Community Corner
Discovering the Strength and Support of the Medfield Community
The town of Medfield came together to support the family of a Wheelock third grader, Olivia Bonfilio, who was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. The family's medical bills are now over $1 million.
The month of May was a busy one for .
The nine-year old student at – where she is known for her big beautiful eyes and glowing smile – was honored by the Boston Red Sox, was a guest of honor at the PMC 2011 Kids Ride, was the benefactor of the “,” and was featured on FOX25 news.
Olivia has been battling a rare form of leukemia since Thanksgiving.
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According to her family, one week before her ninth birthday, Olivia was taken to the doctor after she lost a tooth that would not clot. She was soon rushed to Children's Hospital in Boston where she was diagnosed with a rare form of acute promyelocytic leukemia.
She was in the hospital for six months and came home in early May in time for the events hosted in her honor – all of which she was able to attend.
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Olivia is the daughter of Laurie and Al Bonfilio, who say the outpouring of support from the Medfield community has been “phenomenal,” and “unbelievable.” Laurie Bonfilio told me the community’s support has been amazing and often leaves her speechless.
On May 22, more than 700 people showed up at the Medfield High School track to support the Bonfilio family, many wearing orange shirts, the ‘official’ color of leukemia.
The "Walk for Olivia" was arranged by three of Olivia’s aunts to help the Bonfilio family pay the more than $1 million in medical bills that have mounted over the last six months.
The family was overwhelmed by the support of family, friends, and strangers and was quick to say they appreciate everything that Medfield is doing for them.
Laurie Bonfilio told me the family is especially thankful to the Medfield School Administration, including Mrs. Monahan at Wheelock and Superintendent Bob Maguire, Olivia’s third grade classmates, her religious education class at Saint Edward’s Church, her Girl Scout troop who made many posters for the Walk, the Medfield Angels Neighbor Brigade, just to name a few.
For more information visit The Olivia Foundation’s Facebook page.
Tax-exempt donations can be sent to "The Olivia Foundation" c/o Dedham Savings Bank, 55 Elm Street, Dedham, MA 02026 or can be dropped off at any branch office.
Who are some other people who make Medfield a great place to live?
