New York State Assemblyman Ed Ra recently presented the 2023 Women of Distinction awards at Adelphi University where he recognized Garden City High School Junior Olivia Macchio with the Emerging Leader Award for her dedication to helping those with pediatric cancer which she is a survivor of herself.
Olivia is a well-rounded student with a variety of skills, talents and interests. She loves children and has volunteered at summer enrichment (SCOPE) in Garden City as well as the Garden City Library sponsored Teens and Tots reading program and an elementary youth program at a local church. Her additional interests include acting, singing and dancing. She has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten and is currently pursuing her Gold Award which will continue her support for the patients at Cohen Children's Medical Center, where she was treated for cancer as a 7-year-old. As a cancer survivor, she is passionate about giving back to organizations that support cancer research and pediatric patients. Olivia has a long-standing relationship with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, having participated in many campaigns including, most recently, the 2023 Student Visionaries of the Year in which she and her team, co-captained by her sister, earned the title of first runner-up. She has also volunteered her time for the foundation at Cohen Children's Medical Center and served as an ambassador both for the foundation and for the Children's Miracle Network.
“As a pediatric cancer survivor, I am highly motivated to help children and their families struggling with cancer,” Macchio said. “Going through that experience has made me want to give back so that kids and their families don't feel alone going through such a difficult time. It was an honor to be recognized by Assemblyman Ra with this award.”