Olivia Thomas

Welcome to my Caring Bridge site.


We've created it to keep friends and family updated. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement during this time when it matters most.




My name is Olivia Thomas; a 43 year old single mom currently diagnosed with stage IVb Nodular Sclerosing Hodgkin's lymphoma

I am very active and had gotten to a point in life where healthy living had become my passion so when I started to experience unusual fatigue coupled with a cough that wouldn’t go away around Thanksgiving 2015; I went in to get checked.  I kept going into the hospital because the cough never went away.  Initially I was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection, then Pneumonia and even Sarcoidosis and finally once we got scans, x-rays and finally a biopsy I ended up diagnosed with Cancer.

It all happened really fast, but one thing I remember so clearly is something I’ll never forget. It was when I heard the words "You have cancer".   At first, I was petrified then I was in shock.  I couldn't believe it.  A lot of things went through my mind, when I heard the “C” word and I really am still wrapping my brain around my current situation but I’ve gotten through many challenges before and I’m moving forward in faith knowing that I’m going to beat this too.  My family and lots of friends have stepped up in ways that I couldn’t have even imagined and I am so grateful for all the support, prayers and help.  I wouldn’t be able to focus all my energy on getting better without it.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma, formerly known as Hodgkin’s disease,is a cancer of the lymphatic system, a part of the immune system. The lymphatic system is made up of thin tubes that branch out to all parts of the body. Its job is to fight infection and disease.  As Hodgkin’s lymphoma progresses it compromises the body’s ability to fight infection. Cells in the lymphatic system grow abnormally and eventually can spread to other areas of the body.  My cancer did spread through my lymph system and also moved to my lungs where it spread very aggressively very quickly.

I have 6 months of aggressive chemo treatment ahead of me, which will consist of a program of 12 chemotherapy treatments.  I’ve had 1 chemotherapy session so far and it was very intense and grueling.  Unfortunately,my treatments have forced me to stop working and I am quickly building up a lot of expenses from PET/CT scans, biopsy, chemotherapy treatments and medication,doctor visits, co-pays and all other medical related expenses. There have been a lot of people asking what they can do to help, and the best thing that would really help is prayer of course.  Prayer work wonders and it definitely has helped me to keep moving on in faith.

I laugh because throughout the years I have been through things where Ive felt like it was too much for me and it felt like the end of life as I knew it and then as quickly as God took me to it he would carry me out of it.  And I would think that was the worst thing I've ever been through but I'm learning that day to day HE will keep taking us through crazy tests and lessons to prepare us for the next phase in life.  So for me CANCER is just another phase in my life,  is it hard yes, do I feel defeated somedays....YES.  But this too shall pass.  I have to show up and do my part and God will handle the rest. 

All donations and contributions of any kind are also deeply appreciated.

I will keep you posted as my treatments continue.

Love you all and thanks for any and all support at this time.  It doesn't matter if it's 1 call or silent prayers on my behalf it is really appreciated.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  God Bless.