Gather the community to help the victims of the parade
While Olivia Stover has no recollection of what happened to her on the night of the Waukesha Christmas Parade, she is recovering from her injuries and creating new positive memories along the way.
Hundreds of people gathered in Oconomowoc for a fundraising event organized by Golden Beaver Ice Fishing Team. Each year the team selects a family with children in need. This year, their hearts fluttered after meeting Olivia.
An 8-year-old girl is giggling and having fun with friends on a Saturday afternoon at Lucky Chucky’s after a day of ice fishing in Silver Lake
“The resilience you see in that little girl as soon as we walk in the front door and her drive and courage to even think she’s still there after what she’s been through. 100% confirmation that we have chosen the right child, said Michele Baumann, one of the organizers of the event.
Olivia is injured in the Waukesha Christmas Parade while walking with Team Xtreme Dance. She suffered two brain bleeds with swelling as well as a broken toe and sprained ankle that recently required surgery.
Olivia’s mother Jennifer Stover said: ‘It was a very traumatic experience so we will have some future work not only for her but for all of us to know for all. We were all there,” said Jennifer Stover, Olivia’s mother.
Olivia spent almost 2 weeks in the hospital and still can’t get back to dancing with her group but she kept going
shows up to practice every week just to be with her team.
“You know there’s a reason she got through what she did,” says Baumann, “and that makes us even more proud to know that’s the type of kid we’ve got to be.” feed, take care”.
The organizers of the fundraiser said the event was the largest turnout they have ever seen for one of their events, and they are expecting a record number of donations.