Hello, friends!

My name is Tracy, and I've been lucky to call Sarah and Matt Hames dear friends of mine for decades. Over the years I have witnessed them become the most incredible parents, and I've had the privilege of watching their two girls, Evelynn and Avila, grow and thrive.

In September 2023, Avila was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. This fund has been set up as so many people from their incredible community have asked how they can help. The hope is that this site will help streamline a way to support the Hames family and serve as a place where updates on Avila's progress can be shared. All funds collected will be used for expenses directly related to Avila's treatment, comfort, and care.

To get everyone up to speed:

In August 2023, Avila began experiencing a rash and swollen lymph node. After several doctor and dermatologist visits and weeks of testing different meds, her symptoms were not letting up. Further blood work and an ultrasound gave Avila's doctor a cause for concern, so it was recommended they travel to Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) for testing.

Avila spent the next 10 days at CHLA where she underwent testing, a surgical biopsy on her lymph node, and a PET scan - the results ultimately confirmed Avila’s Diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

For treatment, Avila will be receiving chemotherapy treatments at CHLA alternating weeks for 4-5 months. Avila received her first round of chemotherapy while at CHLA, to which she responded well, and shortly after she was released from the hospital.

Thankfully, this form of cancer has been studied thoroughly, and they have made great progress in how they treat Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. There is about a 90% success rate in treating her form of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The Oncology team at Children’s Hospital LA is excellent, and Avila is in good hands. The team hopes that they will successfully kill off all the cancer cells during the 4–5-month treatment. In the meantime, Avila can attend school and even participate in her sports through treatment.

From Sarah & Matt

"We’re super proud of Avila, as she has been a total warrior kid through a tough couple of weeks at the hospital. If all goes well, she should be able to get back to normal kid life by early next year. Thank you for all the support, it truly means the world to our family.”

*note - while the Hames are so grateful for all of the support, this is still a very personal matter. We aim to use this page reactively - so please do share with anyone who asks how they can help - but no need to share proactively to solicit donations via social, events, etc.