Krebs Public Schools Canceled Wednesday For Student's Celebration Of Life Service

Krebs Public Schools in McAlester is canceling classes Wednesday as the community mourns the loss of one of its students.

MacKenna Faith Mattioda, 10, died Saturday after a lifelong fight with a congenital heart defect.

While Kenna's life was undoubtedly short, she was able to beat the odds.

Kenna was born with a rare, life-threatening congenital heart defect that kept her from getting enough oxygen. This condition made her lips and fingers look blue. But despite that, Kenna always had a smile on her face, especially in February 2020. At that time, News On 6 got the opportunity to see Kenna get pampered and fixed up like a princess. All the glitz and glamor were for a surprise party in her honor, in her hometown of McAlester.

What's remarkable about Kenna is that doctors didn't think she'd live more than a few hours. But she did, living years, and bringing a lot of joy to those around her.

Unfortunately, one year ago, doctors told Kenna's parents she would have about a year left to live. But her family made sure the time she had left was filled with love, joy, and a lot of fun.

In her obituary, her family said that to be in Kenna's presence was the most immense joy one could experience. News On 6 got to see a small glimmer of that for the two stories we did with Kenna and her family, but Kenna's parents and siblings got to witness that every day of her short life.

Kenna's celebration of life service will begin at 11 a.m. at McAlester First Baptist Church. The family says anyone is welcome to attend.