2025 Honorary Chairperson

Each year at our Gala event, we honor a child or teen who benefited from a Treasure Chest at their treatment center. This year’s Honorary Chairperson was the wonderful, kind Olivia Glas. The following article was in our Gala booklet but we wanted to share it with those of you who could not attend.

At just 15 years old, Olivia Glas of Frankfort, Illinois embodies resilience and creativity. An avid fan of Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia finds joy in music and artistic pursuits. Her journey took an unexpected turn at age 13 when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer and the same type of cancer that sparked the idea for the Treasure Chest Foundation nearly 30 years ago.

Olivia’s diagnosis came during a pivotal time in her life. Just after making the dance team, Olivia began experiencing unusual fatigue, dizziness, frequent illnesses and slow-healing infections. These symptoms prompted medical consultations, leading to the discovery of her condition. Reflecting on that period, Olivia recalls the shock and sadness of missing significant milestones, including her eighth-grade graduation.

Throughout her treatment, Olivia’s family has been her cornerstone of support. She currently manages her health with chemotherapy pills and periodic spinal taps. From the day her treatment began she has shown remarkable courage and adaptability.

While navigating this challenging journey, Olivia found an unexpected source of comfort in the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation. For Olivia, going to the Treasure Chest after a long and often painful hospital visit became a small but powerful source of joy. These moments helped her to realize her self-worth, reminding her that she was more than just a patient, she was still a teenager deserving of happiness. The gifts weren’t just toys; they were reminders that she wasn’t alone. Whether it was a craft set that kept her mind occupied during long treatments or a gift card that allowed her to pick out something special, the Treasure Chest Foundation brought light to some of Olivia’s darkest days.

Now, as she continues her treatment, Olivia wants to share her story to help others who are going through similar experiences. She hopes that more people will support organizations like the Treasure Chest Foundation which provide comfort to kids facing the unimaginable. While Olivia is wrapping up her treatment, others are still in the midst of theirs and she hopes the wonderful supporters of the Treasure Chest Foundation will continue their generous ways.

For Olivia, the fight isn’t just about beating cancer, it’s about holding onto the little joys that make life feel normal. It’s about the moments with her family doing crafts, playing games or watching television. And thanks to the generosity of others, she’s been able to do just that.

In May 2025 Olivia received her last round of chemo and was able to ring the bell! The bell is used in pediatric cancer facilities as a celebration for a patient’s last day of “treatment”. We are overjoyed for Olivia and her family and wish them the best!