"Our 9-year-old daughter, Olivia, is the toughest person we know! She has faced challenges since the moment she was born, a month early, weighing only 5 pounds, 13 ounces. She had jaundice as a newborn, and a strong gag reflex which made it difficult for her to gain weight. At 9 months old, she was diagnosed with failure to thrive and put through a battery of tests to determine "what was wrong". Olivia came through those tests with flying colors and diagnosed as a tiny fighte ... r. She did everything on her own schedule, talk, walk, potty train. When she was 18 months old, she had her first set of ear tubes. When Olivia started going to school, she struggled. She attended summer school, had tutors and special help. School was very hard. When Olivia was 4 years old, she was diagnosed with asthma. When she was 5 years old, Olivia got her 2nd set of ear tubes and had her adenoids removed. She was 6 years old when a sleep study revealed she had obstructive sleep apnea and needed her tonsils removed. Olivia also developed a tremor and was diagnosed through a brain MRI with a benign familial tremor. Through all of this, she remained the kindest, gentlest, sweetest girl. She loves her family, her dog, and her friends so fiercely.
When Olivia was 7 years old, she continued to struggle in school, and was diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety. She went to therapy, traditional and neuro-feedback. She continued to face challenges with innocence and strength, and happiness. Olivia comforted us when we worried over her. At 8 years old, Olivia was diagnosed with scoliosis. Her curve was 20 degrees, severe enough to require a brace, worn 12-18 hours a day. She hates her brace, we all do. But she wears it, like the fighter she is, and celebrates each day when she can take it off. Last Spring, Olivia tried out for a competitive cheer team. She made the team!! We were so excited to begin this journey with her, something she was amazing at, something she would excel at and didn't need to struggle through. She flies high in the air with a smile on her face. She tumbles with strength and grace, her back walkover is just beautiful to see. Olivia has gained strength, confidence, and pride while being a cheerleader! Yesterday, she had a checkup with her orthopedic specialist. Her curve has IMPROVED by 9 degrees!! This is nearly unheard of, a MIRACLE!! We firmly believe the combination of Olivia's pure, sweet soul, wearing the brace, prayers, hope, and the constant strengthening, lengthening and flexing of cheer has actually reversed her curve!! A HUGE victory for our tiny fighter!! cocktail for party with navy blue color
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A Love What Matters Original Story
Photos courtesy of D. Mangiapane
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