The Baldwin Bulletin
Baldwin, Wisconsin - January, 2005

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Baldwin family appreciates support
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by TOM HAWLEY


Four-year-old Olivia of Baldwin, her mom Kelly, dad TJ and brother Adam, 16, know that the "Make A Child Smile Organization" (MACS) is more than just words. Olivia, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, or ALL, last April, which is in remission, was the featured child on the website of the organization for January. And each day Olivia receives a crate of mail with cards and gifts. Mail has been received from all 50 states and even foreign countries such as Ireland and Sweden. Kelly said describing the organization as "wonderful" doesn't do justice. Olivia has "received hundreds of cards from people who don't even know her, but care."

"They are lots of little things but they make a huge difference. If people wonder when they put a stamp on a card whether it makes a difference, it really does." Olivia's favorite gifts received through MACS are a toy camera and "real" makeup. MACS is one more support system that Olivia's family appreciate since Olivia was diagnosed with ALL last April. "We got lots of help from Pastor Hanson and Peace members," said Kelly. "They said 'We're here. Lean on us.'" TJ added that the entire community has been supportive. "Out of a bad situation, we've found a lot of good," said Kelly, adding that "it makes it easier for us because her prognosis is so good."

Olivia is in pre-school and her teachers, Mrs. Roland and Mrs. Johnson, have been supportive. Her day care provider is Susie Mabis and when Olivia was first diagnosed "Susie brought the day care kids to the hospital for a class and all the kids have been wonderful," said Kelly, and haven't treated her different because of what she's been through. Olivia says she wants to be on American Idol. Her mother says Olivia is convinced that she would win.

Olivia's full story, written by Kelly, is posted on the MACS website: makeachildsmile.org. Kelly wrote about how Olivia was diagnosed and how sick she had been. When the diagnosis was finally made of ALL, Olivia's family were actually relieved, because there was a suspicion that it may have been another type of cancer that is not as treatable as ALL. Kelly concludes her story: "At the time of Olivia's diagnosis we believed that life was never going to be OK again and that Leukemia was going to ruin our lives and ruin Olivia's future and chance for a normal life. We are so pleased to say that we were wrong. Life is "normal" although normal now includes many medications and trips to the oncologist (who we have come to love as a member of our family). Olivia is a happy, well-adjusted, 'normal' little girl who has friends, goes to preschool, gets in trouble, plays dress up, fights with her brother and just happens to have Leukemia too. We realize how lucky we are!" We have learned more from Leukemia than it has taken from us!! We appreciate each other and the small things that life has to offer in a way that cannot be learned."

In addition to listing the children who are sick who appreciate mail, the MACS website includes information about the organization. "Founded in May of 1998, by Alexandra Bakker, the Make A Child Smile Organization, also known as MACS, has been a source of support to children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses and their families. Emotional support is provided by creating the opportunity for people to visit the MACS website and learn about the children and their illnesses. "Each month, new children are featured. A picture and biography describing the child and information about their family is published on the website. Hundreds of 'net surfers, schools, service organizations, Girls/Boys Scouts and church groups use the MACS website as a philanthropic project where they can send cards, letters and small gifts to the featured children and their siblings through postal mail. "In December of 2000, MACS was granted tax-exempt status so that it could expand it's mission to include fundraising efforts in order to provide financial assistance to qualifying families for help with medical, funeral expenses or other costs associated with the child's illness."