Selfless Olivia plans support group to help other families

Eleven-year-old Olivia Burgess is now planning to form a support group for children and their families who face similar medical challenges.

The youngster, who has battled Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and Pediatric Lupus before undergoing open heart surgery last year, knows first-hand how important it is to be able to talk to others about the trials and tribulations you go through.

And she hopes that the group will provide a support network to other families who have to go through a similar ordeal to her as a result of chronic illnesses.

Olivia said: “It can be hard sometimes because no one really knows what you are going through.

“That is why I wanted to form this support group.

“That way people can share their experiences and support each other along the way.”

Olivia is currently working with her mom, Traci Burgess, to develop how the group will work and how exactly it will work.

Olivia added: “In my mind people will get together maybe once a month.

“There will be activities for everyone to take part in, but also some time set aside to talk about what you are going through and share experiences.

“This can help the people with the illnesses as well as their family.

“The message is you can still have goals and dreams even if you are going through what I have, and there are people out there who are in the same position as you.”

Mrs Burgess told the Bermuda Sun: “One of the comments that Olivia often made was that nobody could relate to her.

“This is really just an opportunity to reach out to other families and share experiences.

“Over the years we have learned lots of positive coping mechanisms.

“But sometimes the trauma of the situation can make you think there is no way out.

“We want to provide opportunities and access to resources to help people persevere and positively navigate the expectations of daily life on top of managing a pediatric chronic illness or medical crisis.”

Mrs Burgess added: “Olivia was in hospital recently and there was a seven-year-old girl in the bed next to her.

“The other girl was terrified but Olivia tried to take her mind off that.

“She was mentoring her and doing arts and crafts.

“It was amazing for me as her mother to see that and reinforced this idea to form a support group here in Bermuda.”