Meet ASK kid Ava

“I have a princess room!” yells Ava as she enters her newly decorated bedroom.  Thanks to the generosity of the Richmond Homearama sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Richmond, a long-time partner of ASK, Ava received a total room make-over.  Each year, HBAR donates Homearama proceeds to ASK and participating builders in the show sponsor room make-overs for ASK kids who need a boost in spirit. 

Ava was diagnosed with Pre-B Acute Lymphatic Leukemia when she was 15 months old.  She had flu-like symptoms, but when her mouth started bleeding and she developed petechiae, both common symptoms of ALL, her pediatrician sent her to VCU where she was immediately diagnosed.
 
Like all ASK kids, Ava is a fighter. She has survived many lengthy in-patient hospital stays, multiple chemo changes as her protocol evolves, two port surgeries, blood clots and now daily shots of blood thinners, PICC lines and spinal taps.  Now three, she seems to take it all in stride and even helps the nurses in the ASK Clinic set-up her shots, blood tests and chemo.  

“She’s smart and catches on quickly to procedures,” says Ava’s mom, April.  “She’s handled everything much better than many of the adults in her life."

ASK kid Ava enjoyed a tea party during her dream room reveal with Schell Brothers and designer Shannon Tootle, May 2019. 

“So much was thrown at us in the beginning,” continues April.  “We’re trying to understand the medical terms and help our child, and work, and it’s all very overwhelming. Then ASK staff showed-up with information, and financial support for our meals, and presents for Ava, as well as helped us emotionally deal with everything.”
 
ASK-funded chaplain, Rich Catlett, checks-in daily or weekly depending on the family’s needs.  “He prays with us and for us and that means more than I could ever say.  Mary Jo (ASK's family support coordinator) makes us feel welcome in clinic, sends cards and gift cards in the mail to us and to Ava, and Katie (ASK's child life specialist) always has something to keep Ava occupied while we’re waiting to see a doctor.  We couldn’t do this without them.”

Ava gives a big smile during the Kourageous Kids photo shoot at the VMFA, July 2019.

Ava received a special surprise for her third birthday when friends and neighbors hosted a parade past her house. Both Rich and Mary Jo were part of the parade.  “They help make an awful situation so much better, and are just great people.  We can’t wait to returning the love once we’re in a better place.”

This year, Ava is looking forward to participating in more ASK events, like the Build-a-Bear day, the Holiday party, and the annual Mother-Daughter Spa Day.  “She was too sick to do many of the activities in her first year of diagnosis, so there are so many activities we want to do.  We were able to participate in the Spa Day,” shares April.  “It was one of her best days!”  

Ava wore a sparkly mermaid outfit to her surprise birthday parade, May 2019.