Childhood Cancer

You are here

Olivia Calbazana

  • Medulloblastoma

Click the images to see them larger above!

Learn more about
Medulloblastoma

Get the facts about Medulloblastoma and how our research projects are making a difference.

Learn More »

Olivia was a typical, happy, healthy 3-year-old little girl, but that all changed on November 28, 2008.  Olivia was coming down with the symptoms of what seemed to be a cold.  She was vomiting, listless and just a little clumsy. 

During what was supposed to be a quick trip to AI duPont Children’s Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware for IV fluids, things went from normal to serious.  That evening, Olivia was diagnosed with a brain tumor and admitted to the ICU.  The following day she was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and needed a temporary shunt. 

On December 1, the tumor was removed, and shortly after, we were given the diagnosis we had dreaded - medulloblastoma.  Due to the lack of research, we had to weigh our treatment options...quality vs. quantity of life.  While we were trying to decide on a path, Olivia was suffering from posterior fossa syndrome. 

On December 22, Olivia started her first round of chemotherapy prior to us moving to Boston for proton radiation at MassGeneral Hospital. Thus began what seemed to be endless rounds of radiation, physical therapy, and chemotherapy.

She completed her 10th round of chemotherapy in March 2010.  She is currently dealing with some late effects related treatment, but her scans have shown no evidence of disease. Olivia is now 14 years old and attends Red Lion Christian Academy where she plays field hockey and soccer. She is a very strong and brave little girl who continues to defy the odds. 

 
Information provided by the Calbazana Family
Updated: March 2020

Next Hero

Donate in Honor of Olivia Today!

Your donation helps to fund critically-needed research to find better treatments and cures for children with cancer.

Childhood Cancer Heroes

More Heroes

VIEW ALL HEROES
Adalee loves 4H and show animals. While she was helping with the lambs and pigs one day, her parents noticed she had multiple bruises. Before she knew it, Adalee was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Today, she is in treatment fighting.
Arianna is a firecracker. She is loving, empathetic, and bold. At a mere 13 months old, Arianna was diagnosed with neuroblastoma and began intensive treatment with some life-threatening complications. Today she is NED and her family raises money for ALSF.
grayson
Grayson was a witty, intelligent kid who loved playing in his band, Minecraft, board games and so much more. He was diagnosed with anaplastic astrocytoma and after 23 months of treatment, sadly passed away.
Elijah's favorite football team is the Dallas Cowboys, he's musically talented, and likes working with his dad. Before diagnosis, Elijah's parents thought the pain he was suddenly feeling in his leg was from the growing pains of being a teenager.
VIEW ALL HEROES