Fundraising for Avery's Intensive Therapies

Dear Friends, Family, and Compassionate Supporters,

I am reaching out to share the inspiring story of Avery, a remarkable 2 1/2-year-old girl, diagnosed with Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy, who loves music, bubbles, and kitty cats.

Her journey started when she was born prematurely at 36 weeks. Everything appeared to be going well until she failed her newborn hearing screen. After several additional tests and a couple of months later, Avery was diagnosed with Single-Sided Deafness, the cause being Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV). The diagnosis was too late for her to receive intravenous antivirals to change the outcome of the infection. Her parents, Sammi and Cameron, decided to immediately start the process of getting her a Cochlear Implant.

They took Avery to see an Otolaryngologist and get an MRI at 8 months, which showed she was a good candidate for the implant. However, there were other unexpected findings from the MRI indicating that Avery had significant brain damage, due to the cCMV. This started a cascade of events for Avery and her family. She was followed by a great team of pediatric specialists including Pediatric Neurology, Ophthalmology, Audiology, Infectious Disease, Otolaryngology, and early intervention specialists. Thankfully, Avery was able to get her Cochlear Implant at 12 months and has continued with audiology, AVT, Speech therapy, and DHH preschool programs.

Throughout Avery's first 2 years of life, Sammi noticed several developmental delays. After seeking out several specialists for answers, Avery was diagnosed with Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy. This condition has presented her with physical limitations, making simple tasks that are easily taken for granted incredibly difficult.

The good news from Avery's neurologist is that Avery is young and her brain has so much potential to learn and adapt. Her neurologist highly recommended Avery participate in intensive therapies at the world-renowned NAPA Center in LA. The NAPA Center is known for its expertise in providing innovative and specialized therapies that can make a significant impact on the lives of children with cerebral palsy.

After being on the waitlist for about a year, Avery was accepted for a 3-week intensive therapy program to start at the end of July. Unfortunately, after several attempts to get this covered by Avery's insurance, it was denied and the program will have to be paid for by the family.

I am aiming to raise $30,000 through this GoFundMe campaign to overcome this financial challenge the family is facing and ensure that Avery can receive the transformative therapy she deserves. Even the smallest contribution can make a big impact on Avery’s life. If you are unable to donate, sharing this campaign with your networks would mean the world.

All funds that are raised here will go towards Avery's Napa Center Intensive Therapy Programs, mobility equipment and medical devices to support Avery's work toward improved independence.

Any additional funds raised over our goal amount will be put towards Avery’s next round of Intensive Therapies.

On behalf of The Maris Family, thank you for your support. Your kindness and compassion will change the trajectory of Avery’s life. Stay tuned for updates on her progress.

UPDATE: Yay! We have reached our first milestone goal of $12,000 which covers her first intensive therapy. Our next goal of $30,000 will support Avery’s next Intensive Therapy expense for the following year and hopefully some therapy equipment for home. Thank you for this amazing outpouring of support.

~Nicole Koga & Team Avery.