My name is Olivia Ibarra and it has been over a year since I have been diagnosed with Acute Mylogenous Leukemia (AML).   I was 14 years old and a freshman at Holy Cross High School.   I was a very active girl who loved to play sports. I literally played all of them, volleyball, basketball, softball, golf and I also ran cross-country and track.   I even went to state with my cross-country and golf team. I was striving academically as well, my parents would not have it any other way.   I couldn’t wait to get to high school and when I got there, I loved and cherished every minute I was there. 

I was an active member at San Alphonsus Catholic Church and St. Paul’s Catholic Church and very involved with the youth groups.   My mom, tias and I were planning a Quinceanera for me.   I would have dreams of this special day when I would feel like Cinderella, I couldn’t wait for that date to come.   It was very exciting to plan each part of this special day.   It was also a time for me to reflect about becoming a young lady and another opportunity for me to become closer to God. 

But, on April 21, 2007, all of that stopped, I was diagnosed with AML, which is a form of cancer of the blood that affects the body’s ability to fight infection.   This changed my life drastically.   I went from an active student, athlete and self-centered teenager to a pediatric intensive care patient.   I received countless and countless units of blood and platelets, so many tests needed to be taken, so many sleepless nights. I spent an additional 6-8 months in the hospital recovering.   The chemotherapy treatment for AML is intensive and all of it is administered in the hospital and I had to remain there until my body recovered from the effects of the chemotherapy.   I was able to leave the hospital each month, but it was usually only for a few days, then I was right back to begin the next chemotherapy treatment.   The times that I was able to leave the hospital, I was confined to my home, many times I could not even have my friends visit because my immune system was vulnerable.   I was barely living while my friends were living the life I wanted and yearned for during summer vacation and high school.

I could tell that the pain and stress my parents endured was unbearable, they tried so hard to be strong.   I could see how guilty and helpless they felt, but what could they do…nothing… but they prayed and kept the faith.   No parent should ever feel like they can’t protect their child from harm.   My younger sisters matured very quickly as well, because mom was always with me.   Dad became both mom and dad to my young sisters.   I missed my sisters very much during this time.   It was not easy for them as well, as you can imagine, what a scary feeling knowing that your big sis is so sick.   This has been a very difficult journey for my family and me.   Not one family member lives with cancer.....everyone does in some form or another. 

Yet, this is the time I discovered how much people do care.   The support that family, friends and strangers have showed me is overwhelming. I have been lifted up in prayer each day by many people.   Many blood and bone marrow drives have been sponsored in my name.   I have received countless visits, telephone calls, cards and gifts from so many.   Not once have I walked this journey on my own, many have been by my side.   I have received continued prayers of strength for myself, my parents and sisters to endure this journey with me in peace.   Many fought the fight for my life with me.

I am now 15 years old, soon to be 16 and a junior at HC.   I have won my fight for life, my goal is to continue to strive academically, be the athlete I was before and try to make a difference.   I am back to my teenage life again, being selfish, self-centered, enjoying my friends and high school years.   I know I will be able to reach my goals because I have GOD, my Catholic faith, my parents, my sisters, friends and strangers by my side.

I know I am lucky because I am a survivor but only because of people like you who care.   Each and every person affected by this and other diseases, have a reason to hope because of support from caring individuals like you. Today and for the rest of my life you have made a difference.   Thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul.