14-Yr-Old Girl Battling Leukemia Sells Custom Bracelets To Pay for Bone Marrow Transplant
Community, whether large or small, is as important to a society as a flourishing economy. We need good community to survive and thrive.
Helping a fellow man in need not only makes a difference for the individual, but for the society as a whole. One person turns into five and then ten, and, before we know it, the “pay it forward” concept is no longer just an idea.
One girl from Angola, Indiana has proven that, when people come together for a cause, nothing is impossible. Olivia Stoy is like any other 14-year-old girl, aside from one major detail.
Olivia suffers from childhood cancer. Though she’s a victim of T-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, this teenager was determined to fight and hope, despite the impossible odds against her.
In need of a million-dollar bone marrow transplant her insurance wouldn’t cover, Olivia took it upon herself to seek out funds for the much-needed surgery. Her bravery, and entrepreneurship, is an inspiration to anyone who hears her story.
The hospital got behind her, offering a substantial discount for the procedure if Olivia could pay $350K in full beforehand. Still, that’s quite a sum to ask of a 14-year-old girl.
The teen started a GoFundMe campaign, but it wasn’t enough. So she partnered with Emily Bryan of Emily Kai, a company that designs hats, headbands, and other jewelry and accessories.
With Bryan’s help, Olivia designed a lava stone, essential oil-infused bracelet affectionately named “Lava Liv.” Together, they reached out to anyone who might be willing to help their cause.
“I hope that everyone who gets a bracelet enjoys it, and feels strong and confident while wearing them,” Olivia said. Though the goal seemed impossibly high, it took less than a week for the funds to rocket.
Her week started with only $25K raised through the GoFundMe campaign. But in just seven short days, Olivia was able to raise the money she needed for the surgery.
“It’s very overwhelming,” Olivia’s dad, Tom Stoy, said. “It’s absolutely amazing and it shows what the power of people can do.”
The bracelets Olivia designed continue to be available. Bryan, who continues promote the specially-designed accessory, will donate one free bracelet to a child with cancer for each Lava Liv bracelet sold.
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