Every day, there are almost 800 new cases of childhood cancer around the world. This adds up to an estimated 300,000 new cases of cancer that affect children under the age of 20 each year worldwide. And yet, childhood cancer is vastly and consistently underfunded with less than 4% of the federal government's total funding for cancer research dedicated to childhood cancers each year.

In March 2021 Olivia was diagnosed with Undifferentiated Sarcoma.  Her tumor is localized to her right neck, surrounding her carotid artery.  She completed two IFOS/Doxo chemo treatments at Geisinger and then transferred to CHOP at the beginning of May to start radiation.  On June 29th she finished her last of 36 radiation treatments!!  And she wants all her Dr's and nurses to know she never needed her G-Tube. At her first appointment at CHOP we were told she needed a G-Tube placed.  She was dead set against it.  She said if I can't taste my food then I don't want it!    We stressed the importance of having it done before it becomes necessary.  Radiation said there is a 95% chance she will need to use it based on where her radiation is located.  And her response was "Well, there is still a 5% chance I won't."  And that she was!!  

During our time in Philly we continued her Chemo treatments at CHOP where she completed four more IFOS treatments.  Her last IFOS infusion was the week of 7/5. Her Doxo infusions were stopped during radiation.  She completed the last of her remaining three Doxo treatments at Geisinger on 9/3/21!! Her next scan is scheduled for mid October and we pray that she will be in remission!!  

Olivia has shown incredible strength and grace from diagnosis till now.  Her love for space and food stuffed animals is the topic of conversation with all of her nurses.  She tells every nurse and doctor that she is going to be an Engineer at Space X when she grows up!  And we all have zero doubt that she will make that happen!  Her sassy, spunky personality is how we know when she starts feeling better after chemo.   Every week in the chemo clinic waiting room I notice her just watching the other kids. And she tells me how sad she is for them.  Every night she prays for all of them,  because more than she wants to know, she understands how hard it is to fight this.

Today, the money you donate has the potential to make a huge difference in the lives of kids with cancer (and their families). Your donation will fund research into safer, more effective treatments and cures. Give today!