Commentary by Shelly Gattlieb
Oliver Brett Pieper is the happiest open-heart surgery survivor you will ever meet. At 6 months old, Oliver underwent a pulmonary artery sling repair surgery at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital for a congenital heart defect. Now, this healthy boy is 4 and is as active as can be.
His mother, Kerry, is a registered nurse. She is taking classes to become a nurse practitioner, and his father, Brett, is a nuclear radiologist at the Indianapolis VA Hospital.
Oliver is a dinosaur and bug enthusiast and says that his favorite things about living in Carmel is that strangers always wave and smile at each other. So far, his favorite vacations have been Florida and Arizona, but Oliver is excited to one day visit England, where his mother was born.
Favorite book: “Adventures of Frog and Toad”
Talent: Can name every species of dinosaur and every type of truck
Hero: Spiderman
Attends: Community Montessori School
Best friends: Younger sister Matilda “Tilly” and dog Jack
Hates: Olives
Future career: Garbage truck driver
Favorite activities: Going for hikes, swimming, riding his bike and trying new recipes
Coolest way to spend a weekend: Searching for worms and insects with his grandparents
Topper of Pieper Christmas tree: Toy T-Rex
Favorite Halloween costumes: Astronaut and construction worker
Best snack: String cheese
Oliver’s advice to others: Never forget to wear sunscreen
Do you know an interesting character who lives, works or worships in Carmel? Send suggestions to [email protected].