Support Olivia's Road to Paris - Paralympics 2024

1,801 days ago, I had no clue how the seemingly simple words, “Mom, it’s kind of hard to read my book,” from my daughter would end up with her being my hero.

Or that she’d be legally blind at the age of 20.

Nearly 5 years ago, at the age of 16, Olivia’s blurry vision flipped our world upside down and we were just beginning what her doctors call a “medical odyssey” that continues today. During this time, she has seen 54 different doctors in 20 different specialties; had nearly 350 doctor’s appointments; had 9 procedures, 24 scans, 8 MRIS, 6 genetic tests and 2 ER visits. And, while we’ve learned she has rare mitochondrial disorders, we still don’t have any idea what is causing her vision loss. But that isn’t Olivia’s story because it’s not what defines her.

Olivia (AKA: OC) is a swimmer. She always smells like she just got out of the pool. It’s her happy place. And, like all little kids, Olivia has dreamed of going to the Olympics since she began swimming at the age of 4. She never imagined a day she would be unable to see the black line at the bottom of the pool or that this inability would eventually lead her closer to her dream.

After making her international debut at the World Paraswimming Championships last August, where she won medals in all 6 of her events, coming home with 2 silver and 4 bronze medals, Olivia set her sights on Paris. And now, she is a proud member of Team USA's Paralympic Swim Team, heading to Paris!

Admittedly, most people would have hung up their goggles through all of this, but not Olivia. Instead of crying over the things she can’t control, she works harder on what she can control. There have been seasons that didn’t go the way she had hoped, as she learns how to navigate her world without her vision. What Olivia hasn’t lost sight of is what matters most … winning isn’t everything. She’s learned that if you never lose, you never have anything to work for, and hard work pays off. She’s also learned to appreciate all the blessings in life and to surround yourself with people who love you for who you are. Olivia is fortunate to have an incredibly supportive collegiate team at the University of Northern Iowa, with teammates who help her through her ever-changing world. Her family, friends and church have all played an enormous role to get her where she is today. And, as Olivia climbs her way to the top, winning will be so much more meaningful because of all the work she put into it. And her family and friends want to be there celebrating with her.

So, she is now on the road to Paris! Her family and friends, who have been through the highs and lows throughout her journey, hope to witness her triumph in Paris. The cost of taking a support system overseas, along with the necessary accommodations for their presence, is a formidable barrier. We are hoping to raise funds so OC can hear our cheers as she fulfills a lifelong dream.

The love and support we have felt the last 4 years has been overwhelming and we are so grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you! It would mean the world to all of us if you could contribute to this dream. No amount is too small. Thank you!