Olivia is a smart, sweet, spunky and fun-loving four year old who doesn't like to take “no” for an answer. She is looking forward to kindergarten, and loves art, playing in the park, and animals (she has been known to try to pet the deer who wander into her family’s yard).
 
One day Olivia was slumped over, unable to sit or crawl. Her pediatrician sent her to A.I. DuPont Children’s Hospital, where she was diagnosed with a neuroblastoma tumor compressing her spinal cord. She had surgery to take the pressure off her spine, and within a few days was back to crawling and sitting up.
 
Olivia had two more surgeries to remove her tumor and many subsequent tests. She also had physical and occupational therapy to help her overcome the weakness caused by the tumor pressing on her spinal cord. She may eventually need treatment for the curvature of her spine caused by her surgery, but it is too soon to know.
 
Olivia’s family says that going through the process of cancer treatment feels, “like a crazy, emotional roller coaster ride of ups and downs. No matter what happens, many of the people you will meet will become lifelong friends. You will cheer each other on and become each other's support system.”
 
To support other families facing childhood cancer diagnoses, Olivia and her family have held several Alex’s Lemonade Stands, raising an amazing $3,000 for childhood cancer research. They have also served as hero ambassadors for ALSF, speaking about their experience at a walk-a-thon and at a lemonade stand hosted by a local church group. They also attended the ALSF CBS Phone Bank telethon last summer and worked the phones taking donations!
 
Olivia’s family hopes that she will lead a happy, normal life with minimal after-effects from her cancer.
 
Hero Quote, said the morning before her most recent lemonade stand: "This day is going to be a masterpiece!"
 
Information provided by Jennifer Brobst, Olivia’s Mom
April 2014