Lars Olivieri

Larissa Olivieri and her son, Lars, spent 114 days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Born prematurely and weighing less than 2 pounds, Lars experienced a major ventricular hemorrhage while in the womb.The hemorrhaging caused hydrocephalus, a dangerous condition in which fluid accumulates in the skull. After delivery, doctors discovered he had a perforated bowel. Lars wasn’t expected to survive a day, a week, and here he is now, a growing, happy, healthy boy. At five days old, he was moved to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where he had his first surgery. It was nearly 4 months before Lars could go home from the hospital. At 6 months old, he had a stroke. Lars has undergone 16 surgeries so far. He has some developmental challenges, due in part to cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that affects muscle movement. Fortunately, he loves going to therapy at Children’s Center for Advanced Technology and Robotic Rehabilitation and using the machines -- especially the bike. Lars loves animals and meeting people, but his passion is sports. He wants to be a mechanic when he grows up!!! He is definitely a miracle.