Uplifting Bonds Carry Olivia Through Leukemia

When Olivia was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at just two years old, her family’s world turned upside down. Her dad, Peter, remembers the fear. “I grew up at a time when leukemia was not curable,” he said. “When the doctor told us she had leukemia, I thought, I’m going to lose my baby."

That fear shifted when the family arrived at Lurie Children’s. Olivia’s oncologist, Dr. Li, reassured them with how far research and treatment had advanced. “She was so positive that she was going to get through it,” Peter said. “It immediately took my fear away and turned it into: This will be hard for a couple years, but she’s going to be OK.”

Peter never hesitated about where Olivia should receive care. “I always knew about Lurie Children’s and how cutting edge they were. Without question, I said we’re going to Lurie Children’s.” That choice gave them not only world-class treatment, but also a community of support. “People have been so giving to us: financially, emotionally, through their time. It’s been incredible.” 

A Care Team like Family 

From the beginning, Olivia has been surrounded by a care team that feels more like family. Her nurse Harper has become her best friend - someone Olivia talks about constantly at home. 

“It’s really something special as a parent,” Peter said. “Your child could hate going to the hospital, but because of her nurses, she’s excited.” 

Jenny, her advanced practice nurse, has been a steady day-to-day guide, while Dr. Li helped lead the family through the earliest steps of treatment. At the Ambulatory Infusion Center, where Olivia has received many blood and platelet transfusions, she built another close bond with Sam. 

Even the 18th floor nurses look forward to seeing Olivia - especially on Thursdays, her treatment day. Those familiar faces and warm greetings have helped turn hospital visits into something more comforting than fearful.

Supporting Her Sister 

Olivia’s five-year-old sister, Sophia, has also been part of the journey. With guidance from Child Life Specialists, the family learned to be open and honest with her.

“The word cancer is very hard for me. My father died from cancer,” Peter said. “But Child Life encouraged us to use real-life terminology so Sophia could better understand.” 

Using age-appropriate explanations with toys and visuals has helped Sophia process what’s happening. She still struggles at times - especially when Olivia gets special attention or has behavior changes from steroids - but honesty has helped build her resilience, too.

Olivia’s ‘Happiness Gives Us Hope’ 

Now in remission, Olivia will continue with treatment for about a year and a half. Through it all, her sunshiny personality persists.

“She’s unabashedly herself,” Peter said. “Her voice, her laugh, it’s infectious. When we step off the elevator, everybody knows her. She is truly a beacon of happiness.” 

Despite countless pokes and procedures, Olivia is often the one lifting up her family. “When we’re down, she’s the one making us smile,” Peter said. 

At home and in the hospital, she surrounds herself with the things she loves: Moana and Frozen on repeat, her collection of baby dolls (one humorously named “Butt”), and her favorite show, Bluey. 

Through her joy, Olivia has given her family a new outlook. “She gives us perspective,” Peter said. “Her happiness gives us hope.” 

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