Ava was a typical teenage girl who loved hanging out with her friends and sisters, playing lacrosse, and getting ready to start her sophomore year in High School. At 15 years old, Ava was already looking into colleges and was determined to go to school for architectural engineering and design. Unfortunately, on her first day of school, we got the news that Ava’s bloodwork from her physical came back “abnormal.” After more tests were complete, she was diagnosed with AML, Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Ava spent the next 35 days in the hospital receiving chemotherapy. Through it all, Ava never lost her smile. Her positive attitude made everyone around her smile as well. During her long hospital stays, Ava enjoyed doing crafts with the child life specialists, and would have Yahtzee and UNO tournaments with the nurses and other young patients in the unit. She was always up for video games, or puzzles with anyone who was there.For the next few months Ava was in and out of the hospital and had a bone marrow transplant on February 14, 2023. She was doing remarkably well until we found out she relapsed 7 weeks later. Even with the news that her leukemia returned, Ava still fought with a smile. Ava was a big “Swiftie.” While getting transfusions or chemo, Ava would make friendship bracelets and loved handing them out to her nurses, doctors, and other patients. By June, Ava’s treatments were getting tougher but she was determined to beat leukemia again. The weeks following her new treatments became tougher for Ava to handle, and she developed an infection which made her unable to continue chemotherapy. After a year long battle, Ava passed away on August 17, 2023 at 16 years old.
As sick as Ava got, she still loved doing things for others- and wanted to share that with other children going through the same. She started designing bags for her caregivers, and signing them “Love, Ava.” She wanted other children to be able to occupy their time at the hospital doing fun things, and helping to keep their minds on the positive and a smile on their faces. Ava has made a lasting impact on everyone she met through her cancer journey.
With the blessing of Ava’s family, we came together to form The Love, Ava Project. The mission of The Love, Ava Project aims to continue her legacy by spreading kindness to those who need it the most during times of hardship. Our goal is to bring hope, comfort, and support to sick and underprivileged children and their families.
