Fremont girl battles cancer; community rallies to grant her wish

FREMONT, Calif. (KTVU) - On Wednesday night, a community in Fremont rallied behind a brave, young girl battling cancer to make one of her dreams come true.

13-year-old Olivia Gardetto of Fremont was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma back in November after doctors discovered a large tumor on her chest, which is rare for someone her age. She immediately started six rounds of chemotherapy.

"I just had to keep positive and keep going and not let it stop me," said Gardetto.

"She was 100 percent trooper never complained." said Olivia's mother Alicia Smith. "She never gave up. She's my hero along with many others."

Second grader Leilah Freitas was inspired to do a school project about Olivia.

"I think she's a hero because she had to go through a lot at the age of 13," said 7-year-old Leilah Freitas.

Olivia's story touched Leilah's teacher Claudine Dentoni, who never met Olivia, but nominated her for a wish through the Make A Wish Foundation, that grants wishes to children with life threatening illnesses.

"I think one of the reasons why she is doing so well with her treatment is because she's so positive and has a great spirit," said Dentoni.

Nearly $10,000 raised, the community came together and Olivia's wish granted a trip with her family on a Disney Cruise to the Caribbean, sure to be a trip of a lifetime. The surprises kept coming, including autographed items from several Bay Area sports teams. 143 days later, Olivia is now in remission, cancer free.

"It means the world," said Gardetto. "It's so amazing all these people came together to do this for me, I’m so thankful for all of them"

She hopes her story will inspire others to beat cancer. The Mayor of Fremont said the city plans to dedicate a day in Olivia's honor for making a difference.