Cheers goes to Mackenzie Bayne

Mackenzie Bayne volunteers primarily at Shepherd’s Hand Clinic. Born in Ohio, she was 14 when her parents, Bill and Betsy Bayne, moved to Whitefish.

She graduated from Whitefish High School, and has completed two years at the Flathead Valley Community College. This fall she is transferring to Bellevue College at Bellevue, Wash., where she intends to pursue a career in media and advertising.

She likes the outdoors and looks forward to riding her horse, paddleboarding, biking and otherwise taking part in the amenities of the area. She also enjoys Rocky, a big, black, affectionate Newfoundland dog and two cats, the three of whom are the best of buddies. The family home has an impressive collection of her ceramic work, a course she took in college. In addition, and as time allows, she works at the Red Caboose.

Her mother, Betsy, is a long time stalwart at Shepherd’s Hand, and it was through her that Mackenzie became involved. When asked why she volunteers, Mackenzie candidly replied, “The first time, my mom dragged me along, and then I really enjoyed it.”

She performs the important function of overseeing “patient flow,” making sure the files are in order and the patient is matched up with the appropriate nurse or physician. She is impressed by “the many caring people who are there for the sole purpose of making a difference in someone’s life.”

She is deeply touched when people who were down on their luck, with nowhere to turn, later come back to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation for what the clinic did for them. She sums up her feeling by saying, “I get a lot of satisfaction from what I do. I just go home from each session feeling really, really good.”

Mackenzie, you are an outstanding young woman. You play a vital part in bringing health care to those who are less fortunate. Your community thanks you and wishes you well in your future endeavors.

— Jake Heckathorn