Legacy Ambassador Spotlight – Olivia Carland

In October 2012, 17-year-old Olivia Kate Carland was diagnosed with a brain tumour which was later confirmed as a Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). Read more about DIPG here

In a vast majority of cases DIPG tumours are inoperable, and so Olivia endured 18 months of numerous rounds of chemotherapy and intensive radiotherapy. Olivia fought the insidious disease bravely and selflessly, but passed away on the 8th of April 2014.

Olivia loved life and touched everyone she met.  She was involved in an array of sporting activities including basketball, netball, dancing, umpiring football and was elected sports captain in year 12.

Olivia is remembered by those who knew her as an extraordinary girl of courage and humility, whose smile could light up a room. She was a much loved daughter, sister, and friend who is now missed terribly.

Only six weeks before Olivia passed away she led her team the ‘Carland Koala Clan’ in the relay for life at Aberfeldie. Since then her family and friends have been actively raising money to find a cure for brain cancer so no other family have to go through the heart break of losing a loved one like they have.

We are incredibly thankful to have Olivia and her mum Carol as RCDF Legacy Ambassadors. Olivia’s family and friends have hosted numerous fundraising events over the years, and supported RCDF events such as Connor’s Run- honouring Olivia in a beautiful way and keeping her memory alive.