PHILADELPHIA – It was a typical August afternoon – Maddy Tettelbach and her field hockey teammates had finished up another workout in preparation for the upcoming season. But it all changed when she received that dreaded phone call.

Maddy's seven-year-old cousin, Olivia Kinney, had been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

“It hit hard,” Tettelbach said. “It came as a surprise and was very upsetting to hear that this little girl who was so energetic and hyper all the time was going to be going through this in life.”

Born into a military family, Maddy spent much of her youth raised by Olivia's father, Todd, sparking an inseparable bond between the families. Since Olivia was born, Maddy has often assumed the role of big sister.

“Her family means so much to me and has always been there for me,” Tettelbach said. “He [Todd] has been by our family every step of the way and the least I can do is give back what he gave to me.”

Giving back has come naturally to Maddy, who wasted no time in conjuring up a plan to support her cousin in need. She created Team OPK (Olivia Paige Kinney) and began selling bracelets to raise money for Olivia's caring bridge cancer website. In addition, Maddy rallied the support from the field hockey team and other friends in creating a Relay for Life team.

“I have had cancer affect my life before with grandparents but when it happens to someone so young it makes you get up off the couch and start doing something to help,” she said. “It is hard so see someone so young have to go through this struggle and makes me want to do everything I can to support her and the cause.”

Maddy, along with dozens of teammates and friends, participated in Saint Joseph's Relay for Life event in March, raising over $900. Thousands participated in the event, highlighted by an overnight walk and an emotional time of testimonials.

“This event was very emotional, especially when the survivors gave speeches about their experience and struggles with cancer,” Maddy said. “The audience was full of sniffles and tears, and I was a mess. When hearing these stories about how young they were when they were diagnosed, all I could think about was my cousin and made it seem so real and how she can pull through and maybe one day be up on that stage telling her story.

“Overall this was one of the most touching experiences and knowing I have my friends and teammates behind me supporting this strong girl they don't even know makes me appreciate life even more.”

Todd has seen the benefits of Maddy's labors firsthand.

“The way she stepped up and adopted Olivia for her inspiration in the Relay for Life and the Princess Olivia Fan Club has been heartwarming and truly a gift to Olivia and to our whole family,” he said.

Olivia has exemplified exceptional courage throughout the experience, despite the grueling nature of her chemotherapy treatments. The youngster is concluding her first cycle of treatments in what the doctors refer to as the “maintenance stage.”

Earlier in the spring, Olivia was contacted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation and opted to take a May trip to Disney World. While the anticipation of the trip proved to lift her spirits, the adventure fell over La Salle's finals week, meaning Maddy would not be able to join.

But the big sister had other ideas.

Maddy arranged to take her finals early and surprise the new eight-year-old in what proved to be the week of a lifetime. Olivia's elation with her cousin's presence along with a magical Disney World experience provided a snapshot of bliss in what has been a very trying year.

As Olivia continues to bout the disease, her father acknowledges the outpouring of support they have received and believes it makes all the difference.

“The flood of encouragement, well wishes, and prayers, through letters, care packages, emails, and texts have meant the world to Olivia, never failing to lift her spirits and giving her a little extra courage to carry on,” Todd said.

As Team Kinney continues to expand its army of supporters, Olivia will continue to see the benefits of a support system. But perhaps more importantly, the Disney princess will continue to inspire everyone in her life with her infectious smile and the courage to face the day.