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This newsletter is a bit different from my usual format. I want to share a bit with what I have been doing for the past 4 months. And it has little to do with vacationing in Maui.
I have some dear friends here in Maui whose daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor in March. Olivia is 6 years old and just the most beautiful little girl. I have known her since birth and have known the family for 7 years. They were sent to Santa Clara, CA for treatment and the whole family, Alex, Momoko, Julie and AJ are all living there while Olivia is in the Kaiser Hospital.
Olivia had a Medulloblastoma Brain tumor that has spread down her spinal column. Upon removal of the tumor, Olivia has lost the ability to speak, sit up, and use of her legs. She has speech and physical therapy everyday to work on these loses. Though the main focus is the cancer of which they do not have control of yet.
For those of you who know me, I will do just about anything for my friends. This beautiful little girl has always touched my heart and I will do anything for her. We have done a variety of fundraisers already to enable the family to pay their basic living expenses as both parents have put their jobs on hold. We have held prayer gatherings and have a 24 hour prayer list set up for Olivia. I am going, for the third time in 3 months, to California this week to offer emotional and prayerful support.
The reason I wanted to share this with you is just to have more people aware of Olivia Bianco. She is touching lives of those she has never met. Her smile and sweet, happy disposition is amazing. I am happy to know her as my friend. If you are a person who prays, please add Olivia to your daily prayers. She really needs them now.
Here are two articles from the Lahaina News about Olivia.
Lahaina News March, 2011
Lahaina News May, 2011
And just on Saturday night, Olivia was treated to a very special night out. She hasn't left the hospital in 4 months. Her favorite singer is Justin Bieber, she has a full size cutout of him next to her hospital bed. With help from friends and Hospital staff, they were able to send Olivia and her family to see Justin in concert. Here is the link to the pre-concert planning.
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Olivia did not get to meet Justin as they had hoped. However, they did meet Scooter, Justin's manager. He went backstage and snagged a hat belonging to Justin and gave it to Olivia. =)
They had a wonderful night, lots of smiles and moments of simple joy spent as a family.
I really just wanted to share Olivia with all of you. Take a moment to say a prayer for her. Give a child or someone you love an extra big hug today.
Mahalo for your time.
Aloha Nui Loa,
Kay
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