Olivia's Experience - 2026
- Emily Enderes
- Jul 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 20
✨The Story✨
Olivia is 18, artistic, energetic, and full of life, but her journey has been anything but easy. At just six years old, Olivia was diagnosed with FSGS (focal segmental glomerulosclerosis), a serious kidney disease that has shaped nearly every part of her and her family’s life.
The challenges began early. While the family welcomed her baby sister Kassie into the world, Olivia suffered a severe infection that required resuscitation multiple times. She spent a month in the ICU, followed by four months in a hospital unit. Her family juggled her recovery alongside caring for a newborn and coping with not only their emotions but the struggle of their everyday life.
Despite a successful kidney transplant from her mother in 2023, Olivia’s disease reoccurred almost immediately, bringing new rounds of dialysis, plasmapheresis, and trips to hospitals hours away. Even now, Olivia is back on dialysis with no clear path to a future transplant.
Her mother describes the constant balancing act, driving Olivia to Allentown three times a week, managing school pickups for Kassie, attending doctor visits, and trying to maintain a career. Every day is a test of endurance, patience, and love.
Through it all, Olivia’s spirit remains unbroken. She loves art, acting, and staying active with hiking, paddle boarding, tennis, and sports whenever her body allows. Her family’s resilience, unwavering love, and relentless dedication to her care are nothing short of heroic.
Olivia and her family need a break. They need a moment to feel seen, supported, and cared for by their community. This is why Olivia is a Hardship Hero!
✨The Gifting✨
As an organization we had the joy of quietly surprising Olivia with her Hardship Heroes Experience!
Between graduating high school and adjusting to a brand new treatment schedule, the summer snuck up on us! Before we knew it, July was here, and it was time to place something exciting on the calendar for Olivia! Something that wasn't another appointment or treatment, but a day just for her.
A day in Philly it is!
Olivia will spend the day making memories with the people she loves through a colorful adventure filled with creativity, laughter, exploration, incredible food, and immersive experiences designed around her passions and interests.
We can't wait to share photos from her special day, but for now... here's a little sneak peek at what's in store!
We hope this experience reminds her that even in the midst of life's hardest seasons, there is still room for adventure!
Photo Credit: Ashley Clayton Photos
Gifting Location: The Barns at Shallow Creek
Just a Glimpse!
Olivia's Story
✨The Experience✨
coming soon...
✨The Thank You's✨
Kay Becker - Direction Donation to Olivia's Experience!
Comments