Instead of writing a list of Christmas presents, 10-year-old Olivia Wiestruk is giving a gift to her school bus driver who is battling her second round of cancer in two years.
Laura Martin sang Christmas carols with the students from Fort Smallwood Elementary School as they drove home from school Tuesday. She and Olivia found out they have a lot in common.
“She is always so nice and happy, it makes me happy,” said Olivia about Miss Laura.
“She is a happy girl, always has a smile on her face,” said Martin, who admits to being rather cheerful too. “My husband says I smile when I sleep,” she said laughing.
She shows joy in the midst of intense and sometimes brutal chemotherapy treatment for ovarian cancer. Martin clearly touched the lives of the children that when she needed it most, they reached out to help, and Olivia knew just how.
“Miss Laura had blonde long hair and wore a cancer barrette, and a few weeks later started wearing a cap and didn’t have her hair anymore,” Olivia explained. “I asked her if she had cancer and told her I wanted to help.”
Olivia, with help from her dad, started a GoFundMe page.
“I can’t get this little girl off my mind, to be so young and to think about others,” Martin said.
“She’s a blessing and a great kid,” said Olivia’s mom.
The friendship that started with a smile now brings tears of gratitude, of generosity, for the gift of life.
“I love life, and I want to live,” said Martin. “I’m a fighter.”
When Martin feels well, she maintains three part-time jobs, including a night-time custodial job within the school department.
Olivia’s dad said if she reaches her goal of $2,000 he will dye his hair pink. Click here to donate.
