Many ways to help Karissa
to meet her at a benefit event that was organized soon after Karissa’s diagnosis.
“There was an instant connection,” Olscamp said. “Over the two years we have supported each other through our journeys and became the best of friends. She is my lil’ overcomer.”
Olscamp remembers when Karissa showed her a collection of stringed beads. Karissa receives one for each treatment she gets. Olscamp cried looking at the seemingly endless chain of beads.
“Again, she demonstrated to me that I could move through my own journey with courage,” Olscamp said.
She said the teen is her “greatest hero” and her strength is a source of great inspiration. What she loves most about Karissa is her ability to see the good in any situation.
“I’ve seen her down and out, missing all the activities she used to love or in a lot of pain and still go out to donate toys to a family in need, show up at my house with flowers to bring cheer in my journey or make everyone smile with her wicked sense of humour,” Olscamp said.
She recalls Karissa telling her that she had been told she has a 10 per cent chance of survival. Karissa then quickly said, “I’m going to be one of those 10 per cent. I have a lot of things I want to do, like run and play hockey.”
A way to help Olscamp has watched in amazement as Karissa continues to face each hurdle she encounters with courage and bravery. However, medical expenses relating to her battle against leukemia have taken a financial toll on Karissa’s family.
Recently, they came home to a flooded basement after weeks at the IWK Health Centre.
Olscamp said the community rallied behind her and her children when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, even providing Christmas to them when Olscamp could not. Olscamp wants to give Karissa and her mom the same experience.
Olscamp said Karissa’s energy and spirit took a hit this summer when she learned she now needs to use crutches and a wheelchair for mobility. She is in frequent pain and needs a knee replacement.
Olscamp approached her friend Natasha Walsh about holding a paint night event as a fundraiser. Walsh graciously offered all profit as a donation to Karissa. When Olscamp announced on social media that she was looking for a venue, she was “blown away” by the response from the community. She has been glued to her phone 24-7 as the offers of help and support pour in.
The Middleton Fire Department offered space in the hall for the day. Olscamp said that with the all- day event, people can choose how they would like to support Karissa and can donate as little as $1. The event will allow for a wide range of community members to drop in, participate and send best wishes.