3 days Ago By Jen Garofalo
Olivia Scott was a 17-year-old junior at McGuffey High School in 2009. She loved playing volleyball and ran track. She had a part-time job and was a huge Pittsburgh Penguins fan.
“Olivia was as cantankerous as they make, and yet, she was so caring and giving. For example, there was an Angel Tree we’d donate toward every year, and Oliva would always say, ‘Pick the one you don’t think anyone else will take’,” said Marc Scott, Olivia’s dad. What began as unexplained pain and several trips to the doctor ended with the call no parent wants to receive.
“It started in February. They diagnosed her with pleurisy, inflammation of the diaphragm, but after keeping her home from school and doing numerous blood tests, the pediatrician recommended we go to Children’s Hospital,” said Scott. The hospital admitted her, did a biopsy, and by March 16, the family learned Olivia had incurable liver cancer.
“We started weekly trips to the clinic. We tried experimental chemo, and she had surgery scheduled to take as much of the cancer as they could. They were hoping to extend her life by a few months,” Scott said.
By July 29, when discussing the upcoming surgery, the doctor informed them Olivia had two weeks at most, and that was with the surgery. “Olivia was a strong individual. She said, ‘You want to do all of this for maybe two weeks? Can’t we just end it now?'” Scott said.
“We didn’t want to see her in any more pain.” After a long afternoon spending time together and waiting for a sedative for Olivia, the doctor came in with his cellphone to his ear and passed the phone to her. It was Sydney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Olivia’s favorite sports team.
“We held her up, and I held the phone and they talked so long my arm was getting tired. He asked her who her favorite player was and she said it was Max Talbot and he said, ‘I’ll have Max call you’,” Scott said. “Again, Olivia and Max had an entire conversation.
It wasn’t rushed and she was thrilled.” Thirty minutes later, she was given a sedative. Scott said his daughter went to sleep with a big smile on her face.
People ask the Scotts why they wanted to start the Olivia Scott Foundation. He said it was a comfort to know Olivia went to sleep happy and at peace. With Olivia in mind, they sat down for the first foundation meeting the weekend after Thanksgiving 2009, and developed three different ways to give back.
“We give out of compassion to youth in a life-threatening or life-altering situation. We donate to families who have had a house fire or who have had a death. We support education and offer six scholarships, donating over $700,000 to date,” Scott said.
“Our third platform is promoting sportsmanship because Olivia loved sports.” They host a popular Valentines Day dinner and fundraiser each year with an auction, dancing and games. Later in the summer, the mini golf outing is a fun way to support the foundation.
“I think she’s looking down on us with a smile on her face. It’s been amazing to see the many different people we’ve touched but also amazing to see how many people have supported us through the years,” Scott said. “You can’t give away $700,000 without receiving $700,000.
” Visit https://oliviascottfoundation.com/ for more information..
