I know many of you have been wondering how Ava is doing. 

First of all, I want to apologize that it’s taken me this long to post, you see I’m normally a positive person doing my best to change my perspective in bad situations. However, until recently I have always viewed 2019 as a negative time in our lives. It’s been hard for me think, talk let alone look at photos during that time without becoming a puddle of tears. It wasn’t until yesterday sitting with my sister, opening up about my feelings regarding that time of our lives that we don’t talk about, I received a text from a dear friend about how her mom donated money in Ava’s honor, even though she herself is going through her own challenges. It’s like the universe was talking to me. My sister made me realize how Ava’s story actually inspires people. It’s crazy how one can go through something so tragic, battle the shit out of it, WIN and touch so many lives, even those she has never met. 

So It’s time shift my perspective, our perspective! Ava did it! She beat Cancer 💛 she is a survivor and not everyone’s cancer journey ends the way Ava’s did. Ava is still writing her story. 

Since my last post; Ava has had Many doc visits. They were every three months, then moved to every four months. Hopefully this year we can space them out even further.  Her scans continue to be clear of cancer, thank the lord. All her other tests keep coming back with no changes, except for hear hearing. Her high pitch earring loss continues to decline little by little, this is the side effect from the chemo but it’s nothing significant to be alarmed with. Plus, she has also graduated from physical therapy, meaning no longer needs to go. 

In the fall; Ava did end up getting surgery to remove her growth plates. As she continues to grow with uneven leg length; this surgery removed two growth plates in her right leg and one good growth plate in her left leg. By having the surgery it should stop the abnormal growth in her leg and the hope is that with the growth plates she has left, this will reduce the difference she has now. It takes about a year to even know if the surgery was a success as you have to wait for growth spurts. For now she wears a heel lift to help with the difference in length to reduce any hip and back pain. 

Other than that; Ava is a normal 11 year old, in 5th grade, loving school, always hanging out in her room, listening to music, making up dances to her favorite songs, and talking on the phone forever with her friends. She’s growing up so fast it’s almost like she’s a teenager without being a teenager, yet. She continues to be this bright shining light that doesn’t let anything get her down, always looking at the good in people and the love for everyone and everything around her just pours out of her. 

From the bottom of my heart thank you all for the support that you’ve gave my family during, after and your continued support. 

Much love ❤️ 

The Pattschull’s