Chelmsford rallies around ‘Livvy,’ a child cancer warrior

CHELMSFORD — Six-year-old Olivia “Livvy” Kazanjian has spent more than a year navigating a difficult reality for anyone, especially a child her age.

Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in November 2024, Olivia has undergone intensive treatment for the rare blood cancer at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Olivia’s cancer is now in remission, and she is expected to make a full recovery thanks to her ongoing care. Once her inpatient treatment is complete, she and her family will continue making frequent trips to Boston for about a year to finish her treatment plan.

The Chelmsford Police Department and the nonprofit Cops for Kids with Cancer are joining the fight to support Olivia.

On Saturday, Olivia and her family — parents Josh Kazanjian and Brittany Noonan, and her 8-year-old brother Owen — visited the Chelmsford Police Station, where officers gave her a tour, introduced her to Ozzie, the department’s community resource dog, and let her try out the police radio, according to a press release from Cops for Kids with Cancer.

During the visit, the Chelmsford Police and the nonprofit presented the family with a $5,500 donation to help offset the financial strain that accompanies long-term pediatric cancer treatment.

The funds support both medical costs and the everyday expenses that accumulate during hospital stays, such as parking, meals and travel.

The family describes Olivia as strong, determined and quick to speak her mind — qualities that show up not only in her treatment but also in the way she shares her life online.

On Instagram, where her family documents her journey @GrubWLivy, Olivia — who aside from the nickname “Livvy,” also goes by “Diesel” — invites followers to “join me in my battle with leukemia” while offering “top-notch food reviews” and lighthearted cooking videos with her mom. Recent posts include her thoughts on a spicy Greek burrito from Market Basket (“This is real good,” she said in the video) and a step-by-step spinach and artichoke dip tutorial.

Chelmsford Police Deputy Chief Gary Hannagan, who also serves on the Cops For Kids with Cancer board, said Olivia’s resilience has resonated deeply with those who she has met.

“Surrounded by the love of her family, especially her big brother Owen, and supported by an incredible community, Olivia is facing her challenge head-on,” Hannagan said in the press release. “Olivia’s courage and spirit have already inspired so many, and her journey is a powerful reminder of strength, hope, and the impact of community during life’s most difficult moments.”

Chelmsford Police Special Traffic Officer and Cops for Kids with Cancer board member Sal Mirabella Jr. said the nonprofit’s support is meant to give families like Olivia’s room to focus on what matters most.

“We are honored to support Olivia and her family during this challenging time,” he said in the press release. “We believe in extending our compassion and resources to those facing life’s toughest battles. The funds disbursed by Cops for Kids with Cancer will help alleviate mounting medical and daily expenses, ensuring Olivia can focus on her recovery and the strength of her family. Olivia’s resilience and courage exemplify the spirit of hope that unites us all.”

Cops with Kids with Cancer is a New England-based nonprofit that has provided more than $6.3 million in direct assistance to nearly 1,200 families since 2002.

Follow Aaron Curtis on X @aselahcurtis, or on Bluesky @aaronscurtis.bsky.social. 

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