Hundreds of strangers attend Mackenzie Moretter’s 10th birthday party that her friends could not make

THIS girl’s rare disease means she’s always found it hard to make friends. When no classmates wanted to come to her birthday party, her mum made a desperate plea.

WHEN all of Mackenzie Moretter’s friends turned down invitations or failed to RSVP to her 10th birthday party, her mum knew she had to do something.

Jenny Moretter took to Facebook with just 12 hours to go before her planned party at her home in the city of Shakopee in Minnesota.

“Hello moms (sic). I’m writing because I have a beautiful daughter named Mackenzie who is turning 10. I recently invited several girls to her birthday party this Saturday. I got cancellations or no calls at all saying whether they’re coming or not. My daughter has Sotos Syndrome which means she has development delays such as speech and learning. At school she struggles and is often alone on the playground. As a mother, it is heartbreaking being you want your children to be happy. I’m reaching out to moms who have daughters between the age of 9-11 that would love to come to a birthday party tomorrow from 11-1:30. You don’t have to bring gifts or stay long, just stop by and wish her a happy birthday. As of now, I have two girls coming which is family. She would be so surprised to have other girls just show up. If you are interested please send me a pm and I’ll give you my address. Thank you all for reading a mother’s wish!”

Birthday party she will never forget ... Mackenzie Moretter, 10, with a stranger who wanted to make sure she was not alone. Picture: Mackenzie's Birthday Party / Facebook

The post, which asked for families with girls around Mackenzie’s age to pop in to the party, was picked up by Fox9.com and quickly Mackenzie Moretter’s birthday party went viral and clearly touched the hearts of many. The Facebook page has 1.4 million people and hundreds in Minnesota said they would attend and the party had to be moved to Shakopee Memorial Park.

“Today is going to be the best day ever! Mackenzie is so excited to meet and see everyone. As for her mom, I’m overwhelmed with emotions, my heart has been touched by so many stories similar to mine or just people wishing her a Happy Birthday. I will never be able to thank you all enough for your kindness. I will meet so many people today and I have received an outpouring of comments and messages. I will not remember all your names or I may forget what was said or done but just know I am so incredibly grateful and blessed that you cared about my daughter. Love to all.”

“You changed the life of a little girl that many of you have never met” ... Mackenzie Moretter with her dad Matt, mum Jenny, and another relative at her 10th birthday. Picture: Mackenzie's Birthday Party / Facebook

Made very special ... Shakopee Mayor Brad Tabke proclaimed Mackenzie's 10th birthday as ‘Mackenzie Moretter Day’. Picture: Mackenzie's Birthday Party

Shakopee Mayor Brad Tabke issued a proclamation announcing that Saturday would be Mackenzie Moretter Day, giving the girl a signed certificate of the declaration.

Local businesses donated food, a woman dressed as Elsa from Frozen — Mackenzie’s favourite character — showed up to celebrate and Shakopee council ran the event.

In fact, more than 300 people including Minnesota Vikings football player Charles Johnson went to MacKenzie’s birthday party. Children she had never met before hugged her and gave her presents.

A Facebook page, MacKenzie’s Birthday party, was created and good wishes have been sent to Mackenzie from all over the world.

A very special birthday after all ... Mackenzie Moretter blows out the candles on her 10th birthday cake in front of about 300 strangers. Picture: Mackenzie's Birthday Party / Facebook

After the party was over, the smile was still on Mackenzie’s face.

Jenny Moretter praised the response on Facebook.

“A big thank you from our family ... From the moment Mackenzie has been born, she’s made a unique mark on the world. She’s been a light to everyone that knows her.

“This is why in planning her party, I was so taken aback when individuals didn’t RSVP. As a mother, I was heartbroken for my daughter. I see a side of Mackenzie the rest of the world may not be privy to — she’s intelligent and thoughtful, courageous and kind. Mackenzie was deserving of one, special birthday.

“That’s the reason I reached out to the Minnesota community to help. The outpouring of support for Mackenzie and our family has been humbling. We are truly, truly thankful for your kindness.

On Saturday, you changed the life of a little girl that many of you have never met. And, you’ve given this mother purpose to spread a message of acceptance, tolerance and love, beyond just our home.”