Ava's Little Heroes

“Sometimes, real superheroes live in the hearts of small children fighting big battles”

Ava’s Little Heroes is an annual event at Animal Adventure Park (Home of April the Giraffe), inspired by the support offered to Jordan and Colleen Patch, for their daughter Ava, upon complications resulting from brain surgery at the age of three months old.  An eleven-day intensive care stay, plagued by uncontrollable seizures and fevers, yielded new diagnosis and many unanswered questions.  During that time, the support from around the community flooded the hearts of the Patches.  Able to absorb the medical and travel expenses, they were inspired to pay it forward, and use this positive energy for others in need. 

The Ava’s Little Heroes  event, in its first year, raised over $10,000 for a local family, with a very similar story – young Brayden, encountering unexpected seizures and medical emergencies soon after birth.  Through community support, donations, sponsorships, and participation – the event was a success and is expected to be again. 

This year, we are honored to acknowledge 5 Little Heroes, fighting their own battles:

Ava’s Little Heroes of 2017

Ruby

At the young age of one, Ruby has encountered a multitude of health concerns.  Residing with her family in a small town in NY, off Interstate 88, they find themselves returning to Albany almost weekly for continued treatments and check-ups.  Born prematurely, Ruby immediately underwent surgery to correct a heart defect.  She soon after encountered further issues with her esophagus and digestive system. This young family, with their first born, have been through a lot and we certainly can relate. 
Her battle is far from over and we wish to support her to alleviate travel and medical expenses. 

Zoey

An inoperable brain tumor (DIPG) has brought a family from Fairport, NY to Germany and back, seeking answers with experimental treatments, in addition to her continued care at STRONG Memorial Hospital.  The family, of four-year-old Zoey, has endured mounting expenses in the search to find treatment and answers for a diagnosis that would leave most feeling helpless.  Every little hero has their parents fighting right behind them.  We wish to assist Zoey’s family so they need not think twice about treatment because of expense. 

Gideon

Gideon, now 3 years old, has been nicknamed “Superman” by his family and supporters!  Given a slim chance of survival post birth, he has defied all odds.  Gideon’s fight with Polycystic Kidney Disease has had him fighting his short life to become strong enough for a kidney transplant. On July 13, that became a reality.  The donor, his Dad.  Their battle has led to mounting expenses, and with donor dad out of work due to the surgery, this family of five needs our help!  We wish to assist Gideon, his brothers, mom and dad – get pass this most recent surgery and look towards the future. 

Phatar

A true fighter, Phatar, now eleven years old, has battled with Rhabdomyosarcoma (a form of cancer).  Young Phatar is terminal.  After defeating the cancer once, it did return in September of 2016.  The family spends most of their time in Syracuse for treatment, but call Johnson City, NY home.  We wish to assist his mother during this difficult time by alleviating traveling expenses between the Binghamton area and Syracuse.  

Makenzie Mae

Mackenzie has been in a battle against inflammatory bowel disease from an early age.  At age seven, she lost her colon to the fight.  From Hancock, NY – Makenzie and mom travel to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia at least monthly for continued treatment and checkups.  We wish to alleviate travel and medical expenses for this strong little lady! 
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This campaign has been started at the request of supporters unable to attend.  All funds raised, below or above our goal, will be allocated from the Ava's Little Heroes account to the families of supported little heroes.  View the links below to see how  funds are raised, and last year's successful event.

Thank you for your support

Event Info:   Animal Adventure Park Event Listing

Facebook Event Page:  Event Page Info

Last Year’s Event: Meet Brayden, Ava, and the Event!