When McKenna Schummer, of Davison, Michigan, was diagnosed with bone cancer at age 10, she faced long hospital stays filled with treatments, uncertainty and difficult days. But through it all, she discovered something that brought light back into her world: makeup. It became far more than a hobby. It was a way to feel strong, creative and like herself again.
During her treatment at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, she shared that joy with fellow young patients, offering mini glam sessions to help them feel beautiful and confident despite what they were facing. Her generosity, joy and fierce compassion inspired everyone around her.
When McKenna passed away in 2018, her family, Children’s Hospital of Michigan and The Children’s Foundation worked together to turn her vision into a lasting legacy: McKenna’s Beauty Bar, a dedicated space where kids can be pampered, play with makeup and hair accessories, and experience moments of fun and normalcy even during hospitalization.
A place filled with sparkle, strength and support
McKenna’s Beauty Bar is now a beloved oasis inside the hospital, decorated in warm pinks and pastels and stocked with makeup, hair tools, nail polish and glittering accessories.
“Faces light up the moment they walk in,” says Maureen Stys, Child Life Manager at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. “With every painted nail, swipe of eyeshadow, or glitter of shimmer powder, McKenna’s compassion continues to live on.”
A growing national movement
What began as one girl’s idea is now a powerful emotional support experience for patients who may be missing school dances, birthdays, holidays or everyday routines while receiving treatment.
Through fundraising efforts like the annual McKenna’s Squad 5K, support from volunteers and corporate partners including Ford Philanthropy, McKenna’s Beauty Bar has expanded to 30 hospitals across the country. Each location reflects the same spirit of encouragement, creativity and community.
The mission in action
Recently, a group of Ford Philanthropy volunteers spent an afternoon helping bring McKenna’s mission to life at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. As part of Ford’s Global Caring Month, volunteers painted nails at McKenna’s Beauty Bar and packed Mini Beauty Bar self-care boxes containing beauty and pampering items.
The care packages were supported by a $5,000 grant from Ford Philanthropy and are now being delivered to 25 children’s hospitals nationwide, ensuring that patients everywhere receive moments of joy, sparkle and self-expression.
“It’s a way to make children feel special and celebrated,” Stys explains. “McKenna’s spirit continues through every volunteer who shares a little bit of sparkle.”
How to support McKenna’s legacy
The program continues to expand thanks to individual donations, corporate partnerships, and volunteers willing to give time, supplies or financial support.
“We are grateful first and foremost to McKenna’s family, who through their annual 5K and fundraising efforts have expanded the program to 30 hospitals across the country and continue to support the flagship program at Children’s Hospital of Michigan,” Stys says. “The support from organizations like Ford, plus other volunteers or contributors – sometimes just a single person – is also incredible. Those who are interested in helping or would like more information can visit mckennassquadbeautybar.weebly.com/.”
