Meet Olivia

Where are they now?
Catching up with Olivia one year later.

When Olivia, “Liv”, made her entrance into the world on June 24, 2018, doctors at her birth hospital noticed she had several markers for Down syndrome. Upon confirmation of the diagnosis, Liv was sent to Nationwide Children's Hospital and began rounds of appointments with many different departments as part of the standard of care for patients with Down syndrome.

Patients with Down syndrome have a higher likelihood of experiencing many health complications, including heart defects, hearing and vision problems, thyroid conditions, gastrointestinal problems, and respiratory issues. Doctors determined that Liv had two congenital heart defects, couldn’t hear properly and would need ear tubes, and would need her adenoids and tonsils removed.

In the last year, Liv had another ear-tube surgery that has improved her hearing. She started kindergarten where she is loving making new friends. Liv also continues to love dancing and going to Cedar Point.

When Olivia, “Livi”, made her entrance into the world at 2:58 am on June 24, 2018, it was only a few hours later that doctors were telling her patents that she had several markers for Down syndrome. Upon confirmation of the diagnosis, Livi was sent to the Nationwide Children's Hospital intensive care unit for an echocardiogram (echo), an imaging test that creates a detailed moving image of the heart. Patients with down syndrome have a higher likelihood of experiencing many health complications, including heart defects, hearing and vision problems, thyroid conditions, gastrointestinal problems, and respiratory issues.

The echo confirmed Livi had two congenital heart defects; a slight ventricular septal defect, a common defect in which there is an abnormal opening in the wall that separates the two lower chambers of the heart, and an open fetal blood vessel, responsible for carrying blood to the lungs, aorta, and rest of the body.

In addition to an echo, Nationwide Children’s set Livi up with appointments to see many different departments as part of the standard of care for patients with down syndrome. One of these appointments was with the Ears, Nose and Throat (ENT) (ENT) team who identified that Livi couldn’t hear properly and needed ear tubes. “She had her first ear tube surgery before age one,” remembers Livi’s mom, Jan, “and what a difference it made!” Livi’s ENT team also helped her with her sleeping and breathing by reducing her adenoids and tonsils.

Today, Livi is a typical five-year-old who loves Disney princess movies, dancing, and singing. She especially loves singing and dancing along to her favorite show Cocomelon. Additionally, “Livi is a thrill seeker,” Jan shares. “Swimming is one of her favorite things and she’s fearless when it comes to jumping in the water.” Livi also likes to ride rollercoasters at Cedar Point!

Though certain skills may take her time or support to gain, Livi is capable of so much and her parents are so proud of her hard work.

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