When Ava was 3 years-old, she developed a limp in her right leg. After an emergency MRI that day, a biopsy of her leg, and an eventual discovery of her primary kidney tumor, her family was told that she had stage IV high-risk neuroblastoma that had spread to her pelvis, right leg, spinal column, skull and midsection. Ava has had 6 rounds of chemo, 9 surgeries, a bone marrow transplant, radiation and 5 rounds of antibody therapy. For 15 months, Ava had no evidence of disease, until she had a relapse in her skull. She needed extensive specialized treatment. She is currently enrolled in the Bivalent Vaccine clinical trial to hopefully keep her disease-free. She is sweet, loves dolls, dress ups and her friends. Ava is one of the most courageous young women that we know, she has fought this terrible disease with such bravery and grace. She is our LITTLE HERO!!! Ava hopes that by designing this dress she can help other kids like her find courage to fight this terrible disease.
