Engler Family

Our niece, Olivia, was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma in August 2022. She received wonderful care for 2 years in Washington, D.C. at Children's National Hospital, and is now in Columbus, Ohio, at Nationwide Children's. Donations on this page will be used for medical and daily expenses as our family navigates this new territory, which inevitably also means time away from their jobs as they focus on their 3 baby girls: Olivia (7), Avery (almost 5), and Isla (2). Her mom, Lauren, our sister, says it best:

Cancer. A word you often hear but never think will happen to you, let alone to your baby girl.

Sadly that’s our new reality. Our sweet Olivia Grace, 5 year old (birthday on August 26!) and big sister x 2, is facing more than any of us could ever handle in our own strength. Our baby has a tumor on her jaw muscle and multiple tumors in her lungs.

We’re still waiting on some answers and have no idea what these next few weeks and months will look like, so we’re trying to just take it one day at a time.

Although we will never understand why, we know that the Lord is sovereign and good. We know that he knitted Olivia together inside my womb and he perfectly crafted every beautiful cell in her body.

We are scared and definitely still in shock, but are confident that that same God created us and knows us deeply and will sustain us in this season, whatever it looks like.

We also know we can’t do this alone and are asking for prayer! Prayer of total healing, prayer for our family as we navigate a new diagnosis, the start of treatment, and having a newborn any time now. Prayers that we would get rest in such a time of unrest. Prayers for Jason and me as we navigate this as husband and wife, as parents, as family members, and friends. Prayers for Avery as she’s old enough to know something’s going on but too young to get it. And prayers for our sweet girl, Olivia Grace - that discouragement, pain, and discomfort would not be her regular reality, but joy and rest and love would be ever louder.

For those interested, we also have a Caring Bridges page to keep friends and family in the loop. You can check that out here: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/oliviaengler/journal/view/id/6302dc0d153b098d665e346a

Note: Donations will be collected by Erin Stelljes and transferred to the Englers.