A brave little girl fighting cancer plans to raise money for pediatric cancer research so other children battling their own diagnosis do not have to “take disgusting medicine” like she does.
Olivia “Liv” Lipnicky, 8, and her mother, Emma Lipnicky, will be the hosts to a “Liv Like A Unicorn” clothing drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 9 at 175 Topaz Drive, Freehold Township.
New or gently used men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, shoes, purses, belts, bed and bath linens, stuffed animals and bicycles will be accepted. Pillows, toys, books, furniture, appliances and household items will not be accepted.
In an interview on July 23, Lipnicky said her daughter has an aggressive stage IV tumor that infiltrates surrounding tissue and has no known cure.
Oliva, who was diagnosed with a diffuse midline glioma in her spinal cord in February, underwent a 14-hour surgery followed by six weeks of proton radiation.
Olivia is currently enrolled in a clinical trial which seeks to prevent the tumor from expanding. The trial targets specific mutations found in the tumor, Lipnicky said.
“The lack of funding for pediatric cancers is abysmal,” she said. “Since Olivia’s diagnosis, I have thrown myself into research and was astonished to learn that pediatric cancers only get 4% of national funding.
“More funding is needed to help find other medications for these types of tumors. My hope is to start our own charitable organization to help fund research and clinical trials, which can then bring better treatment options to market.”
Lipnicky, who said Olivia participated on a travel soccer team prior to her diagnosis, said her daughter was inspired by the success of her team’s clothing drive and “wanted to try and do it for this cause.”
Asked why she decided to organize a clothing drive to help other children, Olivia said, “I wanted to help other kids that are going through cancer like me. I am also going to sell lemonade and cookies the day of the fundraiser. The money we raise is going to go to research so other kids don’t have to take disgusting medicine like I do. I feel happy I am able to try and help other kids.”
As for the “Liv Like A Unicorn” name of the event, Lipnicky said she created a Facebook page with that name so Olivia’s friends and family members can stay updated with her medical progress.
“Liv is Olivia’s nickname and unicorns have been a favorite of hers since she was little. To me ‘Liv like a Unicorn’ really encompasses how Liv lives her life. Everyone who meets her can see there is truly something special about her.
“She is one of the kindest, empathetic, compassionate little girls. Her inner strength and determination while dealing with her illness have been remarkable,” Lipnicky said.
For more information or to arrange a drop-off donation, visit Live Like A Unicorn on Facebook.
