(Indianapolis, IN) - This weekend while competing at the 2024 Hoosier Classic in Indianapolis, Concordia Bowling had the opportunity to represent Concordia University Ann Arbor as a program selected by the Tournament Director and Make-A-Wish Foundation to support one of two young people in the Make-A-Wish Foundation program. The Cardinal bowling teams had the honor of supporting Olivia, a 9-year-old little girl who loves bowling and was granted her wish to go to Disney. Last year, Olivia survived brain cancer and had to have emergency surgery to remove a growing tumor that doctors stated she was within 15 minutes of losing her life if not removed at that time. "We were so positively impacted by this young lady and her perseverance," said Concordia Bowling Men's Bowling Coach Rob Lancioni.
Olivia ran up to the team glowing full of energy and excitement and immediately began to tell her story. "I am so thankful," said Olivia. "Do you know I was 15 minutes away from dying when they removed a tumor from my brain? The doctor said how lucky I am and I prayed because I didn't want to die and I fought like crazy to survive and I did it! I survived!"
"I don't think I will ever forget her words," said Lancioni.
There were not many dry eyes as she had the courage to get on the microphone after the Cardinals gave her the gifts they brought. In front of over 2,000 people, she told everyone that she stayed strong, and she fought to live, and if you fight to survive your dreams can come true.
The Concordia Bowling team gave Olivia an honorary Team Captain backpack, donated by BSN, that the entire team signed. They gave her red and black CUAA Bowling Jerseys, and her own bowling ball with Concordia's logo which she got to throw down the lane as the honorary first shot of the tournament.
"I could only think how we serve a powerful and gracious God," said Lancioni, "and how if we continue to live our mission of serving others at Concordia, things like this will continue to be presented to us and be possible through Him. This is a weekend we will all remember for a long time. This was one special little girl!"
