Support Olivia and the Barnes Family on Her Road to Recovery

On a normal day you might catch Olivia Barnes playing in her hometown of Laramie, WY with her friends and devoted big brother, Ben, sporting her Elsa braid and singing “Let It Go” while flashing you her best silly face. She is a joyful four-year-old with a big heart who loves unicorns, tumbling, all things Frozen and especially her amazing parents, Meagan and Kevin. But these aren’t normal days and this happy world has been shattered by a challenge no child should have to face.

On January 23rd, her family's world was turned upside down when, on their second trip to the emergency room, it was discovered that Olivia had a perforated appendix, which caused the development of several large abscesses of infection. Additionally, they learned two respiratory viruses had impacted her breathing. All of these complications together lead to an immediate decision to rush her to Children's Hospital in Aurora, CO for the life saving treatment she needed. It was a harrowing three-hour drive in the middle of the night after weather grounded the helicopter and no ambulances were available.

As of February 7th, Olivia has been in the hospital for fifteen days, enduring two separate procedures to place drains in her abdomen to help her body fight the infection, multiple scans and x-rays, around the clock breathing treatments and lab tests, and nights in the PICU, just to name a few. She has had daily physical and occupational therapy to help her stand, walk, and maintain mobility. All the while her appendix remains until her inflammation and lung complications have cleared, at that time she will have to face another surgery to remove it. Even with all this uncertainty, her care team at Children's Hospital has been outstanding and supportive.

Despite it all, Olivia has been in remarkably good spirits and incredibly brave, giggling and telling her mom and dad “I got this” at bedtime. Her smiles light up the room, especially during FaceTime calls with her big brother, Ben, who is waiting for her at home in Laramie, WY. Meagan and Kevin haven't left Olivia's side, their hearts aching but staying strong while they watch their little girl battle this unexpected illness.

This heart-wrenching journey comes with the added stress of mounting medical bills, the costs of travel and accommodation near the hospital, and lost income from time away from work. Your donations will directly help cover these expenses, allowing Meagan and Kevin to focus on Olivia's healing without the added stress of financial worry.

Please donate today to support the Barnes family and help Olivia get back to tumbling in her Elsa braid and playing with her big brother. Every contribution, big or small, will make a difference in their journey. Even $10 is greatly appreciated and will go a long way tp help!