McKenzie Clark aspires to be a medical assistant and loves watching medical dramas. Kids Wish Network, a children’s charity that grants wishes for kids with life-threatening illnesses, would be sending her to the set of her favorite show – FOX’s The Resident, and she’d be going STAT!

McKenzie and her family arrived in Georgia for her drama-filled wish. They were chauffeured to The Resident set in a stylish limo by Atlantic Limousine and Transportation. Her family first received a tour of the set by Director’s Assistant Alec Wittschiebe, and then had breakfast with Director/Executive Producer Rob Corn and the episode’s writers. Then it was lights, camera, action with McKenzie getting to sit alongside the director and writers in Video Village, a special production portion of the set. She was so happy meeting and spending time with stars Emily VanCamp (Nicolette Nevin), Malcolm-Jamal Warner (Dr. AJ Austin), and Shaunette Renée Wilson (Dr. Mina Okafor). McKenzie saw all aspects of the show’s scenes being filmed and was also excited to participate in the process. “It was great getting to yell action, cut, and being so hands-on,” said McKenzie. She later met Emily VanCamp’s husband screen actor Josh Bowman who was visiting the set and cast members Jane Leeves (Dr. Kitt Voss) and Bruce Greenwood (Dr. Randolph Bell). 

Surprises kept coming… the actors of the show presented McKenzie with a poster of The Resident signed by the cast. She was also kindly gifted a copy of the pilot episode with her name and personalized sentiments from the actors, an official The Resident jacket, and a baseball cap. “There were many unexpected moments getting so many things and getting to do so much in 8 ½ hours,” said McKenzie. “I loved meeting Emily and all the actors. They were all friendly and very personable in getting to know me.”

McKenzie suffers from giant axonal neuropathy, an extremely rare and progressive condition that causes damage to all the nerves in her body. Her dream coming true was a very special and meaningful time for McKenzie and her family. During the wish, they stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown and enjoyed a memorable dinner at the Hard Rock Café Atlanta.

“Everyone went above and beyond for McKenzie,” said her dad Shannon. “The director let her mix and mingle… getting to see her interact with the celebrities made me happy. The wish really uplifted her spirits.” 

Kids Wish Network Executive Director Tam Lai said, “We’re so grateful to everyone on the set of The Resident for making McKenzie feel so special. We were overwhelmed with everyone’s kindness, and can’t thank them enough.”

Kids Wish Network is a national charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children with life-threatening conditions and struggling with life-altering situations. KWN provides for trip expenses, meals, accommodations, and additional spending monies to all wish families whenever traveling as applicable. Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about our different programs, and refer a child now.