Kids cancer - Preface for Adults

Excited Baby Olivia






Preface for Adults (aren’t I fancy)

Many of you either know my family or know Olivia. We had the shock of our lives last week. Last week we thought she had a bladder infection and by Thursday she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer - Wilms Tumor. She has a massive tumor within her kidney and spots on her lungs. It is too big to remove given the size (half a football) so we are starting weekly radiation on Friday (6/12) and hope to shrink it to a point that they can remove in 7 weeks. 



Our girl - Olivia

I want to keep people who are interested updated but Caring Bridge seemed too grownup for 7-year-olds and I want her friends to feel comfortable getting updates and sharing comments, pictures, videos, etc. to keep them connected. When she makes it back to school, Olivia will look and probably act a little differently but I know the silly, happy, energetic little girl will be back to us soon.

So, what’s the plan with this blog? I thought it would be more fun for everyone if we did it like a story. Hence, the name of this blog. I’ll be providing chapters as we move through our journey and I’ll have Olivia write her reactions so the kids can hear from her directly and this may even help all the kids’ reading and spelling - but don’t tell them. ;) 

Several people have asked for our address and phone:

Olivia VanderHorst

3930 Shady Oak Rd
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Chris (Dad): 612-203-8422                Kristin (Mom): 612-423-2158
cgolf66@comcast.net                        stentowin@yahoo.com 


Disclaimer: I have no idea if I can pull this off. The last story I probably wrote was in college and for those who knew me then are probably groaning at the possibilities of success - and timeliness. If there are any good writers out there that might have fun with the storytelling, just let me know. I welcome any ghostwriters!