Run / April 26, 2025 / 9am-12pm / Downtown Van Buren, in front of The Vault
Miracles of Macii
Who We Are
Was founded in honor of Macii Louise Reichstein (Winbery). Our mission is to educate, empower, and embrace those affected by epilepsy and seizures. Through advocacy, support, and education, we strive to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families navigating these challenges.
At Miracles of Macii, we are dedicated to keeping Macii’s memory alive by fostering awareness, offering support, and providing essential resources for those affected by epilepsy and seizures. We believe that through knowledge and community, we can create a world where no one feels alone in their struggle.
What We Do
EDUCATE
We aim to educate the community about the different types of seizures and what those may look like, as well as the triggers and treatments for them.
EMPOWER
Our goal is to empower individuals who are directly affected by epilepsy and seizures and how to own what makes them special.
EMBRACE
We are embracing the families who are impacted by hospitalizations, long term care and support following those stays.
2025 Sponsors
Macii's Story
Born on September 15, 2011, at 8:22 pm, just six minutes before her twin sister, Maddisen, Macii Louise Reichstein-Winbery was a sweet little girl who loved fiercely. From a young age, her family began to notice something unusual-Macii would often space out, and it was clear that something wasn’t quite right. When Macii started grade school, her teacher suspected that she might be having absence seizures, prompting the family to seek medical advice. After years of trial and error, her absence seizures seemed controlled. But at age twelve, Macii had her first grand-mal (tonic-clonic) seizure at home, leading to an emergency room visit.
Despite this, her neurologist refused to see her and advised doubling her medication. A month later, while swimming at Natural Dam with her family, Macii had another grand-mal seizure in the water, one that tragically took her precious life.
In those desperate moments, many heroic individuals rushed to perform CPR by water’s edge, keeping Macii’s body going until the ambulance could arrive. God’s timing placed these people in the right place that day. Macii was flown from Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith to Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, where doctors, nurses, and pulmonologists worked tirelessly to stabilize her.
However, after multiple tests, Macii was pronounced gone from this earth on May 21, 2024, at 12:46 pm. After facing the unimaginable, her mother, Alecia, made the difficult decision to donate Macii’s organs. tranforming this heartbreaking loss into a beacon of hope for other families going through their own tragedies. Through her selfless gift, Macii’s organs saved the lives of six individuals. This miraculous act became the cornerstone of Miracles of Macii.
The following month, Macii’s twin, Maddisen, proposed a run to honor her sister’s memory. Macii had wanted to join the track team the following year. The run provided Maddi, along with family, friends, and classmates, a sense of closure in lieu of a traditional funeral.
The first annual Macii’s Run raised funds and awareness for epilepsy and seizures, impacting the community in a profound way.
This is where Miracles of Macii was born-a movement dedicated to raising awareness, offering support, and continuing the legacy of love that Macii radiated throughout her life. Each year, we grow stronger, honoring Macii’s spirit and spreading positivity, just as she would have wanted.
Additional Information
Prevalence in Children: Approximately 400,000 children in the United States have epilepsy. – webmd.com
Absence Seizures: Formerly known as petit mal seizures, absence seizures typically occur in children between the ages of 4 and 14, with a higher incidence in females. These seizures involve brief lapses in consciousness and can happen frequently throughout the day, disrupting learning and daily activities. -mayoclinic.org
Treatment Potential: Up to 70% of people with epilepsy could live seizure-free if properly diagnosed and treated. – who.int
Impact on Quality of Life: Children with uncontrolled epilepsy often face developmental delays, social isolation, and depression, significantly affecting their overall well-being. -who. int
Every seizure steals moments. Every delay in treatment costs lives. Your donation helps fund critical research, medical access, and support for families navigating the challenges of epilepsy.
Together, we can make a difference.
The Seven Balloons
Our logo features seven balloons, symbolizing Macii’s seven organ donations, which saved the lives of six people. These balloons represent the miracles she continues to inspire, each life forever touched by her gift.
Join Us In Our Mission
By supporting Miracles of Macii, you are helping raise awareness for epilepsy and seizures, providing critical education, and offering support to families who are walking a similar path. Your donation helps us continue Macii’s legacy of love, hope, and miracles. Together, we can make a difference.
