Donate in loving memory of
Olivia Gaines
"You can be more than be sick. You're here. You're worthy. Keep the vision of who you want to be alive."
Liv for Life
Your generosity accelerates research and provides compassionate patient care led by Dr. Guido Marcucci.
Donate in loving memory of
Olivia Gaines
"You can be more than be sick. You're here. You're worthy. Keep the vision of who you want to be alive."
Liv for Life
Your generosity accelerates research and provides compassionate patient care led by Dr. Guido Marcucci.
Through Her Father's Eyes: Olivia's Story
RIP Olivia — “Pray with me.” Words my daughter, Olivia, mouthed to me on June 1, 2026 as I was leaving her bedroom. The next day she would be admitted to Helford Hospital - City of Hope in Duarte, CA and would never enjoy the presence of being in her bedroom again. Olivia died at 7:32 PM on Saturday, June 13, surrounded by family and friends. Three of us in Olivia’s ICU room {Cheryl, Jackie (godmother) and I} were also present when Olivia was born at Huntington Hospital on July 15, 1995. We watched her come into this world and we watched her leave this world. What a blessing and honor to be there for/with her on both of those days. I will never forget either day, but obviously for different reasons.
I’ve never watched anybody die before. Seeing someone die surrounded by love is a deeply emotional experience. It changes you - touches your heart and spirit to the core, especially when you’ve loved and cared for that person all of her life.
Many of you who read this post may not know much about my daughter’s illness. On October 6, 2015 Olivia was rushed to Huntington Hospital (Pasadena, CA) in an ambulance from an Urgent Care Facility that was within walking distance of the Emergency Room. She was immediately given multiple transfusions of Red Blood Cells & Platelets and would soon be diagnosed with an aggressive form (high-risk genetic mutation) of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). During that two month period in the hospital she also began salvage chemotherapy treatments. She would not leave her hospital room until December 6, 2015.
In February, 2016 Olivia was chosen to become part of a Phase 3 clinical trial where she received dosages of the clinical trial drug that prepared her system to receive an allogeneic (donor) stem cell transplant She also underwent radiation treatment before the transplant.
On April 6th, 2016 Cheryl and I were present for another new birth, her stem cell birthday. That was truly a day where hope was ever present. When you have an allogeneic (donor) stem cell transplant, there’s a high probability it comes at a cost, Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD). You’re trading a deadly disease for a potentially chronic disease that can compromise your quality of life and kill you at a later date. “GVHD occurs when donor immune cells attack your healthy tissues. Acute GVHD hits early, while chronic GVHD (cGVHD) can last months to decades. It can affect the skin, eyes, mouth, joints, and lungs, requiring long-term immunosuppressive medication.” Olivia experienced all of that and more.
Olivia celebrated her 10th stem cell birthday in 2026. We were at City of Hope on April 7th and took pictures together by her picture that is located near the Biller Center and the iconic “Spirit of Life” statue that was dedicated in 1967. The statue became the City of Hope logo and “celebrates family, vitality, and the shared human journey through illness and healing.” Those are just not words, City of Hope and their outstanding doctors, nurses and medical support team are directly responsible for Olivia being able to live as long as she did. Nothing but love for City of Hope and Olivia’s medical team, led by hematologist-oncologist and Leukemia expert, Dr. Guido Marcucci. We were blessed to have a top notch comprehensive cancer center less than 20 miles from our residence.
We were blessed to have Olivia in our lives for nearly 31 years and the last 10 years were immensely rich in so many ways. She was truly a “profile in courage.” She will be missed and is now an ancestor to us all. EVERY DAY IS A BLESSING! Asé & Amen!
- Clarence Gaines
A Celebration of Life
A memorial service will be held on
July 25, 2026 at 11 am
Flintridge Preparatory School - Norris Auditorium
4543 Crown Ave, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
"Even when cancer calls, life must go on. The only difference is in how you choose to live it."
Liv for Life
How to give in Memory of Olivia Gaines
In lieu of flowers, philanthropic gifts in memory of Olivia Gaines can be made to City of Hope, by check or credit card.
By Credit Card: Click "donate" on this page and select an amount.
By Check: Please make your check out to “City of Hope” and indicate on the memo line or accompanying note that your gift is In memory of Olivia Gaines.
City of Hope
Attn: Philanthropy – McQuhae
1500 East Duarte Road
Duarte, CA 91010
About City of Hope
City of Hope's mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that is ranked top 5 in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report at its core, City of Hope’s uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas. City of Hope’s affiliated family of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHope™. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn