A Life-changing Wish
Olivia’s laugh is contagious. As soon as her toes touch water, she giggles excitedly.
“We noticed from an early age she loved bath time,” said her mom, Tina. “She loved splashing in the tub.”
Water for 4-year-old Olivia is more a way to have fun and be a kid, it’s therapy.
Olivia was born with a traumatic brain injury which caused epilepsy. Shortly after birth, she started having seizures and because of her condition, her muscle tone was affected.
Aqua therapy was something their family found to be life-changing for Olivia. Not only did she love the water, but it gave her a sense of freedom. Water relaxed her and made movement easier.
“Aqua therapy helped Olivia developmentally,” said Tina. “She just loved it.”
Last year, Olivia became ill after contracting COVID-19. She was hospitalized and was in the intensive care unit (ICU) on life support. Doctors prepared their family for the worst-case scenario; they may lose their daughter.
Thankfully, Olivia made it through.
“A year to the date we thought we were going to lose her; we got our wish,” said Tina. “The timing was amazing. It turned an incredibly traumatic horrific day into something we can celebrate.”
Tina said Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington offered the family hope and joy and the chance to provide their daughter with a life-changing opportunity.
“From that day forward, we shifted our perspective,” said Tina. “We decided we were not going to wait on anything. We are going to make the best of life.”
When Tina talked to Olivia about her wish, she would get excited. They thought of all the incredible things she could wish for, but there was one thing they knew would bring her happiness for a lifetime – a hot tub.
In July, Olivia got her wish. Her volunteers unveiled the hot tub, and Olivia’s excitement was palpable.
“We are so thankful and appreciative,” said Tina. “The impact it has on our family is life-changing. Her wish has created joyful moments that wouldn’t be possible without your help. You are a part of our journey. This wouldn’t have been possible without you. I can’t say thank you enough for making this possible for our family.”
Olivia loves her hot tub. Tina says every day, she’s excited to enjoy the hot water and the joy it brings her and their family.
Special thanks to Denise Laevastu, Christa Thompson, The Bungie Foundation, Marquis Hot Tubs, Seattle Hot Tub Company, Illuminate Contracting, LLC.