Bringing Kora Home

Kora Lynn Olivo was born in 2009 with a rare form of congenital scoliosis, along with missing ribs, partial vertebrae, improperly fused vertebrae, a heart valve defect, and without the upper lobe of her left lung. She spent much of her childhood visiting specialists, having surgeries and procedures, and living with physical modifications and restrictions due to her conditions. She had her first surgery when she had just turned 5. But Kora never let any of this hold her back! She loved going to school with her friends, excelled in her dance classes, enjoyed singing and helping at her church, and rocked the stage in many local theatre productions.

When her medical team told Kora and her family that the Scoliosis treatments were almost finished, they were thrilled. She could enter her teenage years fully functional, without the constant specialist visits or further surgeries, and without physical restrictions. She could finally have a “normal” life!

On July 11, 2022, Kora was admitted to the Lucille Packard Children's Hospital for what was supposed to be her 4th and final surgery for Scoliosis. This warrior child had already endured so many medical procedures, and there was so much at stake with this groundbreaking procedure. She and her family were anxious but incredibly brave as they prepared for the big day; hoping for an end to her pain and struggles.

At first, it seemed the surgery was a success. But only 12 hours after, Kora began to notice numbness in her arms and experienced difficulty feeling and moving her legs. After an urgent review of her situation, her medical team found that a devastating and rare complication had occurred. The steel rods implanted to stabilize her spine had instead compressed a section of the spine, causing dangerous swelling. Emergency surgery was conducted in the hopes of relieving the pressure and returning mobility to Kora. Unfortunately, her spinal artery and a section at the top of her spinal cord had been depleted of blood for too long. The blockage combined with the swelling, and after so many hours, had created necrotic (dead) tissue around a cervical section of her spinal cord (C4-C6) resulting in approximately 80% paralysis. Kora was left with no motor function in her legs, limited sensation from the belly button down, and minimal mobility in her arms and hands.

Anyone who knows Kora - her passion for dance, music, and theatre - was shocked by this crushing turn of events. To think that this exuberant bundle of creative energy and talent could potentially be permanently paralyzed, was heartbreaking. It was a hard diagnosis for everyone to swallow, especially Kora and her family.

However, there was no time to be devastated because everything needed to be done to help Kora get through the trials ahead. Kora spent her summer in the hospital recovering. During that time this amazing child and her family kept their spirits up by celebrating every victory, no matter how 'small': visits expanded to her brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins; breathing tube out; passing swallow tests; feeding tube out; enjoying solid food; drinking with a straw; holding a cup in her right hand; successful arts & crafts sessions; video calls with friends, etc. The strength and courage of the Hasha-Olivo family through all of these challenges has inspired us all!

On August 15th, Kora was transferred to the Valley Medical Rehabilitation Center - a huge milestone! Daily, she underwent an intense regimen of occupational, physical, and emotional therapy. Her intense efforts combined with the dedicated support of her family and medical team have helped Kora regain some grip strength and mobility in her arms, particularly her right arm. Accomplishments like these continue to motivate Kora to give her best and not give up. Watching her journey is humbling, to say the least.

Hope remains that over time Kora will regain more and more of her mobility. In typical Kora fashion, she defeats expectations and odds every time. Her spirit is gigantic for such a tiny frame:) At this time, however, this incredible child is facing a whole new life filled with uncertainty. One that will require many modifications to ensure she has everything she needs to continue to succeed. These needs include medical equipment at home, a wheelchair van, and modifications to their family home to make it wheelchair accessible. Additionally, support for uncovered medical expenses to date and future expenses is also needed. Worrying about how they are going to support Kora is the last thing that Ali and Art need right now.

As friends and family began to prepare the home for Kora's return, complications were encountered that slowed and halted progress. Kora is now temporarily home while we search for short-term housing in so that proper renovations can be completed to make the home wheelchair accessible. This has increased costs and added to the timeline of bringing Kora home for good, another unfortunate stress and challenge for the Hasha-Olivo family to meet.

Many of you will have experienced the generosity and kindness of Ali, Art, Reef, and Kora over the years. Their selfless contributions to our community: Daves Avenue Elementary, RJ Fisher Middle School, Los Gatos Youth Theatre, Saratoga Federated Church, etc. So many organizations and people have benefited from their helpful and dependable hearts. It is now our chance, as their community, to return that kindness and generosity. It is time to support them in their hour of need.

Thank you for helping the Hasha-Olivo family as they embark on this uncertain journey and new life together. Let's show Kora that we believe in her and all her hard work, and bring her home!