Orland Girl, 3, Lights Up Rooms, Now Her Face Will Brighten Times Square

ORLAND PARK, IL — Mackenzie Chesna doesn't mind one bit being the center of attention.

The pig-tailed, newly-turned 3-year-old with a smile and big personality that fill a room is about to be larger than her little life—on display on the big screen in Times Square.

Mackenzie, who was born with Down syndrome, has been chosen as one of roughly 500 others with special needs to be included in a slideshow compiled by the National Down Syndrome Society. The gallery will play across two Jumbo-trons Sept. 9 in New York City.

It's a huge moment for her parents Molly and Nick to see their little girl on the big screen.

"I never thought we would get picked in her lifetime," Molly Chesna told Patch. "This year, she did."

More than 2,000 entries were submitted for a spot in the hour-long display, which features individuals from all 50 states. The Times Square Video presentation kicks off the New York City Buddy Walk, an event started in 1995 to celebrate Down syndrome awareness. New York's Buddy Walk is the flagship Buddy Walk.

Mackenzie's family—grandparents, aunts, uncles—will be there, looking up at their pint-sized, pig-tailed heroine. Not that having all eyes on her will be all that unusual.

"She lights up a room," Nick Chesna told Patch. "She grabs everybody’s attention."

Mackenzie—lovingly known as "Mack"—is the extended family's first child with special needs, mother Molly told Patch. The family has supported Nick, Molly and Mackenzie's older sister, Parker, as they have learned to navigate Mackenzie's unique needs.

"It's moving," Molly said, "... so exciting that something like this to happen to our family, who’s been our biggest support system."

Mack's parents are thrilled to share the moment with Mackenzie, who's fought for more than the spotlight in her short life. Mackenzie spent the first 30 days after her birth in a neonatal intensive care unit, Molly said. When she did come home, even drinking out of a bottle was difficult, she said. Now, she's starting preschool at Centennial School in District 135—a point of pride for Molly, a graduate of the same district and a Sandburg High School alum.

Her journey of the first few years has often been challenging, but also enlightening, Nick said.

"It’s completely different," Nick said, of parenting a child with special needs. "It’s wonderful, there’s learning lessons along the way .... Cherishing the small achievements, which sometimes can be overlooked.

Molly echoed that thought.

"She’s delayed in her milestones, which now seems irrelevant," she said, "But when she does take a step, stand up in the middle of the floor, even our 6-year-old is clapping. We’re holding back tears."

Mack attends different therapies, and participates in programs at nonprofit GiGi's Playhouse in Tinley Park to enrich her world. GiGi's is a 501c3 designed to help educate and enrich the lives of children and adults with Down syndrome. Molly also serves as vice president of the organization's board.

Seeing Mack's growth and development through therapeutic and other experiences has been rewarding and encouraging.

"Seeing all the hard work that we’ve put in, and that she’s put in, pay off, makes you speechless," Nick said.

GiGi's Playhouse Program and Volunteer Coordinator Karen Connelly said they're ecstatic to share in the moment with the Chesna family.

"Mack is the cutest," Connelly told Patch. "It’s been so much fun watching her grow and learn."

"Mack is always a bright spot in the day—like any of our participants, she’s so smiley, so happy. She’s not super-talkative, but she definitely communicates and gets her point across. Her facial expressions say everything."

The Tinley Park chapter of GiGi's Playhouse is located at 15954 S Harlem Ave., in Tinley Park. They strive to work with individuals and families of those with Down syndrome, to create an inclusive environment where participants can feel comfortable exploring, learning, and being themselves. They also seek to help others in society perceive individuals with the syndrome in a kinder, more supportive way. The Buddy Walk is a very visible, interactive opportunity to help with that; seeing Mack's face in lights means a lot to them. They share in the family's excitement—but want to stress that the moment belongs to them, and to Mack.

"We’re on a mission here to change the way the world sees Down syndrome," Connelly said.

"The Buddy Walk is a big deal, and having any representation of our playhouse is a big deal, but it’s about them, not about us."

Connelly admires the family for its efforts and contributions to the community.

"As a family, I’m so happy for them, because they are so involved in the Down syndrome community, for all their efforts to bring awareness," she said.

"It's nice to celebrate them."

Mack's parents might be on a learning curve of raising a child with special needs, but many positives stand out, they said, like Mack's relationship with her sister, Parker.

"They share a love that you would never believe," Molly said. "Parker will be her biggest defender and they both just, every time you ask them, 'what’s your favorite thing?' It’s always 'each other.' There’s never been a day of animosity. They’re best friends, we couldn’t ask for anything more from Parker."

The family will make a weekend of seeing the slideshow, including a team participating in the Buddy Walk. Nick's never been to New York City, and he's looking forward to the occasion—and to shining more of a light on the way Mackenzie's world has changed the way he sees his own.

"Everywhere we go," he said, "it’s awesome to spread the word on how positively Down syndrome could affect somebody’s world."