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December 04.2025

2 Minutes Read

Meet Livie Smart: The Inspiring Face of This Year’s Festival of Trees

Festival of Trees cancer survivor celebrating indoors with festive decor.

Livie Smart: A Story of Resilience and Hope

This year's Festival of Trees in Utah shines a spotlight on a remarkable young woman, Livie Smart, who embodies resilience after overcoming leukemia. Diagnosed at the age of 14, Livie's journey through cancer treatment took a dramatic turn after her initial therapies failed. Fortunately, a pioneering bone marrow transplant helped her to reclaim her youthful spirit, and today Livie stands as the honored patient champion for this festive event.

The Heart of the Festival

The Festival of Trees is not just an annual event; it is a celebration of hope, community, and the power of giving. Generated by community efforts, the festival features over 550 beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and gingerbread houses, all up for auction to support the Intermountain Health Primary Children's Hospital. This year, both Livie and her triumph over adversity highlight the virtues of generosity and the impact of medical innovation.

Community Spirit and Giving Back

Livie’s story mirrors that of others like Ruby Thackeray, an 11-year-old cancer survivor who used her experience to give back through creative efforts at the festival. With each donation made at the festival, participants honor the journeys of brave children and contribute to medical advancements at Primary Children's Hospital. The joy exuded at the festival, as families come together to celebrate the holiday season, further cultivates a spirit of unity and commitment to helping others.

Encouraging Bone Marrow Donations

A significant highlight this year is the launch of a booth where festival attendees can register as potential bone marrow donors. Just as Livie found a match to save her life, the festival aims to inspire others to contribute to this life-saving cause. By sharing her journey, Livie encourages individuals to become potential donors—a simple act that could lead to saving another life.

Why Festivals Matter for Healing

Festivals, such as this one, offer more than decorations and holiday cheer; they function as a therapy for those touched by illness. They unite individuals through shared experiences, whether in joy or grief, and transform the community into a nurturing environment. For attendees like Livie, these moments symbolize recovery, determination, and the support of community members who seek to uplift those in need.

The Festival of Trees runs through December 3rd to the 5th, promising an atmosphere filled with warmth and hope. Families are invited to enjoy the festivities and join in the battle against childhood illnesses while celebrating the victories of young fighters like Livie and Ruby.

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Meet Livie Smart: The Inspiring Face of This Year’s Festival of Trees

Livie Smart: A Story of Resilience and Hope

The Heart of the Festival

Community Spirit and Giving Back

Encouraging Bone Marrow Donations

Why Festivals Matter for Healing

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