Olivia Hope LoRusso was a 12-year-old girl who inspired thousands of people with her positive attitude and courage in the face of a rare and aggressive form of leukemia. She was also an Instagram star who shared her journey with her followers and friends. Sadly, she passed away on April 16, 2017, after a brave fight against the disease. In this article, we will explore the cause of death of Olivia Hope LoRusso and how her legacy lives on through her family and foundation.
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What is Acute Myeloid Leukemia?
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It occurs when the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells that do not mature properly and crowd out the normal blood cells. This can lead to infections, bleeding, and anemia. AML is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults, but it can also affect children. According to the American Cancer Society, about 500 children are diagnosed with AML each year in the United States.
The exact cause of AML is not known, but some factors that may increase the risk include exposure to radiation, chemicals, or certain drugs, genetic disorders, or previous treatment for another type of cancer. The symptoms of AML may vary depending on the type and stage of the disease, but they may include fever, fatigue, weakness, bruising, bleeding, infections, weight loss, and bone pain. The diagnosis of AML is based on blood tests, bone marrow tests, and genetic tests. The treatment of AML may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, stem cell transplant, or clinical trials.
How Did Olivia Hope LoRusso Get AML?
Olivia Hope LoRusso was born on January 17, 2005, in New York. She had two sisters, Sabrina and Gianna, and a loving mother, Michelle. She was a happy and healthy girl who enjoyed dancing, singing, and playing with her friends. She was also a fan of the Netflix show Stranger Things and had a crush on the actor Finn Wolfhard, who plays Mike Wheeler on the show.
In February 2016, Olivia started to feel sick and was taken to the doctor. She had a fever, a sore throat, and swollen glands. The doctor initially thought it was a viral infection and prescribed antibiotics. However, Olivia did not get better and her symptoms worsened. She developed bruises on her legs and arms, and her gums started to bleed. That night, the doctor called to say that it was leukemia and to go right to the emergency room. As it turns out, Olivia was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of leukemia called AML, or acute myelogenous leukemia.
Olivia was admitted to the Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park, where she began her treatment. She underwent several rounds of chemotherapy, which caused her to lose her hair and suffer from nausea, vomiting, and mouth sores. She also had to endure painful bone marrow biopsies and lumbar punctures. She faced many complications and infections, such as sepsis, pneumonia, and fungal meningitis. She had to spend months in the hospital, isolated from her family and friends. She missed her school, her dance classes, and her birthday parties.
How Did Olivia Hope LoRusso Inspire Others with Her Instagram Account?
Despite the hardships and challenges, Olivia never gave up hope and never stopped smiling. She decided to create an Instagram account to document her journey and to spread awareness about childhood cancer. She named her account @oliviahope_2005 and started to post pictures and videos of herself and her daily life. She shared inspirational photos from her fight against cancer, such as wearing a wig, holding a sign that says “I am strong”, or posing with a superhero cape. She also shared pictures with her friends, family, and celebrities, such as Millie Bobby Brown, who plays Eleven on Stranger Things. She expressed her gratitude, love, and faith in her captions, and encouraged others to stay positive and hopeful.
Olivia’s Instagram account quickly gained popularity and attracted thousands of followers and supporters. She received messages and comments from people all over the world, who praised her for her bravery, beauty, and spirit. She also received gifts and donations from strangers, who wanted to make her happy and comfortable. She was featured in several media outlets, such as CBS News, People Magazine, and The Celebrity Deaths. She was also invited to attend events and meet her idols, such as the cast of Stranger Things, the New York Islanders hockey team, and the singer Alessia Cara. She made many friends and touched many hearts with her story and personality.
How Did Olivia Hope LoRusso Die?
Unfortunately, Olivia’s condition did not improve and her cancer did not respond to the treatment. She developed a rare and fatal complication called veno-occlusive disease, which is a blockage of the small veins in the liver. She suffered from liver failure, kidney failure, and multiple organ failure. She was put on life support and transferred to the intensive care unit. She fought for her life until the very end, but she could not overcome the disease. She passed away peacefully on April 16, 2017, surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was only 12 years old.
Olivia’s death was a shock and a tragedy for everyone who knew her and followed her. Her family, friends, and fans mourned her loss and paid tribute to her memory. Her funeral was held on April 20, 2017, at the St. Aidan’s Church in Williston Park. Hundreds of people attended the service and celebrated her life. Her coffin was decorated with flowers, pictures, and messages. Her favorite song, “Scars to Your Beautiful” by Alessia Cara, was played at the end of the ceremony. She was buried at the Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury.
How Does Olivia Hope LoRusso’s Legacy Live On?
Olivia’s legacy lives on through her family and foundation. Her mother, Michelle, founded the Olivia Hope Foundation in honor of her daughter and her dream of finding a cure for childhood cancer. The foundation’s mission is to raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research, treatment, and care. The foundation also supports other families and children who are affected by the disease. The foundation organizes and participates in various events and activities, such as golf outings, gala dinners, bake sales, and toy drives. The foundation also partners with other organizations and celebrities, such as Florence by Mills, Millie Bobby Brown’s beauty and skincare line, which donates a portion of the proceeds from the Love Liv Eyeshadow Palette to the foundation.
Olivia’s sisters, Sabrina and Gianna, are also involved in the foundation and continue to honor their sister’s memory. They help with the events and campaigns, and share their stories and experiences. They also keep Olivia’s Instagram account active and post updates and reminders about the foundation and its goals. They also post pictures and videos of Olivia and their family, and express their love and miss for their sister.
Olivia Hope LoRusso was a remarkable girl who lived a short but meaningful life. She faced a terrible disease with courage and grace, and inspired others with her positivity and hope. She was a star on Instagram and in real life, and she left a lasting impression on everyone who met her and followed her. She may be gone, but she is not forgotten. She lives on in the hearts and minds of her family, friends, and fans. She lives on through her foundation and its work. She lives on as a symbol of hope and love. She is Olivia Hope.
