I CAN. AND, I WILL.
Hard to believe it's been 5 years since Olivia's diagnosis. In 2018, the floor fell away from our feet when we were told our little girl had this rare genetic disorder with no cure. We were devastated. It would have been easy to just bury our heads and cry, and we did for a bit. But then, we pressed on. Inspired by Olivia and driven by the love of our kids, we put one foot in front of the other, and said, I Can and I Will.
We are excited to announce the 4th annual race dedicated to Olivia Vitello and her unwavering spirit. Sign up to help raise money for Seattle Children's Hospital and ensure that families in our area can focus on their children's wellbeing, not the medical bill in their mailbox.
This is a professionally timed event with finishing medals!
Proceeds from this fun run will benefit uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital, which provides medical care to children in our region regardless of a family’s ability to pay.
Read more about how to help.
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ABOUT I CAN AND I WILL
When Olivia went in for her 6 year wellness visit, her pediatrician was concerned that she was falling off the growth chart. She recommended Olivia see a neurologist at Seattle Children’s.
Olivia and her parents, Josh and Alisa, were referred to different specialists over the next six months. As time went on, Olivia began to complain of leg pain, and started showing signs of low endurance and a lack of coordination. After many referrals and tests, doctors determined a diagnosis: a rare genetic disorder called Morquio.
Morquio syndrome affects a child's bones and spine, organs and physical abilities. Children with this condition are missing or don't produce enough of the enzymes that break down sugar chains naturally produced in the body. Olivia’s condition requires a treatment plan with a weekly enzyme infusion. Her hospital visits are six hours long and out-of-pocket cost for her treatment would be nearly $30,000 every week - for the rest of her life. Thanks to Josh's employer and a generous insurance package, Olivia has been able to receive the medical care she needs with minimal out of pocket costs.
Today, Olivia is a 6th grader and in middle school. She has had eight surgeries and more than 200 infusions under her belt. Olivia and her mom have been approaching these past events and everything in life with the mantra: “I can. And I WILL.” It’s this mantra that gets Olivia through weekly infusions and has inspired her family to find a way to give back to Seattle Children’s and the patients and families it serves.
ABOUT THE RUN
Our in person event will follow CDC guidelines and rules that will keep everyone safe. We ask that all participants eligible are vaccinated and boosted.
The in person run will take place on Sunday, October 15th, 2023. We will also host a virtual race that will kick off on that same Sunday. The race is intended to start and finish near the Green Lake Community Center and the baseball fields. This 3.1 mile course utilizes a section of the inner path of the trail as well as the roads around Green Lake. The 10K route would include Lower Woodland Park and the roads circling the Woodland Park Zoo and then reconnect with the 5K course.
Remember that every step you take will make a difference in the lives of families who are facing difficult diagnoses and financial hardship.
Interested in volunteering? We'd love your support!
