Olivia’s blood drives give kids same chance she got

WEST LINN, Ore. (KOIN) — There were balloons, cupcakes and smiles all around for Olivia Ender’s 8th birthday party. But this celebration was so much more than just for a birthday.

When Olivia was 4, she was diagnosed with leukemia. Since then, she and her family have turned her birthday into a blood drive to give other kids the same chance blood donors gave her.

At Olivia’s blood drive Tuesday, she was excited to help.

“I like working this and watching people help with the blood,” she told KOIN 6 News

Over these past 4 years, Olivia faced chemotherapy, surgeries and more than 20 life-saving blood transfusions from the Red Cross. Now in remission, Olivia can look back and live life like a regular kid, full of energy, hope and birthday wishes.

But her mom, Sarah Enders, hopes Olivia sees just how many lives she’s touched and the difference she’s made.

“I hope it’s something we can save someday so she can look back and see what kind of impact we’ve made just in her name,” Sarah said.

Sarah said this isn’t just her little girl’s birthday. It’s a milestone celebrating Olivia’s strength — and the lives that saved hers.

“There’s not enough thank yous in the world for the people who are actually doing the donations,” Sarah said.

According to the Red Cross, cancer patients — especially those with leukemia — use nearly 25% of the nation’s blood supply. But only 3% of Americans donate each year.

Olivia Enders already helped inspire 13 blood drives, including her annual birthday drive, plus 3 others throughout the year.