Twenty-year-old Olivia should be worrying about classes, work schedules, and wedding plans, not chemotherapy schedules and scans.

My name is Jodi Mercural, and I am organizing this fundraiser on behalf of my dear friend Julie (Pomerenke) Lovig’s daughter, Olivia. Like many parents, Julie is far more comfortable giving help than accepting it, and it took some convincing for her to allow me to set this up. I’m honored she trusted me to do so for Olivia and their family.

Olivia was recently diagnosed with Stage III invasive ductal carcinoma, an aggressive, triple-negative form of breast cancer. At just 20 years old, Olivia is the youngest breast cancer patient her doctor has ever treated.

Olivia is a full-time student majoring in Social Work through Northwest Iowa Community College, finishing her transfer degree this May. She decided to take on a full course load while also working full time as a CNA in Orange City, a job she genuinely loves. Olivia has a special place in her heart for her elderly nursing home residents. When her doctors explained that she would need to cut back on work because chemotherapy will leave her severely immunocompromised, Olivia broke down in tears. Not because of herself, but because she doesn’t want to leave the people she cares for.

Before this diagnosis, Olivia had plans. She had been attending USF, swimming competitively, until a shoulder injury sidelined her. She was planning a fall wedding with her fiancé, Brett VanGelder, building her future one careful step at a time. She lives on her own in an apartment in Sioux Center, with real-world responsibilities like rent, utilities, and a car payment that don’t pause for medical crises.

Olivia’s treatment plan is intense and immediate. Chemotherapy begins February 11th. She will travel to Omaha weekly for 12 weeks, followed by treatments every three weeks for another 12 weeks. After chemotherapy, she will undergo a double mastectomy, followed by radiation if there is no remaining cancer. A PET scan scheduled for Tuesday will determine whether the cancer has spread beyond the breast.

As you can imagine, the financial strain adds another heavy weight to an already overwhelming situation. Between travel costs, lost income, medical bills, and everyday living expenses, the burden on Olivia and her family is significant.

This fundraiser exists to help lift some of that weight, so Olivia can focus on healing rather than how she will pay her bills or get to treatment. Any donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward easing the costs of this long road ahead. If you’re unable to give, sharing this fundraiser is just as meaningful.

Please keep Olivia and her family in your prayers, share this page if you’re able, and consider leaving a message of encouragement. Your love and support mean more than words can express.

If you prefer to send funds directly to the family via Venmo, donations can be sent to @TheLovigs.