Three-year-old Olivia Loewen has already shown more courage than most adults ever will. Born with Popliteal Pterygium Syndrome (PPS) — a rare congenital condition that can cause webbing behind the knees, cleft lip and palate, and other developmental challenges — Olivia has faced more medical hurdles in three years than many face in a lifetime.

Because of PPS, Olivia was born with a cleft lip and palate, and her left leg was webbed behind the knee, preventing her from being able to fully straighten or walk normally. Despite these challenges, Olivia continues to radiate warmth and strength, inspiring everyone who meets her.

On October 2nd, Olivia underwent a major 10-hour surgery at BC Children’s Hospital. Surgeons shortened her femur and installed an external fixator, a specialized device designed to gradually stretch and straighten her leg over time. The fixator attaches to her bone with small metal pins and must be adjusted three times a day by her parents to ensure healthy and safe progress.

This process is slow, delicate, and painful. Olivia will need to wear the device for 4 to 8 months, with weekly trips from their home to Vancouver for specialist checkups and adjustments.

Her dad, Andrew, is the only one able to drive her to these appointments, meaning he must take a full day off work each week — a sacrifice that adds up quickly. Her mom, Nicole, stays home to care for Olivia and her six-year-old brother, Jackson, while managing the daily adjustments, recovery routines, and household needs.

Between the weekly travel, medical expenses, and the cost of adaptive clothing and supplies to make Olivia more comfortable, the financial pressure has become overwhelming. Olivia is mostly confined to her chair right now, so crafts, games, and activities are essential to help keep her smiling through the pain and long days of recovery.

That’s why Andrew’s brother, William, started this GoFundMe — to help ease the financial strain and allow the Loewen family to focus on what truly matters: Olivia’s healing and happiness.

All donations will go directly toward:

Weekly travel costs to BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver

Medications and specialized equipment

Groceries, utilities, and family essentials during Andrew’s time off work

Adaptive clothing and comfort items for Olivia

The Loewens are a humble, hardworking family who would never ask for help themselves — but they need their community now more than ever.

If you’re able to contribute, please know that every donation makes a difference. Your support helps this family stay strong while Olivia bravely works toward her goal: to walk freely, without pain, and live the full, joyful life she deserves.

Even if you can’t donate, sharing this campaign will help spread the word and bring hope to this wonderful family.

Together, we can lift up the Loewens and help Olivia take her first free steps. ❤️