Alivia shares smiles with her friend Taylor

by Jen Lutz

When I first met six year old Alivia she was a little lady of few words.  Though, her sparkling eyes and adorable smile allowed me to see that she is, without a doubt, a bundle of fun.  

Alivia loves crafting and creating, drawing and painting, princesses, and stickers.  She also enjoys being at home and spending her time playing with her older brother and two sisters (She is a triplet!).  

As we worked to match Alivia with a CCChampions friend, we decided that we would need to find someone with a few different and very important strengths.  I needed to find a special individual who could put Alivia at ease and draw her out of her shell, as well help her creative spirit and confidence grow.  I also knew we would need someone who has the energy and patience to work with Alivia and her three siblings at the same time because those four come as one very cute package.  

​We decided that our volunteer Taylor, a neurology nurse at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, definitely had all the right stuff!  Taylor and Alivia met for the first time in September on a Friday evening at Alivia’s house.  They spent their time together happily drawing, painting, and sharing smiles.  

Taylor asked Alivia all sort of questions about school, her new puppy, her cheerleading squad, and her plans for Halloween.  Alivia shyly answered Taylor’s questions with smile or shake of her head and at times she simply looked to her siblings to answer for her, which they gladly did.  

As their first evening together came to a close Taylor asked Alivia if she could come back and visit again.  Alivia’s looked up at Taylor and smiled, and just as we thought that was the end of her answer, Alivia let out an audible, “Yes!”  A look of astonishment came over Taylor’s face and both girls started to giggle.  

They finished off their evening with an excited round of high-fives.  

Alivia and Taylor get together at Alivia’s house one Friday evening each month.  They have so much fun crafting and enjoying each other’s company.  Most importantly, Alivia’s shell and shyness are slowly melting away.  She continues to grow more comfortable and confident during each visit with her friend Taylor.  ​​​​