A debate champion at age 11, Grace Olivera doesn’t let asthma slow her down

When Grace Olivera first experienced an asthma attack, she and her family were frightened.

She was 7 and very active. One night while at home, she had trouble breathing.

Grace’s parents rushed her to CHOC’s Emergency Department (ED), and she ended up staying at the hospital for three days.

Over the next two years, Grace would return several times to the ED as her persistent, poorly controlled cough posed not just a medical challenge but became a source of frustration for her and her family.

Now, at age 11, she’s a debate champion and a young star in musical theater.

She’s also involved in Ballet Folklórico and is a member of a mariachi group.

And Grace volunteers at Christmas to hand out gifts to needy children.

Wellness on Wheels a game-changer

Grace and her family credit much of her remarkable turnaround to the care she has received, since June 2023, through CHOC’s Breathmobile/Wellness on Wheels program.

“Working closely together, we were able to bring her symptoms under control and identify the most effective treatment for her, especially one that addressed her environmental triggers like mold exposure and having her appointments closer to home since our mobile clinic visits a site just a few blocks from her home,” says Dr. Clarisse Casilang, of the WOW team.

Maria Lopez, Grace’s mother, is a huge fan of the mobile clinic.

“It’s such an amazing program,” Maria says. “CHOC really does make a difference. People need to know what CHOC offers and supporters need to realize how impactful their donations really are.”

‘Life-changing’ care

Maria says she encouraged Grace to get involved in speech and debate to boost her confidence after her diagnosis.

“At first, it was very hard for her to accept she had asthma,” she says. “We didn’t know she was going to bloom this much!”

Last fall, Grace was a state speech competition in the “humor interpretation” category. She told a five-minute story about Goldilocks being on trial for breaking into the three bears’ home.

And last November, Grace spoke at the CHOC Foundation’s Unidos Por CHOC event.

“Chronic asthma has changed everything for me and my family,” she said in a clear and confident voice. “But after treatment, I was able to relax, and it took my worries away…The care I’ve received at CHOC has been life changing.”

Monthly appointments

Grace has had a couple of asthma attacks over the last two years. Last summer, she watched July 4 fireworks from the window of her room at CHOC after a particularly severe attack.

But her condition is under control. She visits WOW every month.

“They really provide high-quality care to their patients and are always welcoming,” Grace says of the WOW team.

Grace also credits her family, which includes her father, Benny, and siblings Faith, 9, and Robert, 7, for helping her live as full a life as possible with her medical condition.

Her mother also credits Anaheim Elementary School District programs run by Yadira Moreno, director of schools, family and community engagement, and the “amazing” teachers at an after-school program at Stoddard Elementary, including music instructor Mrs. Kwon and speech and debate teacher Mrs. Ruiz.

Thriving

Seeing Grace thrive today is “nothing short of a blessing,” Dr. Casilang says, adding: “Patients like Grace remind me why I became a doctor: the opportunity to intervene early, partner with families to help manage their child’s health, and support my patients in reaching their fullest potential.”

Dr. Casilang is especially proud of Grace’s acceptance to be the “kid host” for the annual WOW health event in collaboration with UCI/CHOC pediatric residents called the “Super Kids Games” in June 2025.

“Her journey exemplifies the power of building trust with families and meeting them where they are,” Dr. Casilang says. “Together, we develop personalized wrap around treatment plans that empower children to become the healthiest versions of themselves.

“Now, Grace has the chance to be a role model for other kids, showing them that with the right support, anything is possible.”

Grace, who wants to become a criminal law attorney, offered the following advice for other children with asthma:

“Don’t let asthma stop you, don’t be ashamed of it. It’s OK to have it and remember asthma does not define who you are.”