Olivia's Cause

Olivia's Cause

Olivia's Cause

Mission Statement:

Olivia's Cause is dedicated to providing inspiration, support and awareness to teens on anti-bullying and teen suicide prevention.

Olivia's Story:

Olivia Rusk is 15 years old and totally bald due to the medical condition alopecia. When she was 8 years old, she shed her custom wig and bravely marched into her 3rd grade class without hair. Since that day, Olivia has lived her life openly bald, without hats or wigs. Losing all of her hair twice since she was 2 years old could have devastated her, but instead it has given Olivia a powerful platform. With her brave stance and ability to share her story, Olivia launched a lecture program where she has inspired thousands of teens in schools, churches and other organizations through out Central Indiana. Her message is that "It's Okay to be Different", anti-bullying and teen suicide prevention. Olivia shows her teen audiences that "You Can Be Great", whatever your challenges might be.

In 2008, when Olivia was 11 years old, she wrote and produced a music video about teen bullying. "I Could Be Great!" has been viewed worldwide and she has received hundreds of letters and comments from people who were inspired by it's positive message. Olivia shares the music video with her teen audiences, during her speeches.

Olivia's story has been featured in the media numerous times and she is a Kid Caster for Radio Disney 98.3 FM Indianapolis. In 2009 Olivia won The Power of Children Award from The Indianapolis Children's Museum (where her story is on permanent display), in 2010 she won The Driven Like Danica Contest from Danica Patrick and in 2011 she won The Well Dunn Award from Coach Dunn of The Indiana Fever.

Olivia's Cause is excited to announce that Olivia has published a new book, Just Your Average Teenager, Who Happens To Be Bald. Olivia shares her story of living with alopecia and her positive message against bullying. Olivia's mom also shares their story from her point of view. In addition to retails sales, the goal is to donate 20,000 books at no charge to 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Just click on Add to Cart to order:

Olivia is taking her message to kids on a national and international level. Already recognized as an outstanding speaker and motivator to kids/teens, she is seeking ways to continue her journey through her WLUF program. You can make a tax deductible donation here. DONATE

Oliva stars in this story of a teenage girl with alopecia overcoming the difficulties of being different. (accompanied by "I Could Be Great" by musical artist, Sally Anthony) Olivia Rusk wrote and produced the music video to create awareness for alopecia and bullying. Though she has never been personally bullied, Olivia is passionate about her anti-bullying message.

"I Could Be Great!" was produced in 2008, with the full authorization of Sally Anthony and her production company, Gracie Productions. The project was a year in the making and was produced/ filmed in Fishers, Indiana. So many people donated their time, energy, efforts and creativity to share Olivia's message that "It is Okay to be Different". With special thanks to IUPUI's Media Center, who filmed and edited the video and to everyone else who made this project a success.

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