Every cancer story is unique, but each one carries the same thread of courage and hope. For every cancer patient, the journey is filled with challenges, small victories, and moments that redefine strength. At Rutledge Cancer Foundation, we’re honored to share stories of cancer survivors who continue to inspire us with their resilience and the way they embrace life after cancer.
When Olivia Nowell was 16 years old, her biggest concerns were volleyball games, AP classes, and weekend plans with friends. But in November of 2013, her world changed completely.
What started as a small, hard lump on her neck turned out to be something far more serious — Stage 4A Hodgkin’s Lymphoma that had spread throughout her chest, abdomen, thigh, back, and hip.
“I ignored the lump for about a month because I felt perfectly healthy,” Olivia recalls. “It wasn’t until my mom noticed it and trusted her gut that I finally had it checked out. Within two days, a family friend who was a surgeon had it removed.”
That quick action likely saved her life.
A Teenager Thrown Into the Fight of Her Life
Olivia was treated at Cook Children’s Medical Center by Dr. Albritton — “who is amazing!” she says. She underwent four rounds of intense chemotherapy, followed by three weeks of proton radiation therapy at MD Anderson in Houston.
The treatments were grueling. Olivia lost her hair, struggled with extreme nausea, weight loss, and mouth sores, and spent long stretches in the hospital.
“I went from being a social, active teenager to someone who could barely get out of bed,” she remembers. “It was incredibly hard.”
But in April 2014, just five months after her diagnosis, Olivia received the words every cancer patient longs to hear: no evidence of disease. She had officially entered remission — and she’s remained cancer-free ever since.
Finding Comfort and Community
During her first hospital stay, Olivia received a Carley’s Closet bag from Rutledge Cancer Foundation (RCF) — filled with soft towels, a blanket, toiletries, and a journal.
“At first I thought, ‘Wow, that’s really thoughtful,’” she says. “But after a few days in an uncomfortable hospital bed using scratchy towels, that fun-colored blanket and those fluffy towels truly made my stay more positive while I started the fight for my life.”
It was her first connection to RCF but it wouldn’t be her last.
After her cancer treatment was over, RCF’s founder, Laura, invited Olivia to start a kickball team for one of the foundation’s fundraising tournaments.
“So many of my friends joined,” Olivia says. “It was so fun — they still talk about it to this day. Being part of something that raised money for a cause so close to my heart was really special.”
Since then, Olivia has been an active part of the Rutledge community — participating in Hearts of Gold dinners, pickleball tournaments, and other events supporting adolescent and young adult research and survivorship programs for cancer patients.
Life After Cancer: Rebuilding Strength and Confidence
Even after remission, Olivia’s journey wasn’t easy.
“Coming back to school after months away was tough,” she says. “Socially, I had missed so much, and it was an academically challenging year with AP classes.”
She also had to rebuild her physical strength after developing neuropathy in her ankles.
“I spent months in physical therapy learning how to walk properly again,” she says. “But I worked hard all spring and summer and made the varsity volleyball team my junior year.”
Through it all, Olivia credits her faith and support system for getting her through.
“I could not have gone through any of it without God, who heals all things and does all things for good according to His purpose,” she says. “My parents, friends, doctors, nurses, and the Rutledge Foundation — they were all part of my healing.”
Facing New Challenges — and Finding Hope Again
Nearly twelve years later, Olivia continues to stay proactive about her health. She now receives her follow-up care at the Moncrief Cancer Institute’s long-term survivorship program.
Recently, she learned that chemotherapy left her with a low ovarian reserve — making it more difficult to have children in the future.
“When I was 16, having a baby wasn’t something I was thinking about,” Olivia says. “But now, I want to give my future self the chance to have kids one day.”
That’s when RCF once again stepped in to help. Through the foundation’s Onco-Fertility Preservation Program, Olivia is now undergoing egg freezing — with financial assistance and guidance from RCF.
“I’m so thankful to Rutledge Cancer Foundation,” she says. “They not only helped fund the procedure but made sure I even knew it was an option. They’ve changed my life — and my future.”
A Legacy of Hope
Today, Olivia is healthy, thriving, and still passionate about giving back to the organization that supported her through every stage of her journey.
“RCF has been with me from day one,” she says. “They made a scary time more hopeful, and they continue to give me opportunities to make a difference for others going through the same thing.”
Nearly twelve years after her diagnosis, Olivia Nowell stands as a shining example of a courageous, faithful, and resilient cancer survivor whose compassion and sense of community can truly change lives.
Are you a cancer survivor interested in telling your story, sharing advice or lessons learned during your cancer journey? We believe everyone’s story is unique, but there’s a powerful connection between anyone who’s faced cancer. By sharing your story, you can inspire and give hope to others who are going through similar struggles.
Please contact Kelly Wooley, Marketing and Communications Manager, if you’re interested. We would love to hear from you!
Want to stay connected? Sign up for our newsletter to learn about our latest events, resources and patient programs!