Help Olivia WIN her battle against cancer
On January 10th, nine-year-old Olivia Butterworth, a healthy, vivacious, and beautiful fourth grader at Wampautauck Elementary school in Scituate Mass, received the shocking news that she has a rare, aggressive childhood cancer known as Neuroblastoma. Olivia's disease had metastasized to Stage 4 and the doctors at Boston Children's Hospital and the Jimmy Fund have begun a grueling 18-month treatment plan that will require incredible amounts of strength and perseverance from Olivia and her family. Olivia has already shown an incredible amount of bravery and grace in the face of a disease that has turned her life upside-down.
Olivia's family is ready to fight and will do what it takes to cure Olivia. They understand that there will be regular refinement of the treatment plan based on progress but have been told to prepare for a highly-intensive course of treatment that will include both outpatient visits and extended stays at the hospital. Many of Olivia’s prescribed treatments are still in trial and not covered by insurance. Both Jill and Jay have been advised by the hospital to be prepared for the unexpected both in their schedules and with expenses.
In just a little over a month, Olivia and her family have already logged hundreds of miles back and forth into Boston. Olivia passes the time in the car listening to her favorite singer Kacey Musgraves and often comments on all the billboards she passes. She said her favorite thing about the clinic is when she waves at other kids being treated and they wave and smile back.
Olivia is an avid swimmer and usually spends the majority of her summer on the beach bodysurfing and playing in the sand with her friends. Her treatment plan will require her to be hospitalized for most of this summer as she endures two stem cell transplants which will mean extended hospital stays, and several weeks of recovery and isolation. Due to the port installed in her chest, she will be unable to swim but she is thinking fishing might be a good way to get her fix of the ocean when her health allows.
Contributions to this Go-FundMe page will be managed by Olivia's mom, Jill, and dad, Jay, to ensure that medical and associated treatment and care costs can be covered. Your contributions will help ensure that Olivia is comfortable and that her parents can focus their energy on her care and well-being.
We will provide updates on Olivia on this page, so please do check back frequently. Olivia has already logged two rounds of chemo, two surgeries and will begin round 3 of chemotherapy in early March. For those of you blessed to know Olivia, you will not be surprised to know that her spirits are high and her signature brand of humor is still intact. She relishes the days when she can attend school and often talks about all the things she looks forward to doing when her treatment is over.
Thank you for your love, support, and prayers.