Olivia was diagnosed at age 2 in February of 2005 with Stage IV high risk Neuroblastoma. This brave little girl has endured 6 rounds of chemo, 5 surgeries, high-dose chemo followed by stem cell transplant, 12 rounds of radiation 6 rounds of immunotherapy, 6 rounds of oral chemo, a fluke brain surgery, and two relapse scares. She is now five and has been cancer-free for over two years. It is no coincidence that Olivia’s middle name is Faith because God taught us this lesson through her.  Faith isn’t only believing, it is trusting. We trusted God, the true healer, to get our family through this nightmare called cancer with the support and prayers of our friends and family. Olivia is now in Kindergarten and taking her second year of ballet and tap classes. She enjoys playing with her friends and has an amazing spirit for being happy and making the most of each day the Lord has blessed her with. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1).

It is our hope that more research will result in new treatments, minimizing the harmful effects of standard treatment for Neuroblastoma. Olivia grew very little for 2 years, not a rare problem for Neuroblastoma patients. Current treatments are not only harmful on patients’ bodies, but also on their families. New, improvements could reduce the stress placed on these families fighting for their children’s lives. Thank you for caring for these children and investing in their lives and the lives of their families.