Olivia’s Heart Story
From the very beginning, Olivia has shown us what courage truly looks like.
Born with a complex congenital heart condition, she has spent her life facing challenges that no child should ever have to endure. Through surgeries, hospital stays, procedures, and countless appointments, Olivia has met every obstacle with a strength and determination far beyond her years. Her smile, her resilience, and her unwavering spirit continue to inspire everyone who knows and loves her.
Over the years, Olivia has undergone six major heart procedures:
BT Shunt – November 6, 2018
Glenn Procedure – June 18, 2019
Fenestrated Fontan – April 25, 2022
Left-Sided Thoracotomy – May 3, 2022
Fenestration Closure – March 17, 2023
Pacemaker Implant – November 20, 2025
Each procedure represents not only a medical milestone, but another chapter in a journey marked by extraordinary bravery.
In May 2026, Olivia traveled to Texas Children’s Hospital for several specialist appointments. Our sister-in-Christ Nellie received encouraging updates from many members of Olivia’s care team, who are pleased with her overall progress. While doctors identified some mild liver scarring related to her Fontan circulation that will require ongoing monitoring, they reassured her that Olivia is receiving the care and oversight needed to stay ahead of any concerns.
One of Olivia’s biggest daily challenges is fatigue. She wants to run, play, and keep up with other children, but her heart often asks more of her than most people can see. Even so, she approaches each day with determination, giving her best effort and reminding us all that true strength is found in perseverance.
As family and friends, there are moments when the unknown feels overwhelming. Yet time and again, Olivia reminds us to focus on the blessings, the victories, and the hope that carries us forward.
Throughout this journey, Olivia has never walked alone.
Family, friends, church family, medical team, and community have surrounded Nellie and Olivia with love, prayers, encouragement, and support during both the hardest days and the most joyful milestones. Every message, every prayer, every act of kindness, and every person who has stood beside them has helped carry them through.
Olivia’s story is not just a story about a heart condition.
It is a story about faith.
It is a story about resilience.
It is a story about the power of hope.
And it is a story about what can happen when family, friends, and an entire community come together to support a child they love.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11
Join Us in Supporting The Children’s Heart Foundation
Thank you for visiting Olivia’s Team fundraising page.
This year, we are honored to participate in the Congenital Heart Walk in support of The Children’s Heart Foundation, which is celebrating 30 years of funding life-saving congenital heart defect research.
For families, research means hope. The medical advances that have helped Olivia throughout her journey exist because of dedicated researchers, healthcare professionals, donors, and advocates who believe every child deserves the chance to live a full and healthy life.
We invite family, friends, and community to join us in supporting this important mission. Every donation helps fund research that improves treatments, advances care, and creates brighter futures for children born with congenital heart defects.
Thank you for loving Olivia, praying for her, cheering her on, and supporting causes that make a difference for children and families everywhere.
Your generosity, encouragement, and support mean more than words can express. Together, we can help bring hope to heart families today and for generations to come. ❤️
