I wish to have a backyard playset
Olivia
3
rare genetic disorder
Olivia’s playset creates unforgettable memories for her whole family
“Olivia was diagnosed with metachromatic leukodystrophy, a rare disease with no cure,” said her mom, Kendra. “It takes away your abilities one at a time and she can no longer walk, talk or sit up on her own anymore.”
Not even two months after receiving this devastating news, Olivia’s younger sister was diagnosed with this same disease.
“We underwent a clinical trial that required weekly travel and then we had to move our family to Italy for treatment,” said Kendra. “After all of this, we just wanted to be home again and to make the most of the time we have to spend together.”
Olivia was referred to Make-A-Wish Arizona and, even though she can no longer verbalize her wish, her family knew it would incorporate her two favorite things – being outside and being with her sisters.
“We wanted something for our backyard that could be accessible for Olivia and allow her to play with her sisters,” said Kendra.
“Olivia’s wish was one of the main things we had to look forward to after coming home and every time we talked to her about it she would get a big grin on her face!”
Olivia's favorite part of her playset is her magic carpet swing.
The backyard playset includes a sandbox, swing, slide, and a ramp for Olivia’s chair. But Olivia’s favorite part by far is her magic carpet swing!
“I take her out in the mornings after she gets out of bed and she loves to lay in her magic carpet swing and listen to the birds,” said Kendra. “It makes her super calm and relaxed, plus, it’s one of the few things she can do without our help and gives her some independence.”
While the future is uncertain for Olivia, a new experimental treatment for her baby sister has given her family hope and they are grateful to spend as much time as they can together in their backyard.
“Even though it’s Olivia’s wish, it’s a place each of her siblings can play and enjoy with her as well. Knowing she and her sisters will have so many more moments together in this yard brings me to tears,” she continued. “We don’t know how long we have left with Livvy, but the memories we’ve made seeing her happy because of her wish will be with us forever.”