Oliver’s Story… The words every parent fears, 'your child has cancer,' became the reality of my closest friend Teri’s son Garrett and his wife Rebecca. On Monday, February 16th, their son Oliver, who is only 6 years old, was admitted to Loma Linda Children’s Hospital to undergo extensive treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a form of childhood blood cancer. Oliver’s treatment will be long and arduous, including chemotherapy and an eventual bone marrow transplant. My heart aches for him, as this is something no child should ever have to endure.

I have known Oliver’s parents and grandparents for nearly 40 years. Garrett, Oliver’s father, is just about my own son's age. We have all grown up together, supporting each other through all of the ups and downs that have come throughout the years. But this might be the lowest of those lows for our family friends.

The funds raised will go toward Oliver’s medical bills and to support his parents, as one of them must be with Oliver in the hospital at all times. Garrett is a teacher, and Rebecca, Oliver’s mother, is a student teacher in training and does not get paid. Both parents have used all their available time off from work and have moved in with their parents to help manage the situation and care for Oliver. With both parents unable to work full time, these funds will help cover living expenses and allow them to focus on Oliver’s care.

We are reaching out to our community of friends for support during this incredibly difficult time.

Any donation, no matter the size, or simply sharing Oliver’s story, would mean so much to their family.

Your kindness and generosity will help all of us stay strong for Oliver a this brave little warrior fights this battle.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with Oliver and his family.