Team Ava - ATRT

On Saturday, May 18th, 2019 Ava was diagnosed with an extremely rare brain cancer; Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT). It is so rare that only about 50 adults have ever been diagnosed with this type of cancer. It typically effects young children under the age of 3. Because of rarity and aggressiveness, the protocol to treat this type of cancer, is also extremely aggressive.For the past TWO years, this BRAVE young lady continues to fight the fight!  She has been through radiation, extensive chemotherapy and 3 brain surgeries.  She needs so much strength and courage right now. She has been fighting so hard over these last two years.   Ava is truly an AMAZING young lady.  

In May 2021, Ava had a follow up MRI which showed that an area of concern had continued to grow. After a meeting with all the minds, they most likely thought it was reoccurrence. Ava was then scheduled for surgery yet again. After an 8 hour surgery on June 15th, Dr. Garton believed that he got most of the tumor from what he could see and reach.On July 15,  in collaboration with other oncologists in Michigan and across the nation, Ava’s oncology team along with her parents have decided on a treatment plan. Ava’s family is very blessed that there are still options available for her. They are still able to take a curative approach with this beast of a tumor! She will be receiving her chemotherapy intrathecally directly into her CSF, through an ommaya reservoir. She will be having that placed today, 7/16/2021, in the OR and will be spending the night at U of M. She will also be starting on an oral chemotherapy and be receiving radiation at some point. The IT chemotherapy will start next week Monday. She will be getting her chemotherapy Monday - Friday every other week x 3 and then every 3rd week x 2 and then every 4 weeks as long as it is doing it’s job and killing these awful cancer cells!!! Hopefully the oral chemo will start soon.
Please pray for Ava! She needs so much strength and courage right now! She has been fighting so hard over these last two years. Unfortunately, as she has gotten older and she is starting to really understand more.Please consider donating to help relieve the financial stress of medical bills and time off work for Ava’s parents, Karen and Mitch. They deserve the ability to focus their time and energy on Ava’s battle and being there when she needs them most. Every donation, big or small, affords this sweet girl more support on the long road ahead.Please also share this page with your social media circles and join us in our quest to help Team Ava in their time of need.

You can also follow Ava’s journey on www.caringbridge.com. Her mother Karen writes a detailed journal with updates on Ava’s journey. Please follow and support Ava as she continues to battle ATRT. Words of encouragement and prayers are always appreciated at this time. 

Once again, Thank you for supporting this sweetheart ❤️! She is such a BRAVE and STRONG soul.  She is simply an AMAZING young lady.  She has a huge supportive group of family and friends that truly adore her.