As many of you may remember, Olivia is writing a book as her Make A Wish. Her original wish, a trip to Hawaii, was ready to be granted during COVID-19. Knowing it would possibly be another couple of years until Olivia could get that wish, she chose another wish. Olivia had always wanted to get her cancer journey on paper so she doesn't forget anything, so she was excited to have help writing a book. For over a year, Olivia and author Rick Farrant have been meeting every Saturday for 2 hours. Rick picks her brain and asks Olivia questions about her journey. Our family has received the first draft of the book and we couldn't be more excited! There are still more pages to add but Olivia and Rick are getting there! This book will be available to purchase and when it is, we will definitely let you know!

Ethan Smith was this years recipient of the proceeds from the Liv it Up Block party we hosted in June at Ridenour Acres! We recently reached out to Ethan’s mother, Lori Smith and she said, “He is doing well. Thank you!
About to start the delayed intensification on the 26th.” In one week from today, Ethan will be starting a new chemo regimen. Let’s continue to pray he stays healthy and can keep knocking this cancer out!

Over the last six years there were times we weren’t sure this day would come! Very few tears have been shed while moving Olivia in to college because we are SO grateful and excited for her to be here to attend college! It’s fitting that Olivia chose to attend a school in Indianapolis because that’s the city she feels most at home, besides being home in Ashley! For the last week Olivia chose to attend a pre-orientation called Ambassadors of Change. She was part of a group that toured the Indianapolis area learning about a number of non-profit organizations. Olivia has already decided on one of them she would like to spend some time volunteering! This week Olivia begins classes with plans to major in Psychology in hopes of becoming a counselor in a private practice, working in grief counseling for children. In the orientation for Butler University yesterday, the speaker mentioned some accomplishments the students of the freshman class have already accomplished! To Olivia’s surprise, Liv it Up was mentioned! She was so honored for that to be mentioned, but echos how personalized this university is! We are extremely proud of Olivia’s choice in schools and look forward to her blossoming over the next four years! #godawgs

​We had another amazing fundraising event! Thank you to all of the volunteers, sponsors, food vendors, bidders, bands and families that attended the Liv it Up event on June 24th! We are anxious to deliver a check to Ethan Smith from all of your generous donations in the next week! Thank you, thank you, thank you for the continued support from the community!

This year Liv it Up is having a Gold and White Party at Ridenour Acres in Angola! Join us this Friday June 24th from 6-10pm! It is free to get in with yard games, music, food vendors, silent auction and live auction! We hope to see you this Friday to support our friend Ethan Smith!

Olivia along with friends and family attended the Make A Wish gala in Fort Wayne, Indiana recently. Olivia was chosen to speak at the event.

Olivia attended her senior prom over the weekend! She was also chosen to be on the Prom Court.

Over the weekend Olivia found a prom dress that she loves! We couldn’t be more excited to see her preparing for her senior prom and graduation! A month ago Olivia celebrated her 18th birthday! She’s here nearly 6 years after her original cancer diagnosis! Olivia continues to be involved in many philanthropic groups in our community along with running her Liv it Up foundation. Please let others know to apply for up to $5,000 for families that have a child with a life threatening illness or cancer. Liv it Up can help! It’s already helped 70 families in 10 states! Go to the application link for more information!

Olivia is one of six finalist for the 2022 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar, selected by the Steuben County Community Foundation. There were 22 applicants from schools around Steuben County. Final interviews will be next week! We are so proud of Olivia!

Over 3 years ago, Olivia applied to Make A Wish. We had been talking to people from the organization about a trip to Hawaii when COVID-19 hit and all Make A Wish travel was banned. In January 2021 Olivia started planning again but this time she was working on a non travel wish, nothing could compare to a trip to Hawaii! The whole family was trying to help her come up with something special. Tom reminded Olivia how she has always talked about writing a book of her journey! Olivia wasn’t interested in writing a best selling novel, but she’d like to get everything down on paper so she doesn’t forget any of the details of her 4 year journey!

Olivia was put in contact with Rick Farrant through Make A Wish. Rick lives in Fort Wayne and has two self published books. Olivia and Rick have been meeting once a week for the last 6 weeks and plan to continue compiling information for weeks to come! There hasn’t been a session where tears aren’t shed. Who knew this process would also be amazing therapy for our family as well!

This book is just in the beginning stages but these 2 are working hard and can’t wait to see where this goes! We will keep you informed during this journey!