Olivia’s Story

Olivia Church was just five years old when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour in December 2003.

She spent seven weeks in hospital after her surgery and during her recovery, Olivia faced several life threatening events. The long-term outcome of both the tumour and surgery resulted in significant vision impairment and short-term memory. Olivia also developed life-threatening diabetes insipidus, a condition that causes an inability to control fluid retained in the body. Unfortunately, the tumour grew again that same year resulting in a course of chemotherapy, and again, her schooling was interrupted.

A bright student, it was frustrating for Olivia to achieve her goals in class. When Blue Mountains Health Trust became involved, Olivia’s education regained its momentum. The Trust provided her with a Mimio digital whiteboard recorder that communicated with her laptop. This digital technology allowed the teacher to communicate with Olivia and her parents and also provide lessons for when Olivia was unable to attend school. Through this technology, the teacher was also able to remind Olivia via her laptop to drink water, which was essential to her condition to avoid seizures. Olivia is now sitting for her HSC. Last week, her mother Simone said, “We are greatly indebted to the Blue Mountains Health Trust. They have allowed our beautiful daughter, who has shown outstanding courage, to pursue her great love of school.”

Are you looking for help or know someone who would benefit from our help ? Find out how more about how to apply.