Olivia's Strength

Three weeks ago within a blink of an eye, my family was stricken with news that immediately changed our lives forever. My sister, Crystal Unis was on her way home from Atlantic City excited to see her five year old daughter Olivia when she became the victim of a horrific motorcycle accident. Crystal suffered many life threatening injuries and was rushed to the trauma unit at Atlanticare Regional Medical Center for treatment. She is currently on life support due to the severe trauma her brain endured. This once vibrant, intelligent, beautiful sister of mine now lays helpless fighting with every inch of her fragile body. As each day goes by and things seem to get harder, our family continues to pray for a miracle.

Only 34 years old, my big sister has so much more life to give to her daughter. Never did I imagine feeling more heartache and pain after seeing her that way in the ICU. That is until it was time for my niece Olivia to come face to face with every child’s biggest fear; waiting for mommy to return home yet she never does. Instead Olivia had to visit her in a hospital bed. When it was time to finally see her, she was so strong like something I have never witnessed before... she sat by her side and held her hand in silence as if she too were providing my sister with LOVE support.

In this short period of time, I have watched my family breakdown to their knees in fear and heartache. I have experienced their inner strength to stand up again through my family’s love. I have even witnessed not only friends but complete strangers come together and pray for her life. For that, I am and will forever be truly grateful. But the fight is still not over as it will not be it least until my darling sister takes her last and final breathe. In pain, I humble myself before the world to ask for kindness and generosity in any way possible. To help with Crystal’s medical expenses the insurance will not pay and for her daughter Olivia as we do not know how long this journey will be.

With a hopeful heart, I want to end this with acknowledgement for my precious niece as she was the one who inspired me.  It was because of her strength and courage that moved me in such a way, I wanted to possess the same in making this campaign. This is for you, my love and for mommy… This is for Olivia’s strength!