Anyone who heard about the struggles of Olivia Gant felt compelled to help the brave little girl. By the age of seven she had faced years of medical issues requiring her to have countless tests, take strong drugs and even have life-changing operations.
When her mum, Kelly Renee Turner, posted pictures of Olivia on social media, they often showed her in a hospital bed surrounded by her cuddly toys. Yet she still managed to give everyone a smile, despite having spent most of her childhood in hospital.
It all begun in 2012, when Turner took Olivia to a hospital where they lived in Colorado. She had recently moved from Texas with Olivia and her two sisters, but their dad had stayed there for work.
At the time, Olivia was two and suffering from severe constipation. Doctors treated her by removing the hardened stool from her colon and she was sent home.
Then, Turner told doctors that Olivia was finding it difficult to eat and struggling to digest her food properly. Her observation triggered a course of medical care that would dominate Olivia’s life.
Over the next five years, Olivia made over 1,000 hospital visits and had several surgical procedures. This included her small intestine being rerouted through her large intestine, which took in food from a bag on her stomach.
Despite no doctor witnessing it, Turner insisted that her daughter was having seizures and Olivia was put on strong medication that put a strain on her little body.
This story is from the August 15, 2022 edition of New UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 15, 2022 edition of New UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT
Simple lifestyle and dietary changes can improve digestion, boost immunity and enhance your overall wellbeing
Mum found murdered daughter in the bathroom of her girl's violent ex
Mirelle Mateus eventually broke away from her abusive relationship, but Aaron Romo wasn't prepared to accept it was over
'The win changed our lives for the better'
While most people would regard a lottery windfall as the best news ever, for others it can lead them on a downward spiral
Struggling in silence
With many men still finding it hard to talk about their mental health, the Movember charity warns that suicide is on the rise
"I was really suffering — I fainted on set"
MAFS UK's Lacey Martin on her time on the show and her battle with endometriosis
'My dream show would be I'm A Celebrity'
Bake Off finalist Ruby Bhogal tells us about her \"big fat Indian wedding\" and why she'd be great in the jungle
'If I have had a laugh, I'm winning at life
This Morning's Josie Gibson tells new about stealing food on I'm A Celeb and who she can't wait to watch this year
Stacey's 'pact' with Mrs Hinch
Cleaning guru Mrs Hinch's third pregnancy could lead to a 'baby pact' with her good friend Stacey Solomon, a source tells new - and new career opportunities
Meghan fears Harry having to exit US
The Sussexes are worried about incoming president Donald Trump's vow to consider deporting Harry over his visa drama and previous drug use, a source tells new
'Our son is my harshest restaurant critic'
Chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and his wife Michelle talk about how technology is helping their youngest son