of her first best memories,” he said.