OLIVIA was only five years old when she was diagnosed with having brain and spinal tumours.
She had nine months of chemotherapy, two surgeries and had to learn to walk again.
Now, at seven-years-old, Olivia Jones is not letting anything hold her back.
The Narre Warren South resident cut the ribbon to open the ceremonies at the Casey-Cardinia Relay for Life in Berwick on Friday.
Her parents Michelle and Colin stood by her side as she made the cut with her special bumble-bee scissors.
Ms Jones said Olivia was an inspiration to everyone who knew her.
“She still has tumours but is coping pretty well. She wears a brace on her left leg to help her walk,” Ms Jones said.
“She won’t let anything hold her back … She’s brilliant … She is one of the most determined kids I know.”
The Jones family, including Olivia, took part in the relay with a team called Corrie’s Crew after the ribbon was cut.
Ms Jones said the Relay for Life was extremely important in raising awareness about cancer and the Cancer Council
“I think raising awareness about he Cancer Council and about Cancer is extremely important. My favourite thing about the Cancer Council is their support line,” Ms Jones said.
“Anyone can ring it if the need someone to answer questions.
Ms Jones said they were proud to be part of the successful event and looked forward to participating next year.
