Within five minutes of meeting Olivia Ports, I knew she was a special teenager. I knew before she picked up her guitar and performed a song. I knew before I found out how a condition she was born with changed her childhood. And I knew before her mother told me Olivia performed recently in front of 1200 people.
In addition to her impressive musical talents, Olivia is just so friendly, funny and grateful to those who made her first show such a success. Like all children fighting chronic (慢性的) diseases, the journey she has been on has made her stronger.
Olivia admits that she's not like many kids her age. Describing herself as "a little bit crazy", she acts older than she is.
She was born with a compromised immune system (缺乏抵抗力的免疫系统). When she realized she would have to give up her beloved gymnastics, she picked up her mom's old high school guitar and taught herself to play. "I had to have something to do with so much time," she said.
It was during a hospital visit that she met Classical Blast, a popular band that invited Olivia to join them as a guest performer on their annual Christmas tour. Their encouragement gave her the courage to begin playing at public events in the area, and she was soon a regular on stage. It was yet another treatment that led to her most recent passion. Recovering in her room for 15 days last Christmas, Olivia saw firsthand "how sad it can be"for children to be in hospital during the holidays. That's why this year Olivia decided to do a benefit, asking guests to bring a toy that could be taken to young patients.
Speaking of the future, the high school senior plans to head to college with the goal of opening a music school for those with health challenges. "When you fill your life with things you love," she said, "it makes every day more meaningful."
