Friends and family of Ava, thanks in advance for reading this & for your support!

As you may have seen, Ava had surgery on 8/5 to address a large ovarian mass that had a high chance of malignancy. They removed the mass, along with her ovary and fallopian tube. We’re cautiously optimistic as she awaits the pathology results. In the meantime, I’m starting this fundraiser to help Ava get caught up. She’s endured months of pain and tests, which hampered her ability to work as much as she had planned to over the spring and summer. Anything you give will help Ava catch up and cover rent while she heals and figures out her next steps.

Ava is an amazing force for good in this world and is majoring in biomedical engineering and pharmaceutical science. At 19, she already has an internship related to cancer research, which she is excited about. She recently moved to an off-campus apartment, which is cheaper in the long run, and she has been taking four classes this summer. Ava even pushed to take her finals early due to surgery (and did well despite being in pain!).

Ava is also no stranger to health challenges. For example, she has dealt with endometriosis for years and had surgery at 15 to remove diseased endo tissue and her appendix. Unfortunately, endometriosis is incurable and Ava will likely face more surgeries in the future (if her mass comes back as non-cancerous, it most likely is endometrial tissue). While her parents have been a great support and are helping with medical bills, loan repayments, etc., it’s still been tough on Ava to not be able to work as much as she’d planned since rent and everyday expenses add up.

As Ava works hard to overcome this latest challenge and face the road ahead, she appreciates your love and support!

Note - I’m a longtime family friend (since Ava was 5!) & have Ava’s permission to create this fundraiser. She is the designated beneficiary, so anything you donate will go to her.