Olivia is not your average teenager. At 16 years old, she was diagnosed with a tumor in her kidney and a rare, and aggressive cancer called a Wilms Tumor. Olivia may only be 17 now, but she has already overcome more challenges than most people will face in a lifetime. Since her diagnosis, she has undergone multiple surgeries, grueling rounds of chemo and radiation therapy, and a heartbreaking relapse. While her friends were worrying about SAT scores or celebrating getting their driver’s license, Olivia was in the hospital...fighting for her life.
At the 2019 Aspen Winter Games, Olivia experienced countless successes. She excelled on the mountain and skied like a pro. She brought down the house at talent night, with an unforgettable rendition of Queen’s Somebody to Love that would have brought Freddie Mercury himself to tears. She inspired the kids she met to live their lives boldly, in spite of their diagnoses. Most importantly, for the first time since she got sick, Olivia felt like she truly belonged.
“Shining Stars was truly one of the most incredible weeks of my life. Knowing that other kids are going through the same things as I am, and having someone you can talk to... it unifes us. This is an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.” - Olivia
Olivia and her family will now be invited to 60+ annual programs and events with the Shining Stars Foundation. These therapeutic services will continue to provide Olivia, and her family, with a sense of community and belonging. This holiday season, you can give the gifts of hope and healing to this brave young woman and so many more like her. Click the link below to find out how you can help!
