By: Community Magazine | September 6, 2023 | | Atlantic Highlands , Colts Neck , Fair Haven , Holmdel , Lincroft , Little Silver , Locust , Middletown , Oceanport , Red Bank , Rumson , Sea Bright , Shrewsbury
STORY BY: Charlotte J. Edwards
The phrase “it takes a village to affect change” developed a new meaning for the Lipnicky family in February of 2019, after what began as shoulder pain for Olivia Lipnicky- the 8-year-old daughter of Brian and Emma Lipnicky and older sister to her brother, Jack- turned into the unnerving diagnosis of a spinal cord tumor, later identified as a diffuse midline glioma on March 1, 2019.
After being rushed into an emergency 13-hour surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the doctors sat Brian and Emma down in their office, and shared the news that because of the disposition of the tumor, their previously healthy, cheerful, and utterly selfless daughter only had nine months to live.
Fondly known as “Liv” to her family and friends, she was enrolled in a clinical trial at NYU Langone Health following her diagnosis. Described as a “tough cookie” and “a kid who exuded a distinct empathy far beyond her years” by her mom, Liv’s innate resilience and determination was left unrattled, as she used her experience as a catalyst that strengthened her billowing passion to give back to children who were fighting the same battle of pediatric cancer as herself, taking autonomy over the adversaries she faced to organize a clothing drive that generated $10,000 in funds towards the same clinical trial she underwent. The trailblazing success of the fundraiser led to the official birth of the Liv Like a Unicorn Foundation. Although she gained her angel wings in November of 2019, Liv’s magnetic legacy continues to galvanize a meaningful difference within the pediatric cancer community and society at-large.
Accredited as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and run by Liv’s parents Emma and Brian, the foundation’s impact within the pediatric cancer community over the short time span of four years is extraordinary, raising over $500,000 at the culmination of their first year for research- despite encountering the obstacles of a global pandemic. Now, the foundation provides wide-reaching, vital support to more than 175 children across 46 states nationwide. The Unicorn Box program is an initiative that Emma and the other members of the foundation are particularly proud of; each of the packages are filled with a myriad of fun and themed items- such as DIY slime kits, UNO, gift cards, and face masks-that are categorized according to the age, gender, and interests of the recipient. Additionally, a series of customized boxes are to enrolled kids annually, starting in January, to add a bundle of levity during the course of their treatment. “The inspiration for this program blossomed when a girlfriend of mine started to drop off little surprises at our doorstep for Liv every Thursday morning, which created an exciting distraction so that Liv wouldn’t dread chemo that night,” Emma remarked. She continued, “What kid doesn’t love receiving a package in the mail? All of the items are small enough for a mom to carry in her purse, too.” Another resource that the organization offers for children and their families affected by pediatric cancer is their Financial Assistance program, which furnishes qualifying families with financial support that caters to their individual needs, thus enabling them to maintain central focus to caring for their child during their hospitalization.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF: Liv Like a Unicorn Foundation
Recently, the Liv Like a Unicorn foundation moved to their new office space in Colts Neck, NJ, and is actively planning upcoming events that encapsulate Liv’s inherent, unicorn-like magic, to motivate community members to #BetheGood and unite in raising awareness and action towards bridging the gap in pediatric cancer research.
For more information about Liv Like a Unicorn, and to inquire about donations, resources, and volunteer opportunities, you can visit: livlikeaunicorn.org or call (201) 396-9056.
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