LivForYou

“LivforYou” - Livy

On August 31, 2013 a beautiful young woman named Olivia Rotondo died tragically at the young age of 20.  She had an infectious smile and an unquenchable thirst for life. Olivia took advantage of every minute of her short life and encouraged her family and friends to do the same.  I was blessed to have Olivia come into my life when she was 5 years old.  I can remember this scrappy little girl, putting on her first tutu and getting ready for her very first dance recital.  She was so excited that she appeared to be bursting with energy.  Her sister (Julianne) and her mom & dad (Dave & Dorothy) have been staples in my life no matter how little we see each other.   Our girls were raised together through dance and our friendship has always remained strong and intact. 

Olivia was in her junior year at the University of New Hampshire studying journalism when she passed. She was a member of the dance team and had become a beloved member of the UNH community. She graduated high school with the Mount St Charles Class of 2011 & was a member of the RI State Champion cheerleading team. Olivia, a dancer for 15 years at Cheryl's School of Dance in North Providence, possessed an extraordinary amount of spirit and heart. Every time Olivia competed she left her heart out on the floor.  Olivia was always looking for new ways to be the best version of herself. She was a generous young woman and gave back to her community. Olivia had big ideas, wanted to see everything and live to tell the tale. She was a free and generous spirit who left her imprint on the lives of so many. Since she is only with us in spirit, the “LivforYou” foundation is one of the many ways we can keep that spirit alive.

If you have been privy to my many posts you know I’m in the thick of training for my first full marathon.  Yes, I’m Running Disney on January 11, 2015 with my “sista from other parents” Helena Santos.  I never thought I would consider myself a runner let alone train for the grueling challenge of doing it for 26.2 miles.  Running does not come easy to me.  I can remember when I first laced up complaining about how much I hated it.  I was only doing it to improve my endurance for soccer.  Six years later, I realize that running defines who I am.   Every time I head out onto that road I’m challenged by my body and the elements. Will it be a good day? or a bad one?  During these training runs I am constantly reminded of Living for our Olivia and believe that she is looking down on me giving me strength so I can finish what I start.  Just as she gave her all, I try to give mine. 

Although many of my longer runs are done on my own, I truly appreciate the companionship that comes with running. Running has brought the most wonderful people into my life (We Run This Town Crew, co-workers that are now “In My Circle” and of course my “Sista From Other Parents” Helena . Without her pushing me to get out of my comfort zone I don’t think I would’ve accomplished half the things I have.  I am truly grateful for everyone that is part of my journey.

You may have also noticed I always dedicate every training run to  “Liv 4 You Livy”.  The reason for this is because I’ve decided to support the “LivForYou” Foundation.  The “LivForYou” foundation, a 501 C (3) non-profit organization, was created with the intention to honor the qualities of Olivia's life that made her unique. The foundation's mission is to enrich the lives, and provide scholarship assistance to spirited young people who engage in the art of dance and/or movement.  Please visit the foundations website at http://www.livforyou.org/ for more information and for a quick glimpse of Olivia.

I’m reaching out to family, friends and anyone who would be willing to help me reach my goal of $1,000.00.  No gift is too small and every little bit truly does count.  There will be no greater feeling of success than when I am able to present the family with this token of my love and support for their foundation.  Only you can help me accomplish this.  Donations can be made online, by check or cash.  Facebook message or call my cell if you have any questions.

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read my story and consider helping the “LivForYou” Foundation to help keep Olivia’s spirit alive.

With much love I send you many thanks in advance for your help!!!
“LivForYou”  Livy
~~Gilda