The story of Olivia
This is Olivia Katherine Withrow. Our daughter. We were told that she has a very rare genetic disorder when she was newly born. At 7 days old we were in UofL Genetics department, as they were describing our baby’s condition and severity of it. Her body lacks the ability to process certain amino acids found in most food, the amino acids remain an acid and could attack her brain if not treated urgently. This can cause stroke, mental retardation, dyskinesia and dystonia, inability to walk, etc. She can not have meat, fish, dairy, nuts, soy, etc. Terrified, we learned all we could. We learned nutrition from her dietitian, how to treat her fevers, and illnesses, and what to look for. We became specialists in her condition. She’s been amazing in her first couple years. Our little diva. Our blessing.