Olivia Smith

Wednesday, 26 August 2009 15:37

My name is Olivia Smith. I am 7 years old. I live in Aurora with my parents, older sister Hannah (10) and younger brother Peter (4). On November 24, 2007, our world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with PH+ Leukemia. This is a rare form of leukemia that traditionally has had low survival rates.

I was doing well with my high doses of chemo for about 9 months and was in remission. Last August I became very sick when I contracted a bacteria called legionella. It attacked my lungs and caused severe, irreversible  damage. I spent 4 months in the hospital, 3 of them in the ICU. I was on a ventilator and had a tracheotomy. During that time, I also suffered a massive stroke. But, I am a fighter and was able to leave the hospital last December, just in time to spend Christmas at home. I am walking, talking and eating by myself, things doctors didn’t know if I would ever do again. Three months later, I also had my trach removed. Today, I’m still receiving treatment for my cancer, but I am getting stronger. I also started to go back to school. I’m enjoying 2nd grade and being able to see my friends again.

Written by Jeremy Bliler