WEST LINN, Ore. – For most kids, an eighth birthday party means balloons, cupcakes, and a room full of friends. For Olivia Enders, it means all of that—plus a tradition that may save countless lives.
When Olivia was just four years old, she was diagnosed with leukemia. Now in remission, she and her family celebrate her birthday every year with a blood drive, honoring the donations that helped her survive and ensuring other children have the same chance.
A Birthday With Purpose
On Tuesday, Olivia’s eighth birthday party doubled as a blood drive, organized in partnership with the American Red Cross. Volunteers streamed in to donate, while Olivia bounced around with the joy of a child who knows firsthand what those donations mean.
“I like working this and watching people help with the blood,” she told KOIN 6 News with a smile.
Her enthusiasm was infectious, reminding everyone present that each pint of blood collected can make a life-saving difference.
A Battle Fought With Help From Strangers
Over the past four years, Olivia has faced chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, and more than 20 blood transfusions. Each transfusion was critical, giving her body the strength it needed to endure treatment.
Now in remission, Olivia’s energy and optimism show just how far she’s come. Her mother, Sarah Enders, said the blood drives are more than just events—they’re milestones celebrating resilience and generosity.
“I hope it’s something we can save someday so she can look back and see what kind of impact we’ve made just in her name,” Sarah said.
A Family’s Gratitude
Sarah is quick to remind people that her daughter’s recovery depended on strangers who rolled up their sleeves.
“There’s not enough thank yous in the world for the people who are actually doing the donations,” she said.
For her, every birthday drive is both a celebration of Olivia’s life and a chance to express gratitude to the countless donors who gave her daughter a future.
The Critical Need for Blood
According to the Red Cross, cancer patients—particularly those battling leukemia—use nearly 25% of the nation’s blood supply. Yet, despite the enormous need, only 3% of Americans donate each year.
That gap makes drives like Olivia’s all the more important. They not only help meet immediate needs but also raise awareness about the ongoing demand for donors.
“Every single donation is a gift of life,” a Red Cross representative said. “Stories like Olivia’s remind us what’s at stake.”
Inspiring a Movement
Olivia’s impact goes far beyond her own birthday. So far, she has inspired 13 blood drives, including her annual birthday event and three additional drives throughout the year. Each one brings in donors who may never have given blood otherwise, creating a ripple effect of generosity.
Her story also serves as a powerful reminder for families facing similar diagnoses: survival is possible, but it often requires the help of a community.
A Celebration of Strength
For the Enders family, birthdays are no longer just about candles and cake. They’re about honoring survival, resilience, and community support. Each blood drive marks another year that Olivia gets to live her life as a kid—full of laughter, energy, and hope for the future.
“This isn’t just her birthday,” Sarah said. “It’s a milestone celebrating Olivia’s strength—and the lives that saved hers.”
As Olivia moves forward, she carries with her the gratitude of a survivor and the determination to give others the same second chance she was given. And for every donor who shows up at her drives, that chance becomes a reality for another child in need.
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