Catalogue of Chicks

Welcome to the Catalog of Chicks — a place where you can meet everyday women and read about their extraordinary acts of bravery and courage. We hope you are inspired by their stories — we certainly are!

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<<Previous Chick Next Chick>>Olivia Calbazana
Wilmington, DE
Submitted by: Lee Revis-PlankHello! My name is Olivia Lulu Calbazana. I am 3 years old and have always been a happy, healthy child. However, on November 28th (Black Friday), my life changed when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor – medulloblastoma.

This is the most recent posting from her mother on her caringbridge website - http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/oliviacalbazana

Well we are approaching the anniversary of Olivia’s diagnosis. It feels as though it’s been so much longer than a year. It’s weird, I can still remember that evening so vividly and yet the days following are not as clear. I find it ironic that the journey started while I was wearing a “Life is Good” hat. I still have the hat, but haven’t worn it since Black Friday 2008.

I remember moving into the PICU with Olivia and hearing the IV bells in the unit ring continually. I remember watching Olivia really sleep for the first time in at least a week. I remember sending a text message to close friends and family letting them know that Olivia had a brain tumor. I remember receiving a call from my brother who could hardly speak. I remember crying until my eyes were nearly swollen shut. I remember feeling my heartbreak.

Yes, I still cry and my heart is still broken. I love my girls more than anything else in the world. I would do anything to know that Olivia will live a long healthy life. The most difficult part is that it is out of my control. Those who know me know how I hate things out of my control. OK…enough of that for now. I know I’ll continue to reflect the closer we get to Black Friday.

We are really praying that tomorrow goes well for Olivia. She has her hearing test, kidney function test, and labs. Last Friday she ended up needing a blood transfusion. So hopefully the labs will look great tomorrow and she will not need blood, platelets, and we can discontinue the GCSF shots…well at least for a little while.

Olivia continues to take dance at Miss Heather’s School of Dance. I think she is leaning toward enjoying the ballet more than the tap. She loves to practice her ballet moves at home. Yes, it is absolutely priceless to watch her dance. She is also trying to teach Daddy and me the dance steps. <<Previous Chick Next Chick>>