Join Ava's Army in her fight against cancer
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It is with a heavy heart that we created this GoFundMe page for Gena, Rob, Ava and Robby as their lives were suddenly turned upside down. A week ago Gena & Rob - whom we all love and adore - received the most unthinkable news. Their sweet, vivacious five year-old little girl, Ava, has a battle to fight...a battle with cancer.
Ava was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, which is a type of brain cancer more common in young children. After receiving her diagnosis on September 14, 2020, Ava immediately underwent brain surgery for the main tumor at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL the following day. Unfortunately, cancer remains in Ava’s brain and the doctors discovered it also spread to her spinal cord.
Ava is strong and a fighter. She has blown her parents away with how well she’s handled this first surgery and recovery, but she still has a long road ahead of her. Gena and Rob plan to seek the remainder of her treatment at St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, with a team of specialists who are experts in treating this type of tumor. Ava will receive both radiation and chemotherapy, and may need additional brain surgery.
Like many of us, the family’s health insurance will cover some of the expenses of treatment. However, they are facing a long battle that will affect our dear friends on so many levels. Aside from medical bills and year-long treatments, Gena and Rob must quickly move to Memphis, balance rent in a new city in addition to maintaining their current home, take time away from work to take care of their sweet girl and literally uproot their lives in an instant.
We established this fundraiser to help ease the vast financial burden on Ava's parents, so that the family can focus all their efforts on Ava’s treatment, healing and spending precious time together. Anyone who knows Gena and Rob can attest to the fact that they are incredibly giving when it comes to their time, love, and energy for anyone in need. We want to help alleviate some of the day-to-day financial pressures that will mount during this time critical time, knowing they would be forever grateful.
All of this unfolded in less than a week, resulting in incredible shock to the family and they are trying to process it as best they can. While this information is new and they receive more every day, we ask that you respect their privacy (limiting phone calls and texts) for the time being as to not overwhelm them. As you can imagine, they have a lot to balance and healing Ava is their top priority. All updates regarding Ava and her courageous battle will be posted on her Caring Bridge site (link below).
Let's show them our love and support. Any donations that are in excess of Ava’s treatment or expenses will be donated to St. Jude Hospital.
We ask that you keep Gena, Rob, Ava, Robby, their family and medical professionals in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
With Love from their friends,
Erin, Betsy, Ricklie and Stephanie
Caring Bridge Site:
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/avamelberth
Ava was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, which is a type of brain cancer more common in young children. After receiving her diagnosis on September 14, 2020, Ava immediately underwent brain surgery for the main tumor at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL the following day. Unfortunately, cancer remains in Ava’s brain and the doctors discovered it also spread to her spinal cord.
Ava is strong and a fighter. She has blown her parents away with how well she’s handled this first surgery and recovery, but she still has a long road ahead of her. Gena and Rob plan to seek the remainder of her treatment at St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, with a team of specialists who are experts in treating this type of tumor. Ava will receive both radiation and chemotherapy, and may need additional brain surgery.
Like many of us, the family’s health insurance will cover some of the expenses of treatment. However, they are facing a long battle that will affect our dear friends on so many levels. Aside from medical bills and year-long treatments, Gena and Rob must quickly move to Memphis, balance rent in a new city in addition to maintaining their current home, take time away from work to take care of their sweet girl and literally uproot their lives in an instant.
We established this fundraiser to help ease the vast financial burden on Ava's parents, so that the family can focus all their efforts on Ava’s treatment, healing and spending precious time together. Anyone who knows Gena and Rob can attest to the fact that they are incredibly giving when it comes to their time, love, and energy for anyone in need. We want to help alleviate some of the day-to-day financial pressures that will mount during this time critical time, knowing they would be forever grateful.
All of this unfolded in less than a week, resulting in incredible shock to the family and they are trying to process it as best they can. While this information is new and they receive more every day, we ask that you respect their privacy (limiting phone calls and texts) for the time being as to not overwhelm them. As you can imagine, they have a lot to balance and healing Ava is their top priority. All updates regarding Ava and her courageous battle will be posted on her Caring Bridge site (link below).
Let's show them our love and support. Any donations that are in excess of Ava’s treatment or expenses will be donated to St. Jude Hospital.
We ask that you keep Gena, Rob, Ava, Robby, their family and medical professionals in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
With Love from their friends,
Erin, Betsy, Ricklie and Stephanie
Caring Bridge Site:
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/avamelberth
Organizer and beneficiary
Erin Walker
Organizer
Sarasota, FL
Genevieve Melberth
Beneficiary
