Family, friends vow to spread smiles in memory of Saratoga Springs teen
By all accounts, Olivia Grace Allen was a remarkable teenager.
However, after she had suffered a stroke and was later diagnosed with leukemia, she was even more remarkable.
“Usually there’s more good days than bad days, and you will get through it. And you have to make the best of what you have,” she told NewsChannel 13’s Mark Mulholland last November.
She didn’t just believe that, she lived it. She even made her time in the hospital fun, and made TikTok videos.
During a November 2023 interview for Mark Mulholland’s Kelly’s Angel’s podcast, she was certain she would beat cancer.
People were drawn to her. The way she battled and the way she lived, was contagious.
Complete strangers, including the best college gymnasts across the country, made a video to urge her to keep fighting – to “Live Like Liv.”
However, Olivia never got to see the video. She passed away March 28.
The first sentence in her obituary said it perfectly:
“She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, kindness and boundless optimism.”
Now Olivia’s legacy lives on. Her family set up a team to take part in Kelly’s Angels Mother-Lovin’ 5K, which takes place on Sunday, May 12 in the Saratoga Spa State Park.
The board of Kelly’s Angels was also so inspired by Liv that they renamed the annual scholarships given to Saratoga graduating seniors the “Liv Like Liv” scholarship because she embodied the traits we aim to reward – perseverance, positivity, kindness, and a devotion to helping others.
Olivia’s mom, Melissa Allen, also set up a program to provide gifts to young patients at Albany Medical Center’s Melodies Center. She is raving about the care there while talking about leading a transformation of the entire center to make it better for the children and the people who treat them.
Learn more about the impact Olivia had on those she met, and those who learned of her journey, by watching the video of Mark Mulholland’s story.