Savana’s Story: Strength, Determination, and an Unexpected Challenge

Born on September 15, 2008, three weeks early. Savana entered the world ready to take it on. From day one, she has shown incredible determination, purpose, and resilience, qualities that continue to define who she is today.

From a young age, Savana has excelled in everything she sets her mind to. Throughout grade school and high school, she has maintained an impressive 4.3 GPA while earning numerous awards and honors. She qualified for her school’s Gifted Program early on, consistently made the Honor Roll, and has been a proud member of the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) since her freshman year.

Savana’s talents extend far beyond the classroom. She has participated in ballet, gymnastics, dance, soccer, and softball, but it was volleyball that truly captured her heart. She fell in love not only with the sport itself, but with the teamwork, discipline, dedication, and sisterhood it brings.

She began playing volleyball at just 8 years old and joined her first club team at 14. Now in her second year with Arizona Outlaws, Savana has developed into an elite 5'10" Outside Hitter. With the support of her coaches, teammates, and mentors, she continues to grow and thrive in the sport she loves.

In addition to academics and athletics, Savana is deeply involved in her community. She attends Christ Church of the Valley in Verrado, participates in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Canyon View High School, and serves as a student Athletic Trainer. In this role, she helps care for injured athletes and teaches rehabilitation techniques. Savana is already working toward her dream of becoming an athletic trainer for a major league team or a physical therapist for professional athletes.

On March 13, everything changed.

After returning home from a volleyball tournament in Boston and a family trip to New York City, Savana woke up feeling extremely ill. Thinking it was food poisoning, she tried to rest. But later that afternoon, her mother found her experiencing a seizure, the first sign of any serious medical issue.

Paramedics rushed Savana to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where an MRI revealed a lesion on her right frontal lobe. Doctors have since informed her and her family that brain surgery is necessary to remove the lesion. Without it, Savana faces a lifetime of debilitating seizures that could prevent her from pursuing her dreams both on and off the court.

Savana is a fighter. She has faced every challenge in her life with courage, grace, and determination, and this will be no different. But she and her family need support during this incredibly difficult time.

Your donations will help cover medical expenses, surgery costs, recovery, and the support Savana needs to get back to doing what she loves. Living life with purpose, pursuing her dreams, and inspiring everyone around her.

Thank you for being part of Savana’s journey. ❤️