Kenzie’s Gift

Nic Russell founded Kenzie’s Gift in 2006 with the intent of providing appropriate and research-based psychosocial support for children experiencing grief and loss within the family.

The story of Kenzie’s Gift is not one of miracles. It is one of the gutsy determination, tenacity and love of an amazing and beautiful little girl, Mackenzie Eireann. Nic Russell’s daughter Kenzie was only two years old when she was diagnosed with a paraspinal cancerous tumour.  Although Kenzie won her battle with cancer, the prolonged and aggressive medical treatment was more than her small body could take. Kenzie died on the 29th of December 2005.

Through this tragedy came the hope for families that is Kenzie’s Gift.

To ensure Kenzie’s lasting legacy, we want to provide families with age appropriate and research-based support during times of challenge, grief, and loss.  

Since the establishment of Kenzie’s Gift, the charity has helped over 200 families through more than 2000 psychotherapy sessions and distributed over a 1,000 copies of their printed resource packs, the My Journey Kit and Memories Are Forever.

Well-known Clinical Psychologist and author Nigel Latta is Kenzie’s Gift Ambassador.

"I am proud to be an Ambassador for Kenzie's Gift. This organisation provides age appropriate, evidence-based services delivered by registered professionals at a time when such support is desperately needed by children and their families. Kenzie's Gift is an invaluable community resource."
- Nigel Latta