Little Olivia started the family vacation feeling lethargic, with a low fever and a tummy ache. She rallied, but on the long car ride home her symptoms overtook her again.
“A 2-year-old that slept the whole entire road trip …” said her mom, Kacie.
Something wasn’t right. Her pediatrician did labs and the results were stunning.
“Your entire world can be shattered in the few minutes it takes for a blood test to be run,” said Kacie. “I think then, it was pure darkness. I did not see any future.”
Olivia had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer. ALL is the most common form of childhood cancer, but thanks to treatments invented at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, its survival rate has increased from 4% when St. Jude opened in 1962 to 94% today.
Kacie said, “I think that by the time we got admitted to St. Jude, we were pushing midnight. It was late. But they did not waste any time. The next morning, she was being taken down to have a port put in and have spinal taps, and lumbar punctures, and all the stuff that was not anywhere in our vocabulary of common-day conversation. Now it has become as routine as wanting to watch Mickey Mouse in our home.”
St. Jude patient Olivia with her family
Cancer treatment has meant that Olivia and her twin brother, Owen, have to spend most of their days apart, and she misses out on play dates and birthday parties with cousins. But she actually enjoys coming to St. Jude.
“Her nurses have all commented on how well she handles everything, never letting out a cry and always sitting still for them to do whatever they need to do,” said Kacie. “She is the perfect daughter and the best sister, and if you ask her, she isn’t sick.”
Olivia’s parents were St. Jude supporters before her diagnosis, but even their expectations have been surpassed.
“I’ve always known St. Jude is a special place, but not until we became patients did I truly understand,” said Kacie. “St. Jude means hope. St. Jude means a future for our daughter. I am eternally grateful that we have this amazing place. When people give to St. Jude they are helping to make miracles happen.”
Olivia, who loves baby dolls, painted nails, pretty dresses and all things princess, will be receiving chemotherapy until 2021. Her family will owe St. Jude nothing, because families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
Help our families focus on their sick child, not medical bills.
When you donate, your gift means families, like Olivia's, never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
Meet more patients
-
Jordyn's Journey Continues
A competitive gymnast, Jordyn's aches and pains were thought to be a sports injury. Then, she was found to have blood cancer. Thanks to St. Jude, her story doesn't end here.
-
Meet Carlos
Carlos had always been an active kid who enjoyed jumping, climbing and running. So when he stopped doing those activities altogether, his parents became concerned, eventually leading to a diagnosis of neuroblastoma.
-
Great Dad Jokes
One of our St. Jude dads has some awesome dad jokes! Watch his son's reaction.
-
My daughter has cancer: A dad's story
Marcus reflects on having a daughter with cancer being treated at St. Jude.
-
Meet Luigi
Luigi and his family came from New York to receive treatment at St. Jude for medulloblastoma. This happy kid loves robots, country music and art.
-
Celebrating Best Friends Day
Best Friends Day is June 8, but every day is Best Friends Day for St. Jude patients Sadie and Mia, who wear matching outfits and schedule appointments together.
-
Meet Bridget
As an active kid, Bridget's partial amputation of her leg was incredibly difficult. But she isn't letting that get in the way of living her fullest life.
-
Kindergarten and beyond
Here's a look at three patients who have graduated from the The St. Jude School Program by Chili’s over the years, and where they are now.
-
Meet Kris
The rare blood disorder that former St. Jude patient Kris was diagnosed with now is the inspiration for the art she creates.
-
Meet Charlotte
Charlotte and her family face a long road to recovery following her treatment for a rare disease called aplastic anemia.
-
Meet Josiah
Josiah has been through a lot in his young life and continues to face more challenges than most. But this happy little boy has no shortage of joy.
-
Meet Elani
At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Elani receives treatment for sickle cell disease, a group of blood disorders that prevent the normal flow of blood in the body.
-
Meet Bella
Originally from India, 13-month-old Bella was referred to St. Jude after pulling through surgery to remove her brain tumor. Today, thanks to St. Jude, she's thriving.
-
Meet Cole
Cole is an active kid, who enjoys hiking with his dog, Stannis. Even a brain tumor can't diminish his love of life and its adventures.
