Oh no… Why have I not heard about this before? I worked with Olivia’s father Kyle on Phineas and Ferb… he’s an incredibly talented man, with a love for animating and storyboarding. My heart breaks for him and his family. Give your support if you can. http://www.gofundme.com/pleasehelpolivia
Olivia Esther Menke (18) of Burbank, CA, suffered a traumatic brain injury on June 6th when a Los Angeles County fire truck struck the car she was driving on Pacific Coast Highway, and she remains in the ICU in critical condition at UCLA Medical Center. Just days from graduating as Salutatorian from Providence High School in Burbank, Olivia had volunteered to take her aunt and little cousin who were in town for the graduation sightseeing in Malibu, with her brother Carl also along for the ride. Although the boys escaped serious injury, Olivia’s aunt also suffered injuries and remains hospitalized but in stable condition. As anyone who knows Olivia well could attest, she personifies care and caution, and would be devastated to think that this accident happened on her watch.
Olivia is an extremely rare young woman of character, diligence and compassion. The oldest of four children, Olivia’s innate desire to work hard and excel has been felt not only by her family through her devotion to them, but by everyone who has ever the had chance to get to know her and call her friend. A graduate of St. Finbar School in Burbank, Olivia received Providence’s Pioneer of Excellence Scholarship as an entering freshman. A merit-based award granted only to the smallest percentage of students who maintain high GPAs with test scores to match, Olivia maintained her scholarship through all four years of high school.
Shy by nature, Olivia truly blossomed during her time at Providence and constantly worked to push herself outside her comfort zone and to take advantage of every opportunity she could find to better herself. During her time at Providence High School she maintained straight A’s and was part of the Spanish Honor Society; she was a scholar-athlete, having played girls basketball and volleyball all four years, and serving as captain of the volleyball team her senior year. Olivia was an NSF member and became ASB President, working up the courage to run and becoming a polished public speaker. Desiring a career in business, Olivia was accepted to Bentley University in Waltham, MA, receiving their highest academic award—the Presidents Scholarship. She also received the Women in Leadership Scholarship as well as the Disney Scholarship.
A young woman of health, promise, ambition and excitement for her bright future, Olivia now faces the greatest challenge of her young but very accomplished life—a six-month to two-year-long recovery process to regain her brain function and physical strength. But if anyone can do it, Olivia Menke can.
http://www.gofundme.com/pleasehelpolivia
Slate has a great interview up with both Dan and Swampy and if you loved the series like I do, you’ll enjoy this article.
