May 31, 2010 - A community rallies together as both father and little girl fight for their lives, one with a rare kidney disease, the other has cancer.
Olivia Cook, only six-years-old, has a rare form of kidney disease and is in need of a kidney transplant. Without it she will not survive.
The www.cotarforolivairc.com website shares Olivia’s story. “As a true testament to her strength and tenacity, she didn’t die like most children born with this disease. She grew, she lived and in ways, she thrived. But at 18 months the signs began pointing to complications in health, and that’s when Kimberly and Bruce discovered that their beloved toddler had a rare and terminal kidney disorder.”
Read her story here. http://www.cotaforoliviarc.com/node/449
Making matters much worse for the family, her father if battling cancer. The family is left facing huge medical challenges and bills.
The northern Washington City of Bellingham has come together with the “Liv Life” fundraising campaign to help this family through a very tough time. “Liv” is short for Olivia.
The campaign is bringing in people and money and good energy from all over Whatcom County, KING 5 News reported.
On Saturday, the owners of "The Markets" dedicated all their barbecue proceeds to the campaign, hoping to raise at least $10,000. Owner Kevin Weatherill and his wife read about Olivia in the paper. He said they knew they needed to do something to help.
"Just a beautiful little girl, great smile, pretty blue eyes. It just touches your heart that she's so brave, that she's facing this and you feel wonderful when you meet her," he said.
True meaning of giving
Best of all is the blessing the family is receiving from Danica Kilander, who met Olivia at the gym, got to know her, heard about her medical problems, and decided to give something as well. She decided to get tested and learned she was the perfect match for Olivia. Her donation - a kidney for Olivia. The surgery will take place in July.
Danica felt like she had won the lottery when she discovered she was a good match for Olivia. “I couldn’t find a reason not to. It seems like such a small thing to do to save a life,” she said.
Danica is also heading the fundraising drive and hoping to raise $200,000 for the cost of the transplant and future medical expenses. Fortunately the family has health insurance that will cover most of the cost of the transplant, but the family will still be faced with high medical expenses.
"People are just so generous to us and it's amazing," said Olivia's mother, Kimberly.
If you'd like to help, visit
www.cotaforoliviarc.com to make a donation and learn of upcoming events.
Download Kris Orlowski's song for Olivia - it's only $2.99 and well worth it! The money goes to help Olivia.
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Source:
KING 5 News
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