Olivia’s Lemonade Stand

Olivia’s Story

Olivia Rose Sacco was born on October 16, 2013.  Immediately upon her arrival into the world, she was placed in ICU due to low blood sugar.  After a small stint there, we were allowed to take her home. 

At 2 months of age, we took her to her pediatrician due to jaundice, lethargy, and lack of eating.  A blood draw showed her blood sugar to be very low, and she was sent to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse NY.  Over a 10-day period, it was determined that Olivia was born with a non-functioning pituitary gland and thin optic nerves.  She was diagnosed with Septo-Optic Dysplasia.  The Endocrine specialists were able to get her sodium levels and blood sugar balanced out, and again we were able to take her home. 

The next 10 years were a blur.  Olivia was diagnosed with low vision perception in her right eye.  She started, and continued to the day she passed, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and vision therapy.   Throughout all of this, she flourished. 

Olivia loved school, and she excelled at it.  Workload was an issue at times, but she never once complained, and always put in extra effort.  She took dance classes for a few years, until she was physically unable to carry on.  Dance turned into a love for music and art.  It was here where she shined brightest.  Olivia played the clarinet and had just been accepted to All-County band.  She sang in the choir.  And she absolutely loved most to draw and paint.  If she wasn’t doing so at home, she was at our local art Museum taking classes. 

Olivia had a pure heart.  She took pride in what others achieved, especially that of her brother Dominic.  She always had a smile on her face and her laugh was contagious.  Always the helper, Olivia made sure that all were accepted around her. 

Summer months were her bread and butter.  She would set up a lemonade stand at the end of our driveway and sell not only lemonade, but little art nicknacks made from clay with her cousins.  With the funds raised, we would take them to the store, and they’d pick out dog and cat food for the animals of our local shelter, Herkimer Steven Swan Humane Society.   In honor of her love for her lemonade stand, members of our local fire department, the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Department, created” Olivia’s Lemonade Stand”. 

Olivia’s smile and pure happiness, despite all the hardships she was dealt with in life, were inspiring to all.  The proceeds from the Lemonade stand will be going directly, 100% to the Magic Foundation.  On top of that, scholarships in her name are starting to be established for children who thrive in music or art, who have the same qualities that Olivia had.  Her Elementary school, Deerfield Elementary School, has decided to create a “Love Like Olivia” day.  Every year on Olivia’s birthday, the students will create and wear tie-dyed shirts in her memory and give a small donation.  This donation will also go directly to the Magic Foundation.  The news of this day has spread to the entire school district, with 4 Elementary schools now participating. 

Olivia touched so many lives.  She may be gone from this world, but her heart and spirit live on.  She is missed, but not forgotten, and we know that we will see her again someday.