News : \'Love for Liv\' candles to raise money for American Heart Association

'Love for Liv:" Olivia Spencer's candles to raise funds for American Heart Association.

Even before she is old enough for Kindergarten, Olivia "Liv" Spencer already uses the phrase "photo shoot" as knowingly as any model.

As in: "After this photo shoot, we get to go outside and play."

Born with the congenital heart defect known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Olivia, the daughter of Steve and Kendra Spencer of Vinton, has already been through several heart surgeries.

Basically born with just half of her heart, Olivia is in good health now, but faces an uncertain medical future as she, and her heart, continue to grow. She was the Linn County Heart Ambassador last year, and has been featured in many events, ads commercials and promotions for AHA and other organizations. See an earlier Vinton Today story about Olivia HERE.

Friday's "photo shoot," which resulted in the photos accompanying this story, was to promote another fund-raising campaign. Liv and her mom are selling "Love for Liv" candles, candle melts and room sprays to raise money for the American Heart Association. Each item or package includes Liv's photo. A variety of candle scents (shown on the photos accompanying this article) are available. Contact Kendra at klm479@gmail.com for ordering information. The mailing address is 712 E 4th St Vinton, IA 52349.

Olivia and her parents went to Disney a couple years ago, courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Olivia is now featured on a commercial promoting an upcoming event for Make-A-Wish. See that commercial HERE.