Food Crawl raises funds for Olivia Formosa

(Submitted photo)

Community Living Chatham-Kent has selected Wallaceburg’s Olivia Formosa to receive a donation of $1,000 from the proceeds of the 2019 Food Crawl.

Community Living Chatham-Kent officials say the money will go towards Olivia’s medical costs.

“Many may already know this special little girl’s story but for those who do not, at age two, a large mass was found around her cerebellum, around her brain stem and down her spinal cord,” Community Living Chatham-Kent officials said in a press release.

“This area is critical for movement, swallowing, etc. The tumour was found to be cancerous. She was taken into surgery immediately and has since been through many more procedures. While getting back on her feet, it was discovered that Olivia’s tumour had returned. She had another surgery and, sadly, woke up paralyzed on her left side. She is a fighter and spent some time in Toronto at a children’s rehabilitation facility.”

Olivia, now four-years-old, is finally back at home where she has physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy regularly.

“Her mom, Brooke, had to find an accessible home and is now living at an apartment back in Wallaceburg,” Community Living Chatham-Kent officials say.

“Brooke continues to travel back and forth to the hospital in London. She will need to purchase medical equipment for their new home. Also, her expenses are ongoing as she now also has to purchase appliances and other furniture,” Community Living Chatham-Kent officials say.

“We heard about the struggles this family is still going through, and our hearts go out to Olivia and her family,” said Tammy Chouinard,
Manager of Community Relations, in a press release.

“We hope these funds will help to ease some of the stress they might be feeling, and hopefully allow them to focus more of their attention on supporting her recovery.”

Olivia is a strong little girl who has overcome many barriers and she is an inspiration to her community, Community Living Chatham-Kent officials added.

Community Living Chatham-Kent provides support and services for more than 550 people who have an intellectual disability and reside in Chatham-Kent.

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